Basketing a pothos is a propagation technique that encourages fuller growth by coiling its vines within the pot to root at the nodes.
Here's a breakdown of how to "basket" your pothos:
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Assess Your Pothos: Ensure your pothos has long, healthy vines suitable for wrapping. This technique is best for established plants with trailing growth.
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Prepare the Pot: Your pothos should already be planted in a pot with well-draining soil. The goal is to encourage the nodes (the small bumps along the stem where leaves emerge) to make contact with the soil.
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Wrap the Vines: Gently detach a vine from the edge of the pot. Carefully coil the vine around the inside of the pot, pressing the nodes along the stem into the soil surface. You may need to use small hair pins or paper clips bent into a "U" shape to secure the vine to the soil temporarily. Be gentle to avoid damaging the vine.
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Repeat: Continue wrapping the vines around the inside of the pot, ensuring the nodes make good contact with the soil. Aim for even distribution to promote balanced growth. Avoid overcrowding.
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Maintain Humidity: Increased humidity around the nodes encourages root growth. Consider misting the soil surface regularly or using a clear plastic bag or humidity dome over the pot for a few weeks until roots develop. Be sure to provide ventilation if using a bag or dome.
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Water Carefully: Water the pothos when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
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Provide Adequate Light: Place the pothos in a location with bright, indirect light.
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Observe Growth: Over time, the nodes in contact with the soil should begin to root. This will result in new shoots emerging from the nodes, leading to a fuller, bushier plant. You can typically see new growth in several weeks.
Why Basket a Pothos?
- Fuller Plant: This method promotes a denser, more visually appealing plant.
- Encourages Rooting: Basketing takes advantage of the pothos's natural ability to root from its nodes.
- Space Saving: Can keep the plant contained within its pot, preventing it from taking over a space.
Alternative Technique:
Another way to accomplish a similar effect is to propagate cuttings and replant them into the same pot. This method gives you more control over placement but requires additional propagation steps.
By basketing your pothos, you can encourage it to grow into a lush and vibrant indoor plant.
