The Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is a popular houseplant known for its trailing vines and ease of propagation. Creating a new plant from cuttings is a straightforward process, but achieving a full, lush appearance requires planting multiple stems. The number of cuttings planted together directly determines the density of the resulting plant. This guide provides a practical formula for determining the optimal number of rooted stems to plant in a single container to ensure a successful, bushy result.
The Goal: Fullness and Pot Size
The decision on how many cuttings to plant is governed by the desired visual fullness and the pot’s physical diameter. A single rooted cutting produces only one vine, meaning a pot with one or two cuttings will look thin and leggy. To achieve the immediate, dense look of a mature plant, multiple rooted stems must be grouped together.
The container size dictates the available soil volume, limiting the total root mass the pot can support. Planting too many cuttings in a small pot creates intense root competition. This competition can encourage initial top growth but causes the soil to dry out much faster, requiring more frequent watering. A larger pot accommodates more cuttings and roots, providing a more stable environment for a fuller plant.
Preparing the Cuttings for Planting
Successful potting begins with properly prepared cuttings, each containing at least one node. The node is the small, slightly raised bump on the stem where the leaf petiole attaches, and it contains the tissue necessary for root development. Cuttings should be taken with a clean, sharp tool, ensuring the cut is made just below a node.
The two primary methods for encouraging root growth are water rooting and direct soil planting. Water rooting allows visual monitoring; roots should grow one to two inches before transplanting. If planting directly into soil, allow the cut end to callous over for a few hours to prevent rot before placing it in a well-draining substrate. Each cutting must be a viable, individual stem with established roots before being grouped in the final container.
The Planting Formula: Recommended Cuttings Per Pot Size
To ensure a full plant, use a high density of rooted cuttings, often following a guideline of one to one-and-a-half cuttings per inch of the pot’s diameter. This formula refers to individual rooted stems, not single-node segments, and provides the minimum required for a dense crown.
For a standard four-inch pot, planting four to six rooted cuttings creates a noticeably fuller appearance. A six-inch pot requires eight to twelve rooted cuttings to maintain visual density. For an eight-inch pot, twelve to eighteen cuttings are necessary to prevent the plant from looking sparse. When planting, arrange cuttings around the perimeter for a trailing cascade, or cluster them toward the center for a bushier, more upright growth habit.
Post-Planting Care for Successful Growth
Once the rooted cuttings are grouped and planted in the final container, immediate care focuses on helping the water-grown roots transition to a soil environment. The newly potted cuttings should be watered thoroughly until water drains freely from the bottom of the pot. This initial deep watering settles the soil around the delicate new roots and eliminates air pockets.
The pot should be placed in a location that receives bright, indirect light, which provides the energy needed for root establishment and new leaf growth. For the first few weeks, keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to ease the root transition. Avoid applying fertilizer until new leaves emerge, indicating the root system has successfully acclimated and is actively growing.