Pothos Propagation Made Easy: Water vs. Soil Method Explained

Discover the easiest ways to propagate your pothos plant! This guide compares water vs. soil propagation, with simple steps, pros and cons, and tips to help you grow healthy new pothos plants perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike.

Introduction

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly houseplants. With its trailing vines, heart-shaped leaves, and ability to grow in low light, it’s no wonder so many plant lovers start their journey with pothos. This green beauty is not only easy to care for but also super easy to multiply   thanks to a process called propagation.

If you’ve ever looked at your pothos plant and thought, “I wish I had more of you!”   you’re in luck. Propagation allows you to grow new plants from cuttings, saving money and giving you the joy of nurturing new life. Whether you want to fill your home with more greenery, share cuttings with friends, or just experiment with plant care, pothos propagation is a fun and rewarding activity.

But here’s a question many plant parents ask:
Should I propagate my pothos in water or soil?

Both methods can work, but each has its own benefits and challenges. In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between water propagation and soil propagation, show you step-by-step how to do each, and help you decide which one is best for you.

Let’s dive in and make pothos propagation easy for everyone   whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned plant lover.

🌱 Understanding Pothos Propagation Basics

Propagating pothos is a fun and simple way to grow more plants from the one you already have. Before we compare water and soil methods, let’s go over the basics.

✅ What Is Propagation?

Propagation means growing a new plant from a part of an existing plant. With pothos, it’s usually done by cutting a piece of the vine and helping it grow roots. This is a great way to expand your plant collection or share cuttings with friends and family.

🌿 What Are Nodes and Why Are They Important?

A node is the part of the plant where roots and leaves grow. On a pothos vine, you can find a node right where a leaf connects to the stem. It often has a small bump or even a tiny root starting to grow.

When you take a cutting for propagation, make sure it includes at least one node. Without a node, the cutting won’t be able to grow new roots. To be safe, cut about an inch above and below the node to give the cutting a good chance to grow.

🛠️ Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to get started with propagation:

• A healthy pothos plant
  
• Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
  
• A glass or jar for water propagation
  
• A small pot with soil for soil propagation
  
• Optional: a rooting hormone or plant label
  

Make sure to clean your tools before cutting to protect your plant from any bacteria or disease.

📅 When Is the Best Time to Propagate Pothos?

Pothos can be propagated any time of year, but the best time is during spring and early summer. That’s when the plant is actively growing, and cuttings will root faster and more easily. If you try to propagate during winter, it might take longer or not work as well unless your home is warm and bright.

💧 Water Propagation Method

Water propagation is one of the easiest and most popular ways to grow new pothos plants. It’s perfect for beginners and lets you see your plant’s roots grow day by day. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Water Propagation

1. Choose a Healthy Vine
   Pick a vine from your pothos plant that looks healthy and green. Avoid any yellow or damaged leaves.
   
2. Find the Node
   Look for a small bump on the vine where a leaf and aerial root meet. This is the node where new roots will grow.
   
3. Make the Cut
   Use clean, sharp scissors to cut about an inch above and below the node. Make sure your cutting has at least one healthy leaf.
   
4. Place in Water
   Put the cutting in a clean glass or jar filled with room-temperature water. The node should be fully underwater, but the leaf should stay above the surface.
   
5. Put It in a Bright Spot
   Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light like near a sunny window, but not in direct sunlight.
   
6. Change the Water Weekly
   Change the water once a week to keep it fresh and avoid bacteria buildup.
   

☀️ Ideal Conditions for Water Propagation

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight works best. Avoid dark corners or harsh sun.
  
• Container Type: Use a clear glass or jar so you can see root growth. Mason jars or recycled glass bottles work great.
  
• Water Level: Keep the node submerged but don’t let the leaves touch the water. That can lead to rot.
  

⏳ How Long Does It Take to Root in Water?

Pothos cuttings usually start to develop roots in about 7 to 14 days. It may take 3 to 4 weeks for roots to grow long and strong enough for planting in soil. Warmer temperatures and good light can help them grow faster.

👍 Pros of Water Propagation

• You Can See the Roots
  Watching the roots grow in water is exciting and helps you know when they’re ready to plant.
  
• Beginner-Friendly
  No special tools or skills are needed. It’s simple and low-stress.
  
• More Forgiving
  If you forget to top up the water for a few days, the cutting usually survives just fine.
  

👎 Cons of Water Propagation

• Weaker Roots
  Roots that grow in water are thinner and more fragile. They may take time to adjust when moved to soil.
  
• Needs Transplanting
  Eventually, your pothos cutting will need to be moved into soil to grow into a full plant. This step can shock the roots if not done carefully.
  

🌱 Soil Propagation Method

If you want strong, healthy roots from the beginning, soil propagation is a great choice. It takes a bit more care and attention, but it avoids transplant shock later on.

✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Soil Propagation

1. Select a Healthy Vine
   Cut a fresh, healthy vine from your pothos plant. Make sure the cutting has at least one node and one or two leaves.
   
2. Cut Below the Node
   Using clean scissors or garden shears, cut about an inch below the node. This is where new roots will grow.
   
3. Prepare the Pot
   Fill a small pot with fresh, moist potting mix. The soil should feel slightly damp, not soaked.
   
4. Plant the Cutting
   Insert the cutting into the soil so the node is just under the surface. Press the soil gently around it to hold it in place.
   
5. Place in Bright, Indirect Light
   Keep the pot in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sun, which can dry it out quickly.
   
6. Water Lightly
   Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.

🪴 Best Soil Type and Pot Selection

• Soil Type: Use a well-draining houseplant mix. You can mix regular potting soil with perlite or coconut coir for better airflow.
  
• Pot Selection: Choose a small pot with drainage holes. Avoid pots without holes, as they can trap water and cause root rot.

💧 Watering and Drainage Tips

• Don’t water on a fixed schedule always check the soil first.
  
• Let the top layer of soil dry before watering again.
  
• Make sure excess water can drain from the pot.
  
• Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water.

👍 Pros of Soil Propagation

• Stronger, Thicker Roots
  Roots grown in soil tend to be stronger and more adapted for long-term growth.
  
• No Transplant Shock
  Since the cutting is already in soil, there’s no need to move it later less stress for the plant.

👎 Cons of Soil Propagation

• Harder to Monitor Root Progress
  You can’t see the roots growing like in water, so you’ll need to wait and guess when it’s ready.
  
• Higher Risk of Rot or Drying Out
  If the soil stays too wet, roots can rot. If it dries out too much, the cutting may not survive.

• Less Forgiving for Beginners
  Soil propagation requires more careful attention to watering and moisture balance, which can be tricky for first-time plant parents.
  

💧 Water vs. Soil: Side-by-Side Comparison

Choosing between water and soil for pothos propagation can feel confusing. To make it easier, let’s break down a real 45-day experiment and look at the differences in root growth, plant health, and overall success.

🧪 45-Day Experiment: What Happened?

In a test comparing both methods:

• Equal cuttings were placed in water and soil.
  
• After 10 days, water cuttings began forming visible roots. Soil cuttings showed little progress.
  
• By 20 days, water roots grew longer, and some even showed new vines. Soil roots were harder to see, with one cutting starting to rot.
  
• After 45 days, water-cut plants had healthy root systems and strong new growth. In contrast, many soil cuttings showed signs of rot, decay, or no rooting at all.
  

Result:
Water propagation had a higher survival rate and faster root development in this test. The soil method had a few successes, but also more failures mostly due to watering issues.

👁 Visual Cues: Healthy vs. Failed Cuttings

What to Look For	Healthy Propagation	Failed Propagation
Leaves	Firm, green, upright	Wilting, yellow, shriveled
Stems	Solid, fresh green	Blackened, mushy, or dry
Roots	Visible (in water), strong and white	None, rotten, or broken (in soil)

📊 Water vs. Soil Propagation Table

Feature	Water Propagation	Soil Propagation
Ease for Beginners	✔ Very easy	❌ Can be tricky
Root Growth Speed	✔ Faster (visible in 10–14 days)	❌ Slower (often 3+ weeks)
Success Rate (in test)	✔ Higher (most cuttings rooted)	❌ Lower (more failures)
Root Strength	❌ Weaker, thinner roots	✔ Thicker, stronger roots
Need for Transplanting	✔ Yes, must move to soil later	❌ No, already in soil
Monitoring Progress	✔ Easy to see roots through glass	❌ Hidden in soil
Watering Flexibility	✔ Forgiving if forgotten	❌ Easy to over/underwater

🌟 Final Thoughts

Both methods can work, but they each have their strengths. If you’re just starting or want a hassle-free experience, water propagation is more forgiving and gives quick visual feedback. If you’re confident with soil care and want stronger roots from the start, soil propagation is a solid long-term choice.

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

When propagating pothos whether in water or soil small mistakes can lead to big disappointments. To help you succeed, here are the most common errors people make and how to avoid them.

💦 Overwatering in Soil

Many beginners think more water means better growth, but that’s not true especially for soil propagation. If the soil stays too wet for too long, your cutting can rot before roots even start.

What to do instead:
Use well-draining soil and water only when the top 1–2 inches feel dry. Also, make sure your pot has drainage holes to let extra water escape.

🏜 Letting Soil Dry Out Completely

While overwatering is bad, letting the soil go bone-dry is also harmful. A completely dry environment can stop root development and weaken your cutting.

What to do instead:
Check the soil every few days. It should feel slightly moist, not soggy or dry like dust.

💧 Forgetting to Change the Water

When propagating in water, stale or dirty water can cause bacterial growth and damage the cutting.

What to do instead:
Change the water every 5–7 days. Use clean, room-temperature water and rinse the container if you see any buildup or slime.

✂️ Not Cutting at the Right Node

For successful propagation, your cutting must include a node the part of the vine where roots grow. Without a node, no roots will form.

What to do instead:
When cutting, make sure there’s a visible bump or aerial root along the stem. Cut about 1–1.5 inches above and below the node to create a strong, healthy cutting.

☀️ Ignoring Light and Temperature Needs

Even the best cuttings won’t root well if they’re left in the wrong conditions. Low light, cold rooms, or extreme heat can all slow or stop root growth.

What to do instead:
Keep your pothos cuttings in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, and maintain a room temperature of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid direct sun and cold drafts.

✅ Final Tip:

Be patient and gentle. Propagation is a slow but rewarding process. If you check your cuttings regularly and provide the right care, you’ll see roots forming in no time!

🌱 Expert Tips for Successful Propagation

If you want to take your pothos propagation game to the next level, these expert tips will make the process smoother and more successful whether you’re using water, soil, or other mediums.

✂️ How to Choose the Best Cutting

Not all pothos cuttings will root the same. A healthy cutting gives you a better chance of success.

What to look for:

• A fresh, green stem (no signs of rot or damage)
  
• At least one healthy leaf
  
• One or more visible nodes this is where the roots will grow from
  

👉 Avoid cuttings with yellow or mushy leaves or stems.

📏 Ideal Node Spacing

When you take a cutting, leave about 1 to 1.5 inches of stem above and below the node. This gives you enough room to anchor the cutting in water or soil without damaging the growth point.

Why this matters:
Shorter stems may not hold well in the container, and longer ones can rot more easily, especially in water.

💧 Keeping Humidity Up

Pothos love humidity, especially while rooting. Higher humidity encourages stronger, faster root growth.

Ways to boost humidity:

• Place a plastic bag loosely over the cutting (create a mini greenhouse)
  
• Use a humidity tray or mist the area gently
  
• Keep your cuttings in a warm bathroom or near a humidifier
  

Just make sure there’s still airflow so mold doesn’t develop!

🪴 When to Transplant Water Roots to Soil

Water roots are delicate and thinner than soil roots, so timing matters when moving them to soil.

Best time to transplant:

• When the roots are about 2–3 inches long
  
• When there are several small roots, not just one
  
• Before the roots start looking stringy or turning brown
  

👉 Be gentle during transplant. Water the soil right after planting to ease the transition.

🧪 Alternatives to Water and Soil

Looking to try something new? Many plant lovers use different mediums for propagation with great results. Here are some top alternatives:

• Sphagnum Moss: Holds moisture well and gives roots breathing space
  
• Perlite: Light and airy, ideal for strong root development
  
• LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate): Reusable and offers great airflow and moisture balance
  

These mediums can be more forgiving than soil but give better root structure than plain water.

🌟 Final Expert Advice:

Keep things clean, stay patient, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Propagation is both science and art. With time and practice, you’ll find the method that works best for you and your pothos!

🌿 FAQs: Quick Answers for Curious Plant Parents

Have questions about pothos propagation? You’re not alone! Here are some quick and simple answers to the most common questions beginners and houseplant lovers ask.

💧 How long does propagation take in water vs. soil?

• In Water: Roots usually start to appear within 7–14 days, depending on the environment. You’ll often see longer, visible roots by 3–4 weeks.
  
• In Soil: It may take 2–4 weeks to see root growth, but since you can’t see the roots, it’s harder to tell. New leaf growth is a good sign it’s working.
  

🕒 Water is faster for visible results, but soil often builds stronger roots over time.

🌤 Can I propagate pothos in low light?

Yes, but it will be slower. Pothos can survive in low light, but brighter (indirect) light helps speed up rooting.

🌞 Place your cuttings near a bright window, but avoid direct sunlight it can burn the plant or heat up the water too much.

🪴 Is it okay to keep pothos in water forever?

Yes, you can grow pothos in water long-term, as long as you care for it properly. Many people love the clean, modern look of water-grown pothos.

Here’s how to keep them healthy:

• Change the water every 1–2 weeks
  
• Use clean, room-temperature water
  
• Add liquid fertilizer once a month for nutrients
  

🧪 Just remember: Water roots are weaker than soil roots, so handle gently when cleaning or moving.

🚫 What’s the best way to avoid root rot in soil?

Root rot is a common issue when propagating in soil, especially for beginners.

Avoid it by:

• Using well-draining soil (mix in perlite or orchid bark)
  
• Choosing a pot with drainage holes
  
• Watering only when the top inch of soil feels dry
  
• Never letting water sit at the bottom of the pot or saucer
  

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, it’s safer to under-water than overwater.

🌱 Conclusion: Pick the Propagation Method That Works for You

Propagating pothos doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you choose the water method or the soil method, both can successfully grow new plants as long as you care for them properly.

🔄 Quick Recap:

• Water propagation is simple, fast, and perfect for beginners. You can see root growth and avoid many common mistakes.
  
• Soil propagation builds stronger, thicker roots and skips the transplant step but it requires more attention and care.
  

💡 Choose What Fits You

If you love watching roots grow and want a low-maintenance setup, start with water. If you prefer your plants to grow in soil from the beginning and don’t mind a little extra care, give the soil method a try.

🌿 Final Tip: There’s no one “best” method just the best one for you. Try both and see which one you enjoy more!

Now it’s your turn!
Grab a pair of clean scissors, pick a healthy pothos vine, and start propagating today. Whether in a cup of water or a pot of soil, your next lush green plant is just a cutting away. 🌱✨