Plant Care

Pothos Propagation: Water Method Step-by-Step (With Photos)

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn how to propagate pothos in water with this foolproof beginner's guide. Get step-by-step photos, timing tips, and troubleshooting advice for successful propagation every time.

JJessica Chen

October 30, 2025

Pothos cutting with nodes in glass water vessel showing successful propagation setup — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Cut a 4-6 inch pothos vine with 2-3 nodes, place in water, change weekly. Roots develop in 2-4 weeks for transplanting.

TL;DR

Propagating pothos in water is the easiest way to multiply your plants. Cut a 4-6 inch vine section with 2-3 nodes (bumps where roots emerge), place in water, and wait 2-4 weeks for roots. Change water weekly and transplant to soil when roots reach 2-3 inches long. This foolproof method works year-round and costs nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the water when propagating pothos?

Change the water completely every 5-7 days to prevent bacterial buildup that can rot developing roots. Use room temperature water and clean your vessel each time. If water becomes cloudy or develops an odor before the week is up, change it immediately and check for rotting roots or submerged leaves.

Can I propagate pothos in winter or does it need to be spring/summer?

Pothos propagate successfully year-round, though spring and summer cuttings root about 2-3 weeks faster due to increased daylight and natural growth hormones. Winter propagation takes 4-6 weeks versus 2-4 weeks in growing season, but success rates remain high. The key is maintaining consistent water changes and adequate light regardless of season.

How long can pothos cuttings stay in water before I need to transplant them?

Pothos can live in water indefinitely with proper care. For soil transplanting, wait until roots reach 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long, typically 4-6 weeks. However, many people successfully keep pothos in water permanently by changing water weekly and adding liquid fertilizer monthly. Water-grown pothos often develop different, more delicate root systems than soil-grown plants.

Why are the leaves on my pothos cutting turning yellow and falling off?

Some leaf yellowing is normal during the first 1-2 weeks as the cutting adjusts to water propagation. However, excessive yellowing usually indicates too much direct sunlight, contaminated water, or temperature stress. Move to bright indirect light, ensure fresh water changes, and maintain consistent room temperature (65-75°F or 18-24°C).

Do I need rooting hormone to propagate pothos successfully?

No, rooting hormone is not necessary for pothos propagation. The nodes contain natural root-producing cells that activate in water without additional hormones. However, rooting hormone can speed up the process by 7-10 days and help older or stressed cuttings establish roots more reliably. It's helpful but definitely not required for success.

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Tagged with

#pothos propagation #water propagation #plant propagation #pothos cuttings #houseplant propagation #propagate pothos #rooting cuttings #indoor gardening #beginner plant care #multiply plants

Written By

Jessica Chen

Jessica transformed her small Brooklyn balcony into a thriving container garden after moving to New York City. What started as a pandemic hobby turned into a plant care consulting business serving urban apartment dwellers across the city. She specializes in small-space gardening, indoor plant troubleshooting, and helping clients keep houseplants alive in less-than-ideal conditions (dim light, dry heat, tiny spaces). Jessica completed a home gardening certificate program and shares her plant wins and failures on her modest Instagram following. Her partner, Maya, jokes that their apartment is now 40% plants, 60% living space. Jessica's passionate about making plant care accessible to renters who think they don't have room to garden.