Wednesday Works: How to Propagate Pothos Cuttings in Water

Rooted in Light, Grown with Love—The Art of Water Propagation

Author

John Harrison
April 23, 2025

PlantmyPlants

Ready to make some plant babies?
On this fine Wednesday, we’re diving vine-first into one of the most magical, beginner-friendly, and rewarding acts of plant parenthood: propagating pothos in water. If you've never trimmed a trailing tendril and watched it sprout tiny roots in a sunlit jar, you're about to fall head over heels for this charming bit of green alchemy.

Let’s be honest—there’s something profoundly satisfying about turning one thriving plant into many. It's a soft rebellion against the rules of scarcity. It’s nature’s generosity on display. And let’s not forget—it’s free. So, pour yourself a tea (or a cocktail—we don’t judge), grab those shears, and get ready to multiply the magic.

Let’s get into it. 

What is Propagation, Anyway?

Think of propagation as the plant world’s version of cloning—but way more wholesome. It’s the process of creating new plants from a parent plant, and pothos, in all its hardy glory, is practically begging to be propagated.

The stars of today’s show are:

  • Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): That iconic green and gold variegated sweetheart.

  • Marble Queen: A showstopper with creamy-white streaks.

  • Neon Pothos: Bright, bold, and begging for attention.

  • Jade or Global Green: The understated but elegant variety.

All of them propagate beautifully in water. Why water, you ask? Let’s unravel that next.

Community Sharing:
One of our community members, Maya, started with just one pothos cutting gifted by a friend. She placed it in an old jam jar on her kitchen windowsill—and something magical happened. Roots sprouted, leaves unfurled, and soon, she was snipping new cuttings of her own. Now her windowsill is a mini jungle of thriving glass jars, each one a gift waiting to happen. She’s since shared over a dozen new pothos plants with coworkers, neighbors, and even her barista. “Every cutting I give feels like sending a little green hope out into the world,” she told us. Turns out, propagation grows more than plants—it grows connection.

- MAya N Seattle, WA

Propagation is more than growing plants—it’s how we pass love from one home to another, one cutting at a time.

Why Water Propagation?

Soil is great. Soil is wonderful. Soil grows forests. But when it comes to propagating pothos, water has a special magic. Here's why:

1. Visibility

There’s no greater thrill than seeing roots burst forth like tiny white fireworks from a submerged node. Water propagation lets you see the action. It's like watching a time-lapse in real time.

2. Simplicity

No need to stress over potting mixes, drainage, or fungus gnats. Just clean water and a jar, baby. That’s all it takes.

3. Success Rate

Pothos roots in water like it's their second job. The cuttings adapt quickly and efficiently, making this method ideal for newbies and pros alike.

What You'll Need

Before we snip and dip, let’s gather the essentials:

  • A healthy pothos plant: Look for long vines with several nodes.

  • Sharp, clean scissors or shears: Sanitize to avoid transferring disease.

  • A glass jar or vase: Clear is best so you can watch the root magic.

  • Filtered or distilled water: Tap water is fine if it’s low in chlorine.

  • Bright, indirect light: Sunlight that says “hello” without shouting.

Optional extras:

  • Rooting hormone (not necessary, but can help if you’re feeling fancy).

Label or marker to track dates and names (especially if you’re propagating multiple varieties).

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