You might have already heard other enthusiasts and collectors claiming how easy it is to propagate Pothos. But for whatever reason, you still haven’t tried doing it yourself. At this point, you might be wondering if the whole process can be fuss-free.
To ensure that the process goes off without a hitch, it is important to learn how to handle Pothos cuttings the right way. So, do Pothos cuttings need to callus first?
No, Pothos cuttings, unlike succulents, don’t need to callus or dry over before you root them. Instead, you need to keep the cuttings moist all the time so that you will get root growth if you are rooting in water. if the cutting is kept out of the water before you put it in or the water runs low, it could already be too sad, too dry, or too late for root growth.
A Pothos cutting also needs to have at least a single node. It is also best if it has several leaves. You can grow roots either by putting the cutting in a jar of water or burying it in soil. Either way, the node should be kept under the surface. It is also important to use disinfected clippings as well as a properly draining potting mix.
Should You Allow Pothos Cuts to Callus Over?
You might have read about people telling you to pop the Pothos cuttings straight into the soil or water. Others may claim that it is better if you allow the cutting to callus first where you will leave it out until the cut part has dried out.
Allowing cuttings to callus is a very common practice in the propagation of succulents. The concept here is that once the wound has sealed up, it will be more difficult for bacteria and fungi to get inside.
There are lots of disagreements as to whether you also need to do it if you are using cuttings to propagate a Pothos. But even those people who are pro-callus all agree that you only need to wait for several hours. Unlike succulents, Pothos plants are less resistant to drought. Leaving the cuttings for too long will make them wilt and most likely die.
The best piece of advice here is that if you can’t transplant the pieces of your Pothos within several hours of cutting them, make sure you keep them moist. You can bunch some sphagnum moss or damp paper towels around the lower nodes and wrap them properly in plastic. Doing this will help ensure that the cuttings remain viable for a bit longer. It might even encourage root growth.
Can You Propagate Pothos Cuttings Without Leaves?
Yes, you can propagate Pothos cuttings without leaves. As long as there is at least a single node, any Pothos cutting can still take root and grow.
But just because it is possible to do doesn’t mean you should actually do it. It will take longer for your Pothos to get big if it needs to grow new leaves before it can begin the process of photosynthesis. It is often best to get a stem cutting with a couple of leaves. It will allow the new plant to be up and running and begin its energy absorption immediately.
The only exception here is when you want to produce as many new plants as possible from a single Pothos. For example, if you plan to sell them, it might make more sense to get the highest yield possible. If this is the case, your best incentive is to chop the Pothos vines into several tiny cuttings, with some having a node or two in them.
How to Get Pothos Cuttings for Propagation
A sturdy set of pruning shears is always the best tool to take Pothos cuttings. However, scissors can also work well enough for slender vines like Pothos plants. You also need to prepare some disinfectant and keep it handy. The last thing you want is for bacteria to enter the cut after slicing into your Pothos.
Some of the best options for disinfectants include hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and bleach with one part mixed into nine parts water. You can apply any of these to a clean rug and use it to wipe down the cutting tool’s blade before you start snipping.
Always consider the nodes when choosing the section of the stem. Propagating a Pothos from cuttings will be easier if there is more than a single node. It is also recommended to plant two to three nodes with a couple of leaves peeking out on the surface.
You should also try clipping through in just one clean motion, a piece of advice that has more to do with the parent plant and less to do with the cutting itself. A messy and jagged cut is more prone to infection. Continue to slice until you have acquired all the cuttings you like to plant.
When to Plant Your Pothos Cuttings
Pothos can be grown in water for a long time as much as you like. But if you plan to transplant it into the soil, avoid waiting too long. Unlike soil roots, water roots tend to be more fragile. If the water roots grow longer, it will make it more difficult for the Pothos plant to adapt to life in the soil.
Your Pothos cuttings should be moved to the soil after the roots grow a length of one or two inches. It often happens at approximately 6 to 8 weeks. However, there are still many factors that can affect the growth rate. Try to be patient with the Pothos if it takes some time to root.
Once you are ready to move your Pothos to a pot, be sure to follow the advice for soil propagation. You have to the hole in a potting mix a bit bigger to make enough room for the new roots. Try to be gentle with the transplants in the same way that you deal with fresh cuts. Fertilizer and direct sunlight are a big no-no for them.
