How to Propagate Golden Pothos – An Ultimate Guide

Its ability to easily adapt to varied climatic conditions makes it prominent among most gardeners.

Golden pothos, also known as Devil’s ivy, is a heart-shaped, vibrant-colored indoor plant that demands low maintenance.

Propagating golden pothos is similar to other varieties of pothos.

Insert the cuttings in a glass of water until you notice new roots popping out. Then, shift the plant into a container with potting soil.

Propagating is so simple that even a novice gardener can do it successfully.

You’ll need a scissor, well-drained growing medium or a glass filled with distilled water.

Multiplying your favorite plants and filling your space with greenery is cost-effective. With a bit of patience, you’ll have new thriving plants in no time.

In this write-up, you’ll learn the complete propagating process, from taking cuttings to nurturing the new plants.

Best Time to Propagate Golden Pothos

Spring and summer are the best time to propagate your golden pothos.

To ensure successful propagation, it is recommended that you take the cuttings when the plant is healthy and well-hydrated.

Adequate sunlight and cosy temperatures boost those new roots, allowing them to develop faster and stronger.

You can also propagate this houseplant irrespective of season.

Roots may take longer to show up in fall or winter because the plant slows down, but it’s still doable.

Just make sure it has enough light and warmth—like a spot near a bright window but away from chilly drafts.

Timing also depends on your plant’s mood. If it’s looking stressed from over-watering or a recent repotting, hold off until it bounces back.

Healthy, thriving Pothos are way more likely to root successfully, no matter the season.

When to Propagate Golden Pothos?

As mentioned earlier, spring and summer are the best seasons to propagate pothos. But, if you want to try propagation in fall or winter, you should do it indoors.

Also, ensure the plant is well hydrated for a couple of days before taking the cuttings.

How to Propagate Golden Pothos?

The propagation of golden pothos is similar to that of other pothos varieties.

With trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, golden pothos can thrive in different climatic conditions, making it perfect for first-time gardeners.

You’ll need a healthy golden pothos, sharp scissors and potting soil to propagate this indoor plant.

There are three main ways to propagate Golden Pothos:

• Water propagation
• Soil propagation
• Sphagnum moss propagation

Every method has benefits; you can proceed according to your available resources.

1. Propagating Golden Pothos in Water

Water propagation is the easiest and most commonly used method for growing new Golden Pothos plants.

• Choose a Healthy Vine: Select a long, healthy vine with multiple leaves.
• Make the Cut: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut a 4-6-inch section of the vine. Ensure the cutting has at least one or two nodes (the small bumps on the stem where roots will grow).
• Remove Lower Leaves: Trim the leaves from the bottom part of the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top.
• Place in Water: Put the cutting in a glass or jar filled with room-temperature water, ensuring the nodes are submerged, but the leaves stay above water.
• Provide Proper Light: Place the jar in bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it may cause algae growth in the water.
• Change Water Regularly:  Refresh the water every 3-4 days to prevent bacteria build-up and promote healthy root growth.
• Wait for Roots to Develop: Roots will start forming in about 2-4 weeks. Once they reach 2-3 inches in length, the cutting is ready to be planted in the soil.

Also Read: 17 Houseplants that Can Be Propagated in Water

2. Propagating Golden Pothos in Soil

Start growing your pothos in the soil if you want them to adapt to soil conditions immediately.

• Prepare the Pot and Soil: Choose a small pot with drainage holes and fill it with well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss.
• Take the Cuttings: As with water propagation, cut a 4-6-inch vine section with at least one node.
• Remove Lower Leaves: Trim off the lower leaves so that only the bare nodes are in contact with the soil.
• Plant the Cuttings: Make a small hole in the soil and insert the cutting, ensuring the node is buried. Press the soil gently around the stem for stability.
• Water Lightly: Water the soil lightly to keep it moist but not soggy. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
• Provide Proper Conditions: Place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture, but allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between watering.
• Monitor Growth: The cutting should establish roots in about 3-6 weeks. After a few weeks, you can gently tug on it to check for resistance, which indicates root development.

Also Read: Why Are Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow?

3. Propagating in Sphagnum moss

Sphagnum moss propagation is less common but highly effective, especially for minimizing transplant shock.

• Soak the Moss: Moisten sphagnum moss by soaking it in water and squeezing excess moisture.
• Prepare the Cutting: As with the other methods, take a 4-6-inch cutting with at least one node. Remove lower leaves.
• Wrap the Cutting in Moss: Wrap the damp sphagnum moss around the node and secure it with plastic wrap or a breathable material.
• Keep Humidity High: Place the wrapped cutting in a plastic bag or propagation box to maintain high humidity.
• Check for Root Growth: After 3-5 weeks, gently unwrap the moss to check for roots. Once roots are at least 1-2 inches long, transplant the cutting into soil.

Propagating Golden Pothos through the Division Method

Instead of taking a cutting, you can divide the parent plant to propagate.

Division is the perfect way to give it a fresh start while instantly creating new plants. This method is more hands-on but yields fast results since you’re working with established roots.

1. Remove the Plant from Its Pot

• Gently tip the plant out of the pot. If it’s stuck, tap the sides or wiggle it free.
• Shake off some soil to expose the root ball.

2. Identify Natural Divisions

• Look for sections where stems and roots naturally separate.
• Each division should have a few stems, leaves, and a portion of the root system.

3. Separate the Sections

• Carefully tease the roots apart using your hands.
• If the roots are tightly tangled, use a clean knife or shears to cut through them.

4. Repot the Divisions

• Place each section into its container with fresh, well-draining soil.
• Water thoroughly to help the roots settle.

5. Provide the Right Conditions

• Keep the newly potted divisions in bright, indirect light.
• Since they already have roots, they will bounce back quickly—often perking up within days!

Division is an excellent way to control an overgrown Pothos while expanding your plant collection effortlessly.

How to Care for Golden Pothos?

Golden Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to care for, making it a favorite for beginners and seasoned plant lovers.

This hardy plant can thrive in various conditions with its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. Here’s how to keep your Pothos healthy and vibrant.

Light Requirements

Golden Pothos is adaptable when it comes to lighting. It grows best in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions.

If placed in a dim area, its growth may slow, and its variegation may fade. However, direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the leaves. If you notice your Pothos losing its vibrant patterns, try moving it to a slightly brighter spot.

Watering Needs

This plant does best when watered moderately. The key is to let the top inch or two of soil dry out before the next watering.

Over-watering can cause root rot, leading to yellowing leaves, while under-watering can make the leaves curl and wilt. If in doubt, it’s better to underwater than over-water, as Pothos is quite drought-tolerant.

Temperature and Humidity

Golden Pothos thrives in typical household temperatures, ideally between 65-85F. It can tolerate lower temperatures for short periods but doesn’t do well in cold drafts.

While it prefers moderate to high humidity, it adapts well to normal indoor conditions. If the air is too dry, especially during winter, using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant can help.

Soil and Fertilization

A well-draining potting mix is best for Golden Pothos. A combination of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss ensures proper drainage and aeration.

Fertilizing monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) will promote healthy growth. However, during fall and winter, when growth slows, fertilization can be reduced or skipped altogether.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning helps Golden Pothos grow fuller and prevents legginess. Trimming long vines encourages bushier growth and keeps the plant looking neat.

Dead or yellow leaves should be removed to maintain overall health. Dust can also accumulate on the leaves, so wiping them down occasionally will keep them clean and allow better photosynthesis.

Repotting and Growth

Since Golden Pothos is a fast grower, it may need repotting every one to two years.

If the roots start growing out of the drainage holes or the soil dries out too quickly, it’s a sign that the plant needs a larger pot. Repotting with fresh soil helps replenish nutrients and promotes continuous healthy growth.

Common Problems and Solutions

Yellow leaves often indicate over-watering, while brown leaf tips may indicate low humidity or under-watering. If your plant becomes leggy with sparse leaves, it likely needs more light. Addressing these issues early will keep your Pothos thriving.

Check this: 15 Houseplants for North Facing Windows

Conclusion

Growing new Golden Pothos from one you already have is a breeze and a good time.

You can stick cuttings in water to root, pop them straight into the soil, or split up a big plant—each way is pretty simple and pays off nicely.

Give it some time and a bit of attention, and soon, your new Pothos will be thriving, bringing more of that lush, flowing green to your place.