Pothos is a well-known houseplant loved for its trailing vines and air-purifying abilities. But can it also help other plants to root? In this article, we explore whether Pothos can act as a rooting hormone and support the growth of other plants.
Do Pothos Help Other Plants Root
Pothos Growth Benefits
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a fast-growing and popular houseplant. While there isn’t concrete scientific evidence to suggest that Pothos directly helps other plants root faster, some gardeners and plant enthusiasts believe that it can have an indirect positive impact on other plants. One way they do this is by improving the overall health of the soil and supplying a favorable environment conducive to root growth 1.
Rooting Hormone in Pothos
The belief that Pothos may help other plants root is partly attributed to the idea that Pothos plants release root growth hormones, particularly when grown in water 2. The presence of these water-soluble hormones could potentially benefit the root development of nearby plants that have difficulties absorbing them.
In some cases, other slow-growing plants might absorb the excess hormones from the water, which could lead to faster growth 3. Additionally, the rapid growth of Pothos itself could result in producing more of these root growth hormones, further supporting the idea that they may indirectly assist in the rooting of other plant species 4.
In conclusion, while definitive scientific evidence is lacking, anecdotal experiences and certain characteristics of Pothos suggest that they might offer indirect benefits to the root development of other plants. Further research and case studies could help shed more light on this interesting connection between Pothos and other plant species.
How to Use Pothos for Rooting Other Plants
Cuttings and Propagation Methods
To use pothos for rooting other plants, start by taking healthy cuttings from a mature pothos plant. Make sure the cuttings have at least one or two leaves and a few inches of stem. It’s often recommended to cut just below a node, where the leaf attaches to the stem, as this is where new roots are likely to develop.
Next, remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes and promote root growth. For some plants, you may want to dip the cut end of the cutting into a rooting hormone, but this is not a requirement for pothos. Once your cuttings are ready, you can choose between two propagation methods: water propagation and soil propagation.
Water Propagation vs Soil Propagation
Water Propagation
Water propagation is a popular method for rooting pothos as well as other plants. To propagate in water, simply place the cuttings in a jar, glass, or container filled with water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged. Keep the container in a warm, bright location with indirect light. The presence of pothos cuttings can help release root development hormones, which may be absorbed by other slower-growing plants, promoting faster root growth in them. Be sure to change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
Soil Propagation
For soil propagation, you’ll first need a well-draining soil mixture and a small pot with drainage holes. Place the prepared pothos cuttings into the soil, ensuring the nodes are covered. Water the cuttings thoroughly and place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist during the first one to two weeks to help the roots acclimate to the soil. Over time, the presence of pothos roots in the soil may have a similar effect as water propagation, helping other nearby plants root faster.
Both water and soil propagation methods can be effective when using pothos to assist in rooting other plants. The choice between these methods depends on your preferences, the types of plants you are propagating, and their specific needs. Remember to keep a close eye on your cuttings and provide the proper care to ensure successful rooting and growth.
Plants That Benefit from Pothos Rooting Assistance
Pothos plants are known for their air-purifying abilities and capability to improve soil health and fertility. These characteristics make them useful for other plants growing in their vicinity. Some plants, especially slow-growing species, can benefit from the higher rate of root development hormones released by pothos when grown in water (source).
One notable plant that enjoys the benefits of pothos rooting assistance is the Monstera. Both Monstera and pothos prefer bright, indirect light and require a bit less watering compared to other houseplants. When grown together, the Monstera’s large leaves can provide shade to the pothos if the light becomes too intense (source).
Other plants that can potentially benefit from pothos rooting assistance include:
- Philodendrons: Their similar care requirements make them suitable companions for pothos plants.
- Ferns: These plants love moisture and humidity, which can be found around pothos plants.
It’s essential to remember that, although pothos may provide some rooting assistance to other plants, suitable care and environmental conditions are still crucial for their overall health and growth.
Potential Downsides and Precautions
While pothos are known to help other plants root faster by releasing root development hormones in water, there are some precautions you should take into consideration when using them for this purpose.
First, it’s important to ensure that the plants you want to root are compatible with pothos. Some plants may not benefit from the increased hormone levels, and it could potentially harm or slow down their growth process. Before propagating, it’s a good idea to research the specific needs of the plants you’re working with.
Another potential downside is overwatering. Pothos plants have a high tolerance for various light and water conditions, but it’s still necessary to monitor the water level to avoid drowning the plants or creating a breeding ground for pathogens. Since pothos release hormones in water, it’s crucial to keep the water clean and change it regularly to prevent any diseases that could affect the overall health of the other plants in the propagation mix.
Additionally, it’s important to keep the surrounding environment clean and sanitary, especially when dealing with multiple plant species. Pothos may introduce pests, such as mealybugs or spider mites, which could potentially spread to the other plants in your propagation mix. Regularly checking your plants for any signs of infestation and treating them accordingly will help minimize the risk of pest transmission.
In summary, while pothos have beneficial rooting properties, it’s essential to take necessary precautions to protect the other plants and maintain a healthy propagation environment. Pay attention to the compatibility of the plants, carefully monitor water levels, and maintain cleanliness to ensure the best outcome for your botanical propagation project.
Video Guide
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
