Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is a hardy plant with long vines and beautifully marbled leaves. The plant holds other names such as Devil’s Ivy, Golden Pothos, or Hunter’s Rove and is one of the most popular house plants in North America.
If the pothos plant loses leaves because of pruning, disease, or damage, the leaves will not grow back. However, that does not mean it is the end for your potted friend.
Will My Pothos Grow New Leaves?
Pothos plants do not grow new leaves after existing leaves have fallen off. Instead, the node will produce another vine or roots. The node is the location where the leaf meets the stem. You can identify it by the slight brown ring that wraps around the stem, which makes the vine appear connected by joints.
If you are worried about the plant recovering from a heavy trimming or disease, there are a few ways you can propagate the plant while leaves remain. It is good practice to begin propagation before the plant is out of leaves because this gives the cuttings the best chance of survival.
Propagating Pothos Vines With Leaves
There are two standard methods for propagating pothos with the leaves still on the vine. Both require the same beginning steps.
Snip 4-6 inches off a vine (make sure there is a leaf in the section of vine you are cutting). Four or more leaves are ideal, but one or two may suffice. Remove the leaf that is the closest to the cut end. Focus on this node while propagating.
Plain Old Water
The tried and true method of propagation: place the stem in a glass of water and observe it over the next 30 days. Changing the water every 4-5 days will help reduce the chance of bacteria. After 30 days, you should see roots begin to grow. When the roots are about an inch long, you can plant the pothos trimming into the soil.
Hormone Treatment
Take the cutting and dip the cut end and node into a rooting hormone. Then plant the cutting into a mixture of peat moss and perlite or sand. If you keep the soil moist and out of direct sunlight, you should see roots develop after one month. After two months, you can transplant the cutting into solid soil.
What if My Pothos Does Not Have Any Leaves?
Do not throw the plant out! If the vines are still green, your plant is not dead. Pothos plants are stubborn and can survive without leaves, but we do not want the plant to stay that way.
Propagating Pothos Vines Without Leaves
You will follow the instructions above when preparing the cuttings, except you do not have to look for leaves.
- Cut 4-6 inches
- Locate a node close to the cut end
- Try to choose a node with root starts (bumps on the side of the vine)
From here, you will want to keep the cuttings warm, humid, and in a growing substrate. Take a sandwich bag and fill it with wet sphagnum moss or perlite. Place the cuttings inside the bag and keep the bag in a warm area with a bright, hot light.
Check the cuttings every few days to ensure the moss stays damp and that the cuttings get a little fresh air. After around 30 days, you will see roots forming. Your leafless cuttings are ready to be potted!
Summary
Do not be alarmed if your pothos is looking a little leafless. While pothos leaves do not grow back after trimming or damage, the vines continue to grow and can be propagated entirely on their own with or without leaves.