Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to multiply from stem cuttings. Nodes (the bumps where leaves attach) are required—leaf-only pieces usually fail.

Pet and kid toxicity

Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalates. Chewing or ingesting leaves or stems can irritate the mouth and digestive tract in cats, dogs, and children. Keep cuttings and jars out of reach; if ingestion is suspected, contact a veterinarian or poison control.

Materials

  • Clean scissors or pruners
  • Clear jar of water or a small pot with moist, well-draining mix
  • Healthy pothos stem with at least one node
  • Optional: rooting hormone for soil starts

Steps

  1. Choose a vine with firm stems and no soft rot.
  2. Cut 4–6 inches below a node so the cutting includes at least one node.
  3. Strip the leaf (or leaves) that would sit underwater or under the soil line.
  4. Place the node in water (see water method below) or insert it into moist potting mix.
  5. Keep bright, indirect light—avoid harsh midday sun on a jar or tender cutting.
  6. For water: refresh about 1–2 times per week so the jar stays clear.
  7. Pot up when roots are about 1 inch long (water roots look coarser than soil-grown roots).
  8. After potting, keep the mix lightly moist for the first week while roots adjust.

How to propagate pothos in water

This is the water workflow on this page—not a separate URL. Suspend or stand the cutting so every submerged node stays wet and no leaves sit in the water. Change water 1–2 times per week. Move to soil when roots reach roughly an inch. For the general method, including a water-vs-soil comparison table, see water propagation.

Common Mistakes

  • Taking a cutting with no node.
  • Leaving leaves underwater (they rot and foul the jar).
  • Skipping water changes until the jar smells or clouds.
  • Potting with no drainage after rooting in water.
  • Leaving cuttings where pets or kids can chew them.

People Also Ask

Can pothos root in water only?

Yes. Many people keep pothos in water long-term; others pot into soil after roots form. See water propagation for water vs soil tradeoffs.

How many nodes does a cutting need?

At least one node must touch water or soil. Two nodes give a backup if one fails.

Is pothos toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Calcium oxalates make chewing painful and can cause vomiting. Keep plants and jars away from pets and small children.

Why is my cutting rotting?

Usually submerged leaves, stagnant water, or a soft stem from the start. Recut to clean tissue and refresh the jar.

When should I move pothos cuttings to soil?

When roots are about an inch long is a practical target from extension stem-cutting guidance.