Propagate money plant from stem cuttings

Quick answer

To propagate money plants, take stem cuttings with at least one leaf and one node, place them in water, and change the water every three days. After about 10-12 days, when roots are well-developed, transfer the cuttings to soil.

The idea

Propagating money plants (Pothos) from stem cuttings is a straightforward process that allows you to create new plants from an existing one. The key is to identify and utilize the 'nodes' on the stem, which are the points where roots and new leaves emerge. By placing these nodes in water, you encourage root development, after which the young plants can be transferred to soil.

1. Select a healthy stem: Choose a mature, healthy stem from your money plant. Look for a stem that has several leaves and visible nodes (small bumps where leaves or aerial roots emerge).
2. Prepare cuttings: Cut the selected stem into smaller sections. Each section should ideally have at least one leaf and one node. Cut a longer stem into three pieces, ensuring each piece has these essential components. Make clean cuts using sharp scissors or shears.
3. Water propagation: Place the prepared stem cuttings into a container filled with water. Ensure that the nodes are fully submerged in the water, but keep the leaves above the waterline. Using a clear glass container allows you to observe root development.
4. Maintain water: Change the water in the container every three days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth, which can lead to rot.
5. Observe root growth: Over the next 10 to 12 days, you will observe roots emerging from the submerged nodes. New leaves may also start to appear. The cuttings are ready for potting when the roots are about 1-2 inches long.
6. Potting: Once the roots are sufficiently developed, carefully transfer the rooted cuttings into a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Plant them deep enough so that the roots are covered by soil, but ensure that any newly emerging leaves are not buried.

Which plants this suits

• Money plant (Pothos, Epipremnum aureum)
• Other vining houseplants like Philodendron, Syngonium, and some types of Hoya, which also root easily from stem cuttings in water.

Why it works

Money plants, like many other vining plants, have specialized structures called nodes along their stems. These nodes contain dormant meristematic tissue, which are cells capable of developing into new plant organs, including roots and shoots. When a stem cutting is placed in water, the submerged nodes are stimulated by the constant moisture and lack of light to produce roots. The water provides the necessary hydration for these new roots to grow, and the relatively sterile environment of clean water helps prevent fungal or bacterial infections that might occur in soil before roots are established.

Try it

1. Take cuttings: Select a healthy, mature stem from your money plant. Using clean, sharp scissors, cut the stem into sections, ensuring each section has at least one leaf and one node. Aim for cuttings that are about 4-6 inches long.
2. Prepare for rooting: Fill a clean glass jar or bottle with fresh water. Place the cuttings into the water, making sure the nodes are submerged and the leaves remain above the water level.
3. Location: Place the jar in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, especially during the hot Indian summer, as this can overheat the water and stress the cuttings.
4. Water changes: Every three days, carefully remove the cuttings and replace the old water with fresh water. This prevents stagnation and keeps the environment healthy for root development.
5. Potting: After 10-12 days, inspect the cuttings. You should see white roots that are at least 1-2 inches long. At this point, they are ready to be planted in soil. Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix. Make a small hole in the soil and gently place a rooted cutting into it, ensuring all roots are covered. Lightly firm the soil around the stem.
6. Initial watering: Water the newly potted cuttings thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for the first few weeks.
7. Watch for growth: Over the next few weeks, observe for new leaf growth, which indicates the plant has successfully established itself in the soil.

Watch out for

• Lack of nodes: Cuttings without at least one node will not develop roots.
• Stagnant water: Failing to change the water regularly can lead to bacterial growth, rot, and failure of the cuttings.
• Premature potting: Planting cuttings in soil before they have developed sufficient roots can lead to transplant shock and failure.
• Burying new leaves: Ensure that only the stem and roots are covered by soil; new leaves should remain above the soil surface to photosynthesize.
• Overwatering: Once potted, avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings.