Learning how to propagate your own pothos plants is an easy way to fill your home with beautiful houseplants on a budget.
I have always loved houseplants. There’s just something about seeing a beautiful, living plant that can both bring joy and beauty to any space in your home.
Whenever I am in a space with plants I feel peaceful and happy. An extra bonus is that plants tend to soften a space and make it feel more homey.
Over the years, I have learned that not all houseplants are easy to care for and they can also be pricey.
Of course, I had to find a solution to both of those problems since I love houseplants, especially houseplants on a budget. So I found a few that I love, and learned how to propagate them myself for a fraction of the price of the store. Pothos are my favorite since they are beautiful, so easy to propagate, and can live through just about anything.
If you love houseplants and want to fill your home with houseplants on a budget, try propagating some pothos at home for some added beauty.
Happy Planting!
Propagate Houseplants On A Budget
Aside from it being a fun hobby, the main reason for propagating plants at home is to create beautiful plants for your home at a fraction of the price.
Currently at my local big box store a 6 inch pothos plant costs just over $17. On top of that, it comes in a simple plastic container so that price doesn’t include the price of a decorative pot. I don’t know about you, but I like to have lots of plants in my home. At that price, the cost can add up pretty quickly. Propagating your own pathos plants can be done much more cost effectively for just the price of potting soil and a few pots.
Propagating your own pothos plants is also a great way to give inexpensive gifts to friends and family. If you have multiple cuttings that have sprouted roots, one can be easily planted in a beautiful but inexpensive pot for a lovely gift. Who wouldn’t love getting a beautiful plant that they can enjoy everyday?
Source Materials On A Budget
Before running out and purchasing an expensive plant to propagate and expensive pots, try sourcing them at no or low cost first to save even more money.
Plants Ask a friend or family member with a pothos plant if you can have a cutting from it. Getting in the habit of exchanging cuttings with friends and family is a great way to acquire a large variety of plants for virtually no cost.
Another option is to purchase a mystery box of cuttings from Etsy.
Pots Purchasing pots at a local store can also get quite expensive. Even for smaller plants, they can easily run you $15-$20 each or higher. Before purchasing those at a hefty price, start checking out garage sales and estate sales. They can typically be purchased there for just a few dollars.
Another option is to just let your friends and family know that you are interested in any old pots or other planting containers they may no longer want. Even if they aren’t your exact style, they can be easily painted to change their appearance.
Are Pothos Plants Easy To care For?
Pothos plants couldn’t be easier to care for. My oldest pothos plant is over ten years old. It has been neglected many times and I have likely taken a few too many cuttings from it as well. Through it all though, it is still hanging on. My point here is that these plants are so forgiving when it comes to care, which is why I love them!
In general though, there are a few basics you should know when it comes to caring for your pothos. They do best in an environment that is kept anywhere between 70 and 90 degrees. Pothos prefer indirect sunlight and should be allowed to dry out completely between waterings. You’ll know your plant is ready for water when the leaves begin to wilt. They would also benefit from some fertilization every few months as well. I like to sprinkle in a little bit of worm castings a few times a year.
More About Pothos
- Pothos plants are toxic to some pets.
- After a pothos cutting develops roots, it shouldn’t remain in water long term. The longer the roots are in water, the more difficult it will be for them to adjust to the soil when transplanted. With that being said, I do not always get my cuttings transplanted into soil as soon as they should. Out of the numerous pothos cuttings I have taken, I have only lost one when it was transplanted to soil. Again, this speaks to the ever forgiving nature of the beautiful pothos plant.
- Pothos cuttings can also be planted directly in soil, rather than using the water method. If you choose to go this route, dipping the cutting in rooting hormone will help to develop those roots quicker but is not necessarily needed.
Supplies For Propagating And Planting Pothos At Home
- 1 pair sterile scissors
- 1 pothos plant to take cuttings from
- small glass jars or mason jars
- water
- potting soil (not needed to start the project)
- decorative pot (not needed to start the project)
How To Propagate And Grow Pothos Houseplants On A Budget
- Always use sterile scissors or another sharp cutting tool when taking a cutting in order to prevent disease.
- When taking a cutting, make the cut at a 45 degree angle. This will increase the surface area and allow more water to get into the cutting.
- Cut below at least one node, more if possible to increase the propability of successful root growth. A node can be found on the stems. They are the little bumps on the stem where leaves are growing out of the stem.
- Using a pair of sterile scissors, cut a stem from the pothos plant that has at least 4 leaves on it. The cutting should be at least 5-6 inches long.
- Carefully remove any leaves on the bottom half of the stem. It is best to leave at least 2 leaves on the cutting or more if possible.
- Fill a small glass jar with filtered water. Place the cutting in the jar. None of the leaves should be submerged in the water. At least one of the nodes should be submerged under the water.
- Place the jar where the plant can receive indirect light. Change the water every few weeks or if it appears cloudy. After a few months, there will be substantial root growth and the pothos cutting will be ready to be transplanted in potting soil.
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