How to Propagate a Golden Pothos

Co-authored by Maggie Moran and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: March 21, 2022

Golden pothos, also known as devil's ivy, is an easy-to-grow houseplant that grows long, leafy vines. Golden pothos are popular plants in homes and offices because of their beautiful golden green leaves and their ability to thrive in a variety of environments. If you're looking to grow a new golden pothos, you can easily propagate one using a small stem cut from a full-grown plant.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Cutting the Stem

1
Cut a 4 inch (10 cm) section off a stem just below the root node. The root nodes are the small brown nodes on the golden pothos’ stems. Try to find a 4 inch (10 cm) section of stem that is healthy and has at least 3 leaves on it.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to cut the stem.
- Avoid propagating with stems that are wilted or brown.
2
Pull the leaves off the bottom 2 inches (5.1 cm) of the stem you cut off. You want to take the leaves off the bottom so they’re not in the way when you plant the stem.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Dip the stem in a rooting hormone if you want it to root faster. Rooting hormones are gels or powders that help plants grow roots faster. You can still propagate your golden pothos stem without a rooting hormone, but it may take longer to root.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Put the stem in water if you want the roots to grow before you pot it. Golden pothos can be rooted in both water and soil. If you decide to root the stem in water, fill a jar with enough water to cover the base of the stem. Put the stem in the jar and place it somewhere that gets indirect sunlight. Wait about a month for the roots to form. Then, transfer the rooted stem to soil.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Potting and Watering the Stem

1
Fill a small pot with 1 part peat moss and 1 part coarse sand. You can also use perlite instead of sand. The sand or perlite will give the soil good drainage, which will help prevent your new golden pothos from getting root rot.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Use a pot that has drainage holes in the bottom.
2
Make a thin hole in the soil and place the root node end of the stem in it. Make the hole deep enough that the bottom 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the stem is covered with soil. Gently fill the hole in with soil without packing it down.^{[5]
X
Research source}
3
Water the stem immediately so the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil is wet. Don’t soak the soil or leave the stem sitting in a lot of water. If water drains out of the drainage holes into the tray underneath, remove the tray and empty out the water.^{[6]
X
Research source}
4
Keep the soil moist until you see new growth. New growth is a sign that the roots are established. Check on the soil every day. If it looks dry, lightly water the stem. It could take up to a month for the roots on your new golden pothos to get established in the soil.^{[7]
X
Research source}
5
Let the soil dry out between waterings once the roots are established. Don’t overwater your new golden pothos or the leaves could turn yellow and die. If you see signs of overwatering, water your golden pothos less frequently.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

Can pothos be grown in water?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Pathos can be grown in water but will be a much longer lived plant if planted in soil. Rooting pothos cuttings is easy in a cup of water but the plant should eventually be planted into soil.
Question

Can I trim a pothos plant?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

Yes, regular trimming will keep the plant healthy. Remove yellowing leaves and stems as needed. Trim about 1/3 of the plant annually to manage its growth.
Question

Do pothos need a lot of light?

Lauren Kurtz
Professional Gardener
Lauren Kurtz is a Naturalist and Horticultural Specialist. Lauren has worked for Aurora, Colorado managing the Water-Wise Garden at Aurora Municipal Center for the Water Conservation Department. She earned a BA in Environmental and Sustainability Studies from Western Michigan University in 2014.

Lauren Kurtz

Professional Gardener

Expert Answer

No. They can survive in a variety of light conditions but do not need a lot of light. Avoid direct sunlight.