How To Take A Cutting Of A Pothos

Taking a cutting of a pothos is one of the easiest ways to grow more of this beloved houseplant.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to take a cutting of a pothos, the process is straightforward and works with just a few simple steps.
 
Learning how to take a cutting of a pothos lets you multiply your plant collection for free or share with friends.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to take a cutting of a pothos, from choosing the right stem to rooting your new plant.
 
Let’s dive right in.
 

How to Take a Cutting of a Pothos: The Complete Method

The key to success when learning how to take a cutting of a pothos is understanding where to cut and what happens next.
 
Here’s the full method broken down into simple steps.
 

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you take a cutting of a pothos, prepare clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
 
You’ll also need a small container of water or a pot with moist potting mix.
 
Rubbing alcohol for sterilizing your tool is a good idea to prevent disease.
 
Having everything ready makes taking a cutting of a pothos quick and mess-free.
 

2. Choose a Healthy Stem

When you take a cutting of a pothos, look for a stem with at least four or five leaves and visible nodes—those little brown bumps along the stem.
 
Nodes are where roots will emerge, so they’re essential for a successful pothos cutting.
 
Avoid stems that look yellow, wilted, or damaged.
 
A healthy parent plant gives you the best chance when taking a cutting of a pothos.
 

3. Make the Cut Just Below a Node

This is the most important part of how to take a cutting of a pothos.
 
Using your sterilized scissors, cut the stem about a quarter inch below a node.
 
Make a clean, angled cut to maximize the area for root growth.
 
Remove the bottom leaf (or two) so no leaves are submerged in water or buried in soil.
 
Taking a cutting of a pothos with a node intact guarantees roots will form.
 

4. Root in Water or Soil

After you take a cutting of a pothos, you have two popular rooting options.
 
For water rooting, place the cutting in a glass jar with enough water to cover the node but not any leaves.
 
For soil rooting, insert the cutting into moist potting mix so the node is buried.
 
Both methods work well when learning how to take a cutting of a pothos.
 

Tips for Success When Taking a Pothos Cutting

Even though taking a cutting of a pothos is simple, a few tricks boost your success rate.
 

1. Use Rooting Hormone for Faster Growth

If you want to speed up the rooting process, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder before placing it in soil.
 
This isn’t required when taking a cutting of a pothos, but it can help.
 

2. Keep the Cutting in Bright, Indirect Light

Pothos cuttings need light to photosynthesize and grow roots.
 
Place your jar or pot near a window with bright, indirect sunlight.
 
Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves while you’re taking a cutting of a pothos.
 

3. Change Water Weekly

If rooting in water, replace the water every five to seven days.
 
Stale water can breed bacteria that rot the stem end when you take a cutting of a pothos.
 
Fresh, room-temperature water keeps the cutting healthy.
 

4. Be Patient

Roots usually appear within two to four weeks after taking a cutting of a pothos.
 
Some may take longer depending on temperature and light conditions.
 
Don’t tug on the cutting—just watch for tiny white roots growing from the node.
 

How to Care for Your New Pothos Cutting

Once you’ve taken a cutting of a pothos and roots have formed, it’s time to transition to a permanent home.
 

1. Transplant When Roots Are a Few Inches Long

If you rooted in water, wait until the roots are at least two inches long.
 
Then gently plant the cutting in a small pot with well-draining potting soil.
 
Water it thoroughly after transplanting the cutting you took of a pothos.
 

2. Gradually Adjust to Less Humidity

Water-rooted cuttings are used to high moisture.
 
To avoid shock when you take a cutting of a pothos from water to soil, keep the soil consistently moist for the first week.
 
Then slowly reduce watering frequency.
 

3. Provide Standard Pothos Care

Your new plant from taking a cutting of a pothos needs the same care as its parent: medium to bright indirect light, moderate watering when the top inch of soil dries, and occasional fertilizer during growing season.
 
With time, it will trail and vine just like any mature pothos.
 

So, How to Take a Cutting of a Pothos?

Taking a cutting of a pothos is easy and rewarding, even for beginners.
 
You simply select a healthy stem with nodes, cut just below a node, remove lower leaves, and root the cutting in water or soil.
 
With proper care—bright indirect light, clean water, and a little patience—your cutting will grow into a full plant.
 
Now you know exactly how to take a cutting of a pothos, so grab those scissors and start propagating.