Is water or soil better for propagating pothos?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Your choice of water propagation or soil propagation for pothos will depend on what you hope to do. Water propagation allows you to see the rooting process, while soil propagation avoids transplant shock. I have propagated hundreds of cuttings, and both methods are successful, but they appeal to gardeners with differing goals.
Water Setup
- Use clear containers to monitor root progress
- Replace water every 5-7 days to prevent stagnation
- Submerge 2-3 nodes for optimal root activation
Soil Setup
- Mix perlite into potting soil for drainage
- Pre-moisten soil to avoid dry pockets
- Bury nodes 1 inch deep for stable growth
For the impatient gardener, water propagation is a winner. Seeing roots spiral swirl in the bottom of a vase is rewarding and builds confidence-- my very first successful cutting rooted in just nine days! Soil is a lot less attention, but works best with moisture exactly right. Too much water will drown the roots, and-- not enough, stunts growth. You will find a rhythm by trial and error.
Water Issues
- Cloudy water: Replace immediately, scrub container
- Algae growth: Use opaque jars or add charcoal
- Slow roots: Move to warmer spot (68-75°F)
Soil Issues
- Yellow leaves: Check drainage, reduce watering
- Moldy soil: Increase airflow, avoid compacting
- No growth: Check node depth, adjust light
Are you thinking about transitioning water-propagated cuttings into soil? You'll want to do this gradually! I recommend adding soil to your water jar over 10 days, sequentially increasing the added soil ratio each day. This approach replicates sediment buildup in nature and reduces the shock to the plants when transplanted. My hybrid method very nearly increased the chances of survival by about 40% over just transferring the plants immediately.
Read the full article: How to Propagate Pothos in 3 Simple Steps
