Planting Golden Pothos is a straightforward process, often involving the propagation of cuttings, which allows you to easily expand your plant collection. This resilient houseplant can be rooted in water or directly in soil before being transplanted into a permanent pot.
Understanding Golden Pothos Propagation: The Key to New Plants
The most common and effective way to "plant" new Golden Pothos is by propagating cuttings. This involves taking a section of an existing plant and encouraging it to grow new roots.
Identifying the Rooting Point (Nodes)
When taking cuttings, it's crucial to identify the nodes. These are small, raised bumps or "nubs" on the stem, typically found where leaves emerge or once were. As highlighted in the provided reference, "As you can see here where the leaves are opposite is a small little nub. And this is where your roots are going to grow." This "nub" is precisely where new roots will sprout, making the node essential for successful propagation.
Taking Cuttings
To prepare a cutting for planting:
- Select a healthy stem: Choose a vine that is vigorous and free from disease.
- Make the cut: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruners, make a cut about 4-6 inches long. Ensure each cutting has at least one or two leaves and at least one node. It's best to cut just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves: If there are leaves directly attached to the node you plan to submerge (in water or soil), gently remove them to prevent rot.
Methods for Planting Golden Pothos Cuttings
Once you have your cuttings, you can choose between water or soil propagation.
1. Water Propagation
This is a popular method because you can visually monitor root growth.
- Materials: A clear glass jar or vase, clean water.
- Steps:
- Fill the jar with room-temperature water.
- Place the cuttings in the water, ensuring at least one node is fully submerged. Keep leaves out of the water to prevent rot.
- Location: Place the jar in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can overheat the water.
- Maintenance: Change the water every few days (or when it looks cloudy) to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
- Rooting: Roots typically begin to form within 1-4 weeks. Once the roots are 1-2 inches long, the cutting is ready to be transitioned to soil.
2. Soil Propagation
Propagating directly in soil can sometimes lead to stronger roots more quickly, as the plant doesn't have to adapt from water to soil.
- Materials: Small pots (2-4 inches), well-draining potting mix, rooting hormone (optional).
- Steps:
- Prepare the soil: Fill your small pots with a light, well-draining potting mix. A mix designed for houseplants or a peat-based mix works well.
- Apply rooting hormone (optional): Dip the cut end of the stem (including the node) into rooting hormone powder. This can encourage faster root development.
- Plant the cutting: Create a small hole in the center of the soil with your finger or a pencil. Insert the cutting, ensuring the node(s) are buried. Gently firm the soil around the base of the cutting.
- Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
- Environment: Place the potted cuttings in a warm location with bright, indirect light.
- Humidity (optional but recommended): To create a humid environment, you can cover the pot with a clear plastic bag, ensuring it doesn't touch the leaves. This helps the cutting retain moisture.
- Checking for roots: Tug gently on the cutting after a few weeks. Resistance indicates root development.
Potting an Established Golden Pothos (or Propagated Cuttings)
Whether you've just propagated cuttings or purchased a small Golden Pothos from a nursery, the planting process is similar.
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
- Pot Size: Start with a pot that is appropriate for the root ball size. For newly rooted cuttings, a 4-6 inch pot is usually sufficient. Pothos prefers to be slightly root-bound, so avoid oversized pots, which can lead to excessive moisture retention and root rot. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
- Potting Mix: Use a well-draining houseplant potting mix. Good drainage is key to preventing root rot. You can amend regular potting mix with perlite or orchid bark to improve aeration and drainage.
The Planting Process
- Prepare the pot: Place a layer of fresh potting mix at the bottom of your chosen pot.
- Position the plant: Gently remove the Golden Pothos (or rooted cuttings) from its previous container or water. Loosen any tightly bound roots if necessary. Center the plant in the new pot, ensuring the base of the stem is at the same level as it was previously.
- Fill with soil: Backfill the pot with potting mix, gently firming it around the roots. Leave about an inch of space from the rim of the pot to allow for watering.
- Water thoroughly: After planting, water the plant generously until water drains from the bottom. This helps settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
- Initial placement: Place your newly planted Golden Pothos in a spot with bright, indirect light.
Essential Care Tips After Planting
To ensure your Golden Pothos thrives after planting:
| Aspect | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Light | Thrives in bright, indirect light. Can tolerate lower light, but variegation may fade. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves. |
| Watering | Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Allow excess water to drain completely. Overwatering is a common killer. |
| Humidity | Tolerates average household humidity but appreciates higher levels. Misting occasionally or placing near a humidifier can be beneficial. |
| Temperature | Prefers temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Protect from cold drafts. |
| Fertilizing | Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter. |
| Pruning | Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, or propagate new plants. Pothos is very forgiving of pruning. |
| Support | As a vining plant, it can be left to trail or trained to climb a moss pole or trellis for larger leaves. |
By following these steps, you can successfully plant and nurture Golden Pothos, enjoying its beautiful foliage and easy-care nature.
