Episode Details

We're going back to basics today on how to propagate pothos, plant friends! It's one of the simplest things you can do as a plant parent. And pothos is probably the easiest plant to propagate, which is exactly why it's where you should start. I just want you to do it right the first time because one success is what turns this into a lifelong habit. So I brought propagation expert Lindsay Sisti back on the podcast to walk through pothos propagation from the very beginning. Join us as we talk beginner-friendly propagation tips, how to root pothos cuttings in water, light and watering, and why making that first cut actually helps your plant grow. Let's prop!

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:51] Meet Lindsay Sisti and her challenge for you!
• [04:24] Why pothos is the best plant to learn propagation on
• [06:00] Why your pothos cutting speeds up your other props
• [07:02] Plant anatomy 101: What do you need to know before you cut?
• [09:11] Why you should leave the leaves on your cuttings
• [10:19] Internodes vs. nodes (aka plant knuckles)
• [13:31] Node cuttings vs. tip cuttings, and what "sterilized shears" really means
• [15:30] Manukora Honey
• [17:16] Espoma Organic
• [19:54] What is a petiole and why will a single pothos leaf never root?
• [21:22] Leaf removal and water setup!
• [23:12] Why cutting back a balding pothos makes it bushier (apical dominance explained)
• [26:57] Do pothos cuttings need to callus first?
• [27:55] What rooting hormone actually does, and the tradeoff of changing your water
• [30:36] The different methods of propagating different types of vining plants like pothos
• [31:44] Sphagnum, fluval stratum, and perlite (why water still wins for pothos)
• [35:02] Can you root bare nodes with no leaves? Plus prop box basics
• [37:40] Does cinnamon work as a rooting hormone?
• [38:56] Why the thrift store is the best place to find propagation vessels
• [40:15] Root length sweet spot!
• [41:25] Potting up: indoor mix, extra perlite, and starting small
• [47:03] Why light matters while rooting
• [48:19] Propagation walls and test tube shelves
• [51:30] Thrifted candelabras, champagne racks, and DIY propagation stations
• [53:27] Where to find Lindsay, her book, and all of her propagation resources!

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy 129: How to Root Bare Nodes or "Wet Sticks"
• Growing Joy 350: Propagation Tips For Plant Parents That Actually Work: Prop Boxes, Ikea Grow Cabinets and How to Avoid Mold Damage
• Growing Joy 309: How to Propagate an Alocasia Corm
• Growing Joy 289: How to Propagate Plants in Fluval Stratum
• The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation by Lindsay Sisti
• Clonex Rooting Gel

For Lindsay's different propagation methods,

check out the f