How To Take A Cutting From A Pothos

Taking a cutting from a pothos is one of the easiest ways to expand your plant collection.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to take a cutting from a pothos, you’re in the right place.
 
Pothos cuttings root quickly in water or soil and require very little effort.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to take a cutting from a pothos, what tools you need, and the best methods to ensure success.
 
Let’s dive in and learn how to propagate pothos like a pro.
 

How to Take a Cutting from a Pothos: Step-by-Step Guide

The first thing to understand when you take a cutting from a pothos is where to cut.
 
Pothos have nodes—those little brown bumps along the stem—where roots and leaves emerge.
 
A successful cutting must include at least one node because that’s where new roots will grow.
 
Follow these simple steps to take a cutting from a pothos correctly.
 

Choose the Right Vine to Take a Cutting from a Pothos

Look for a healthy, mature vine with several leaves and visible nodes.
 
Avoid vines that are yellowing, damaged, or showing signs of pests.
 
The best time to take a cutting from a pothos is during the growing season (spring or summer), but pothos are forgiving and cuttings can be taken year-round.
 
Select a vine that is at least 4–6 inches long so you have enough stem to work with.
 

Make the Cut Below a Node When Taking a Pothos Cutting

Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem about half an inch below a node.
 
A clean cut prevents crushing the stem and reduces the risk of rot.
 
If you take a cutting from a pothos without a node, it won’t root—so double-check that node is present.
 
Make sure your cutting has at least two to three leaves attached to support photosynthesis.
 

Remove the Lower Leaves from Your Pothos Cutting

Strip off the leaves that would be submerged in water or buried in soil.
 
Leaves left below the node will rot and can cause the cutting to fail.
 
When you take a cutting from a pothos, leave only the top leaves intact.
 
This step is crucial for clean rooting and preventing bacterial growth.
 

Preparing Your Pothos Cutting for Rooting

Once you’ve taken your pothos cutting, you have two popular options for rooting.
 
Both methods work well, and your choice depends on your preference.
 
Let’s explore each way to root your pothos cuttings.
 

Water Propagation for Pothos Cuttings

Place the cutting in a glass jar filled with room-temperature water, ensuring the node is submerged.
 
Leaves should stay above the water line.
 
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
 
Within one to two weeks, you’ll see tiny white roots emerging from the node.
 
Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transplant your rooted pothos cutting into soil.
 
This method lets you watch the roots grow, which is satisfying and helpful for beginners learning how to take a cutting from a pothos.
 

Soil Propagation for Pothos Cuttings

Fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix and moisten it slightly.
 
Insert the cutting into the soil, burying the node about an inch deep.
 
Keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy.
 
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse and increase humidity.
 
Your pothos cutting will root in the soil within two to three weeks.
 
Some gardeners prefer soil propagation because it skips the transplant step and reduces shock when you take a cutting from a pothos directly into its permanent home.
 

Common Mistakes When You Take a Cutting from a Pothos

Even though it’s simple, a few errors can ruin your pothos cuttings.
 
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure every cutting you take thrives.
 

Cutting Too Short

If you cut a stem that is only one or two inches long, it may not have enough energy to root.
 
When you take a cutting from a pothos, aim for at least 4–6 inches with multiple leaves.
 
Short cuttings often dry out or rot before roots appear.
 
A longer cutting gives the plant more stored resources to survive the rooting process.
 

Skipping the Node

The node is everything.
 
If you take a cutting from a pothos and accidentally cut between nodes without including one, that cutting will never root.
 
Always inspect the stem carefully before cutting.
 
Nodes look like small bumps or knuckles along the stem, often with a tiny aerial root starting.
 
Double-check your cutting before placing it in water or soil.
 

Using Dull or Dirty Tools

Dull scissors crush the stem, while dirty tools introduce bacteria.
 
When you take a cutting from a pothos, always use sharp, sterilized shears.
 
Wipe blades with rubbing alcohol before cutting to prevent disease.
 
Clean cuts heal faster and reduce the chance of rot.
 

So, How to Take a Cutting from a Pothos?

Taking a cutting from a pothos is simple and rewarding.
 
You just need a healthy vine, a clean cut below a node, and a glass of water or moist soil.
 
By following the steps above—choosing the right vine, cutting below the node, removing lower leaves, and rooting correctly—you’ll successfully propagate pothos in no time.
 
Whether you’re sharing cuttings with friends or filling your own home, knowing how to take a cutting from a pothos gives you endless possibilities.
 
Happy propagating.