How To Trim Pothos

Should You Trim Pothos?

Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum), also called devil's Ivy, are low-maintenance and popular houseplants known for trailing vines growing up to 10 feet long. Trimming Pothos plants keeps them looking neat and promotes new growth and healthier foliage, and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy or bottom-heavy

Always use sharp, clean pruning shears or sharp scissors and make precise snips when you prune Pothos leaves and long vines from the plant.

What Is The Best Time To Trim Pothos?

The best time to trim Pothos is spring or summer, when the plant shows the most growth. During this time, the plant is better able to recover from pruning and will quickly produce new growth. Avoid trimming your Pothos plant in the early fall or winter when it is dormant.

Before trimming, wait until the Pothos vine is at least six inches long. This allows the plant to establish a healthy root system before cutting back the foliage.

Damaged leaves should be pruned off the plant any time of year.

Where To Cut Pothos

When trimming Pothos, make clean cuts just above a leaf node. A leaf node is where a leaf connects to the stem and is marked by a small bump or swelling. Cutting just above the leaf node encourages the plant to produce new stems and leaves below the cut.

Avoid cutting into the plant's woody stem, as this damages the stem and causes decay.

Does Trimming Pothos Make It Bushier?

Yes, trimming Pothos will make it bushier. When you prune the vine just above a leaf node, the plant will respond by producing new growth. If you want to encourage bushier growth, cut the vine back to a leaf node near the base of the plant, but do not cut it all the way back to the soil line.

Another way to keep your Pothos fuller is by styling it in a hanging basket and removing the bottom leaf of each vine to promote new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.

Will Pothos Regrow After Cutting?

Yes, Pothos will regrow after cutting. Pothos is a resilient plant that bounces back quickly from severe pruning.

The regrowth may not always be in the same direction or shape as the original vine. Additionally, it may take several weeks for new growth to appear, so be patient and give the plant time to recover.

Can You Propagate Pothos Cuttings?

Yes, you can propagate Pothos cuttings taken during regular pruning. Pothos is one of the simplest plants to reproduce, making it a great option for beginner gardeners. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. To propagate, use a sharp pair of scissors and take a stem cutting at least six inches long with a few healthy leaves attached.

2. Remove leaves from the bottom inch of the stem and place the cutting in a jar of water.

3. Change the water every few days and wait for new roots to form, which takes several weeks.

4. Once the roots are at least an inch long, plant the cutting in a small pot of well-draining potting soil. With proper care, the new plant will quickly establish roots and begin growing.

Propagating Pothos cuttings is a great way to expand your plant collection or share plants with friends and family.

Care Tips After Pruning Pothos Plants

While Pothos is a resilient plant, proper care will help it bounce back sooner from trimming.

Pothos thrives in indirect light and tolerates low light conditions, but the leaves will wilt and turn yellow if they don’t get enough light. Variegated varieties, like golden Pothos and satin Pothos may lose some of their variegations in low light conditions.

Avoid overwatering, which causes yellowing leaves and root rot.

While not necessary, consider fertilizing your Pothos with a liquid fertilizer during the growing season to encourage healthy growth and new leaves.

Your Pothos houseplant will stay healthy and vibrant for years with proper plant care and regular pruning.