Does Pothos Prefer Shade or Sun? Detailed Cutting Propagation Methods
Pothos is a common indoor potted plant with strong twining habits and well-developed aerial roots, and it can be grown hydroponically. So, does pothos prefer shade or sun? Can it be propagated by cuttings? What are the specific methods?
1. Does pothos prefer shade or sun?
Pothos is a shade-loving plant that likes scattered light and is fairly tolerant of shade. It comes to life upon contact with water, and because of its tenacious vitality, it is called the “flower of life”. Its trailing green branches and leaves are very easy to please. When grown indoors, whether in a pot or with a few stems cut for hydroponic culture, it can grow well. It can be allowed to climb a cylinder tied from palm fiber, or trained into a hanging form and placed in a study or on a windowsill, or simply grown in a pot, making it a beautiful flower that is very suitable for indoor cultivation.
2. Can pothos be propagated by cuttings? What are the specific methods?
Pothos can be propagated by cuttings. In late spring and early summer, select robust pothos vines, cut 15 cm to 30 cm long branches, remove the leaves from 1 to 2 nodes at the base, being careful not to damage the aerial roots, then insert them into plain sand or coal cinder to a depth of 1/3 of the cutting, water thoroughly, and place in a shaded spot. Mist the leaves daily or cover with plastic film to keep in moisture. As long as the environment is kept no lower than 20 °C, the survival rate is above 90%.
Specific cutting methods:
1. Selection and treatment of cuttings
For cuttings, it is best to choose healthy, pest-free, semi-lignified branches, cut them into 10-13 cm lengths, make the lower cut at an angle, leave 2-3 leaves at the upper end, and cut the leaves in half to reduce water evaporation and help the cuttings survive.
2. Cutting medium
The cutting medium should be loose, breathable, well-drained loam or sandy soil rich in humus; vermiculite is best, as it speeds rooting and gives a high survival rate. Before inserting, disinfect the soil with 2% formalin or 5% potassium permanganate.
3. Cutting method
Quickly dip the lower end of the prepared cuttings in ABT rooting powder or indolebutyric acid, then insert them into the prepared medium to a depth of 1/2, water thoroughly so the cuttings make close contact with the medium, and then cover with plastic film.
4. Management after insertion
(1) After insertion, take care to keep the soil moist and the air temperature relatively high. Soil moisture of about 50% is suitable, while air humidity is best at 80%-90%.
(2) In the early stage of cutting, keep the shade shed at about 80% shading. This prevents direct strong sunlight while ensuring enough scattered light for leafy cuttings to carry out photosynthesis, which helps rooting.
(3) With the above treatment, roots generally form after about 20 days. The film can then be removed and light increased. At the same time, on sunny summer days still pay attention to misting the leaves and shading, and in winter protect against cold. About 10 days after rooting, the plants can be moved into pots for normal management.