If you’ve successfully propagated your pothos plant, congratulations! Now, the next step is to repot your new plants into a suitable container. Repotting propagated pothos can be a simple process, but there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to repot your propagated pothos plants for optimal growth and health.
Understanding Pothos Propagation
Pothos propagation is a simple process that involves taking stem cuttings from a healthy parent plant and encouraging new root growth. There are a few key steps to ensuring successful propagation, such as selecting the right cuttings, providing the proper environment, and knowing when to repot the new plant.
To start the propagation process, it’s important to take 4-6 inch length cuttings below the nodes of a healthy parent plant. This ensures that the new plant has enough stem material to develop new roots and grow into a strong, healthy specimen. When taking the cuttings, make sure to disinfect the tools to minimize the risk of infection.
Once the cuttings have been taken, they can be rooted in water or soil. Water-rooted cuttings should be placed in a glass or jar filled with water, and placed in a location with plenty of light but not direct sunlight. This ensures that the cuttings receive the necessary light to promote growth but aren’t exposed to sunburn. Make sure to change the water every few weeks to prevent stagnation and promote healthy rooting.
For soil-rooted cuttings, after soaking sphagnum moss for 20 to 30 minutes to rehydrate it, the cuttings can be placed in the moist moss or a well-draining soil mix. Place the pot with the cuttings in a bright, indirectly lit location, and keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
After a period of time (typically 3 to 8 weeks), the cuttings will develop new roots. This is an indicator that it’s time to repot the new pothos into a larger container that provides more space for growth. The timing for repotting can vary, but a good rule of thumb is when the roots are growing out of the pot’s drainage holes or circling the bottom of the pot.
When repotting, be sure to use a well-draining soil mix and a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Also, avoid burying the vines in the soil, and ensure that the roots are not exposed. Following these guidelines will provide your propagated pothos with the best environment and set it up for a long, healthy life.
When to Repot Propagated Pothos
Signs and Symptoms
One of the critical aspects of repotting propagated pothos is knowing when it’s the right time to do so. It’s best to repot pothos during early spring to mid-summer when the weather warms up and the plant begins its active growth phase. Avoid repotting during high temperatures, as plants tend to halt growth in conditions above 90°F 1.
There are a few telltale signs that your pothos is ready for repotting:
- Roots protruding from the pot’s drainage holes
- Roots circling the bottom of the pot
- Soil has become compacted or lacks proper drainage
Preparing for Repotting
Before repotting your propagated pothos, gather the necessary materials:
- A well-draining soil mixture
- A new pot with drainage holes that is a few inches larger than the pothos root ball 2
- A watering can to thoroughly water the plant
Repotting Process
- Carefully remove the pothos plant from its current pot, gently holding the base of the stems and ensuring not to damage the roots.
- Clean any excess soil from the root ball and cut away any dead or unhealthy roots.
- Place the pothos plant upright in the center of the new pot.
- Add potting mix around the sides to fill in the gaps, ensuring the root ball is fully covered and the vines are not buried in the soil3.
- Water the freshly repotted pothos thoroughly and place it in a location with bright, indirect light. Maintain evenly moist soil for the first one to two weeks to help the roots acclimate to their new environment.
Footnotes
Selecting the Right Pot
Types of Pots
When repotting propagated pothos, it is essential to choose the correct type of pot. There are various types of pots available, including plastic, ceramic, and terra cotta. Plastic pots are lightweight and retain moisture in the soil, making them an excellent choice for pothos care. Ceramic pots can help to stabilize larger plants, but they tend to dry out more quickly. Terra cotta pots are porous and allow for better aeration, but they can also dry out faster. Consider the needs of your pothos and your personal preferences when selecting a pot.
Size and Shape
For a newly propagated pothos, the pot size and shape should accommodate the young plant’s growth. Choose a pot slightly larger than the root ball, allowing for growth without causing the plant to become root-bound. Ideally, the pot should be about 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the root ball. It’s important to ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent overwatering and root rot.
When selecting a pot shape, consider how the pothos will grow. Pothos are climbing plants, so providing support with a stake, trellis, or tall pot with built-in support can help encourage upward growth. Alternatively, for a hanging pothos or a trailing pothos on a shelf, opt for a pot with a secure lip to hold the plant in place, allowing the vines to cascade over the sides.
In summary, when repotting propagated pothos, selecting the right pot is crucial for the plant’s health and growth. Consider the type of pot, size, and shape that match your pothos’ needs and your personal preferences.
Choosing the Right Soil
Pothos plants thrive in airy, well-draining soil that delivers oxygen to the roots and helps prevent root rot. The type of soil you choose when repotting your propagated pothos can significantly impact its growth and overall health. In this section, we’ll discuss the appropriate ingredients for creating the ideal soil mix for your pothos.
Soil Ingredients
- Loamy Potting Mixture: Pothos plants prefer a rich and loose soil that retains some moisture but is also well-draining. A loamy potting mixture can provide these qualities, giving the pothos the necessary environment to flourish. When amending the soil, consider adding perlite or sand to improve drainage.
- Compost: Adding a handful of compost to your soil mix will enhance its organic content, promoting healthier root development and plant growth. Compost also supplies essential nutrients that pothos need for optimal growth.
- Cocopeat or Peat Moss: Pothos prefer moist soil, so it’s crucial to prevent the plant’s roots from drying out. Cocopeat or peat moss can be added to the soil mix to help retain moisture without causing waterlogged conditions.
In summary, to create the ideal soil mix for repotting your propagated pothos, you should incorporate a loamy potting mixture, compost, and either cocopeat or peat moss. Opt for well-draining, airy soil that retains an adequate amount of moisture while also delivering oxygen to the roots, fostering a healthy environment for your pothos plant to thrive.
Repotting Steps
Preparing the Pot
To begin repotting your propagated pothos, start by selecting an appropriate pot with drainage holes. This ensures excess water can escape, preventing root rot. Next, prepare a well-draining potting mix as pothos thrive in well-aerated soil. A common recipe includes potting soil and perlite to improve drainage.
Transferring the Plant
When transferring the plant, it’s essential to handle the delicate roots gently. Carefully remove the propagated pothos from its current container, being cautious not to damage the roots. In the new pot, create a hole in the center slightly larger than the pothos root ball, as mentioned here. Place the pothos into the hole, ensuring the roots are not exposed, and the vines remain above the soil surface.
Adding Soil
Once your pothos is in its new home, gently fill in the remaining space around the root ball with your prepared potting mix. Ensure you don’t cover the vines with soil. After positioning the plant, water it generously until water streams from the pot’s drainage holes, as suggested by The Spruce. Finally, return the plant to its original location to minimize the chance of it going into shock. Due to their hardiness, pothos plants generally recover well from repotting.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Watering Tips
After repotting your propagated pothos, it’s important to water the plant generously. Make sure water streams from the pot’s drainage holes to ensure your pothos gets the necessary moisture it needs 1. Here are some tips when watering your pothos:
- Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry2.
- Make sure to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot2.
- Use a well-draining pot to prevent waterlogging.
- Adjust your watering frequency during hot or cold months to accommodate your pothos’ needs.
Monitoring Growth
Pothos are hardy houseplants and usually recover easily from repotting1. To encourage growth and maintain the health of your pothos, follow these steps:
- Fertilize the plant every 2-3 months with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer2.
- Prune the plant regularly to promote bushy growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
- Monitor the growth of your pothos and adjust its care accordingly. For example, move the plant to a larger pot if it becomes root-bound.
By providing the proper aftercare and maintenance, your repotted propagated pothos will thrive and continue to fill your space with lush, verdant foliage.
Helpful Video
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.
