Houseplants are more than just décor for your home; they bring a touch of nature indoors and offer a range of benefits, from improving air quality to reducing stress. Since adding houseplants to my space, I’ve noticed a huge shift in how cozy and inviting my home feels. Plants naturally add a fresh, clean look to any room.

However, buying plants—especially if you're growing a collection—can get expensive fast. In fact, just today I spent nearly $50 on a few new plants. So, how can we grow a jungle of greenery without breaking the bank? The answer: propagation.

Tip: Know which plants are patented and illegal to propagate. A quick online search will help you avoid any legal issues.

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One of the easiest plants I’ve found to propagate is the pothos. The pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as devil's ivy, is a popular and hardy houseplant, beloved for its attractive trailing vines and ease of care.

Lighting

Preferred Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal for pothos. This helps maintain vibrant leaf colors, especially in variegated varieties.
Tolerant Light Levels: Pothos can adapt to low light, making it a great choice for offices or dimly lit spaces. However, low light may reduce variegation and slow growth.
Avoid: Direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

Soil

Best Type: Well-draining potting soil. A standard indoor potting mix works well, or you can mix equal parts of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite for better aeration.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) is preferred.
Pot Selection: Use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.

Moisture

Watering Needs: Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common problem and can lead to root rot.
Humidity: Pothos is not picky about humidity but thrives in moderate to high humidity levels. If your home is very dry, consider occasional misting or placing the plant near a humidifier.
Signs of Overwatering: Yellowing leaves, soggy soil.
Signs of Underwatering: Wilting leaves, dry soil.

General Care

Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in fall and winter.
Pruning: Trim vines to maintain the desired size and shape or encourage bushier growth.
Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the roots outgrow the pot.
Pests: Watch for common pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Propagation: Easily propagated by stem cuttings placed in water or soil.

Bonus Tips

Toxicity: Pothos is toxic to pets and humans if ingested, causing irritation. Keep it out of reach of children and animals.
Dusting: Wipe the leaves periodically to keep them clean and allow for better photosynthesis.

In this post, I’ll show you how to propagate the golden pothos in water, but the same method works for other pothos varieties with similar success rates.

Pothos stem with lines running between nodes to demonstrate where to cut

Step 1: Identify the Node

Look for the node—the small, brown or black bump at the base of the stem where the leaf connects.

This is where the roots will grow from, so it’s essential to make your cut just below the node. Leave about half an inch of stem to give yourself room for potential rot and to ensure the cutting has enough space for healthy root growth.

Step 2: Make a Clean Cut

Use a clean pair of scissors or pruners to make a clean, sharp cut just below the node. The cleaner the cut, the better your chances for successful rooting.

Step 3: Prepare the Water

Fill a clean glass with water. If you live in an area with hard water or additives, like chlorine or fluoride, consider using filtered or distilled water to protect your plant. I use this water filter for watering all my plants. A glass container is ideal because it allows you to easily monitor the roots as they grow and check for signs of distress or rot. You can also use a propagation stand or any clear glass container will work just fine.

I use this hanging propagation stand for smaller plant cuttings.

Step 4: Place the Cutting in the Water

Place your cutting in the water, ensuring the node is submerged, but the leaves stay dry.

Check on the cutting every week, and you should start seeing roots form within a few weeks. In about 6-8 weeks, the cutting will be ready to transfer to a pot if you wish.

Pro Tip: I keep some of my pothos in water to help propagate other plants. Pothos are said to produce rooting hormones faster than other plants, helping other cuttings root faster!

Step 5: Pot Your New Plant (Optional)

Once your cutting has grown roots, you can move it to a pot. When choosing a pot, go for one that’s 2-3 inches wider than the root ball. But don’t pick a pot that’s too big—extra space can lead to overwatering and root rot. For more on why bigger isn’t always better with houseplant pots, check out this post [link].

Water thoroughly once potted and, if desired, use a houseplant insecticide to keep pests like fungus gnats at bay. I recommend this product, which I use whenever I repot or bring a new plant into my home. It’s been a game-changer for keeping my plants pest-free.

Final Thoughts

Propagation is a simple and rewarding way to grow your houseplant collection without the hefty price tag. Pothos is one of the easiest plants to propagate, and with just a little patience and care, you’ll be able to grow your own beautiful green space.

Happy propagating!

How to propagate a Pothos Plant in Water in just 4 Simple steps