How to Propagate Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus) From Cuttings

Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is propagated from stem cuttings. NC State Extension, Missouri Botanical Garden and the RHS all name stem cuttings as the method. It’s also a good use for the stems you pinch back to keep the plant tidy, which NC State recommends.

One thing to know before you start: NC State lists satin pothos as slow-growing, so expect cuttings to take their time before new leaves appear.

Where to cut

Every cutting needs a node. Illinois Extension defines a node as the place where a leaf emerges, sometimes a bumpy or raised area.

A single leaf with only its stalk and no piece of stem lacks a node. Give every cutting at least one.

Missouri Botanical Garden suggests 10 cm (4 in) stem cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Iowa State University Extension and Illinois Extension describe stem cuttings 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long with at least two nodes.

Rooting in mix, step by step

Iowa State’s stem cutting guide gives this method:

1. Water the parent plant the day before so the stems are fully hydrated.
2. Cut a stem with at least two nodes. Tip pieces or sections from further back both work. Keep them the right way up; segments won’t root upside down.
3. Remove the lower leaf so a node can go below the surface. No leaves should be buried.
4. Stick it in moist rooting medium. Iowa State likes perlite, or perlite or sand mixed with peat. UConn Home & Garden Education Center suggests putting cuttings into soil and keeping them moist and humid.
5. Cover for humidity. A clear bag held off the leaves works. Leave it unsealed.
6. Give warmth and light. Iowa State suggests 4 to 6 hours of bright indirect light and air at 18–24 °C (65–75 °F). A heat mat holding the medium at 24–27 °C (75–80 °F) speeds rooting. NC State says satin pothos does not tolerate cooler air or direct sun.
7. Pot up when roots are about 2.5 cm (1 in) long. Iowa State says most houseplant cuttings root in 3 to 6 weeks; allow more for a slow grower.

UConn notes that new growth tips soon appear from the node. At that point you can start adding fertilizer.

Rooting in water

Iowa State says many houseplants root easily in a jar of water. It notes that water roots are coarser and less suited to potting mix. After potting, cuttings may wilt, drop leaves or brown at the tips while they adjust.

• Change the water once or twice a week.
• Keep the roots covered at all times.
• Move to mix at about 2.5 cm (1 in) of root, then keep the mix evenly moist while it settles.

Layering: rooting before you cut

Penn State Extension describes simple layering for vines. Leave a trailing stem attached, make a small slice in it, bend it down and pin it into mix in a second pot. Cut it free once it has rooted. Because satin pothos is often grown trailing from a hanging basket, a long stem is easy to pin into a neighbouring pot.

If cuttings fail

• Rotting. Iowa State says too little light slows rooting, so cuttings may rot or dry out before roots form. Move them brighter, but out of direct sun. Use fresh, clean medium and containers.
• Wilting. Cuttings have no roots to replace lost water. Iowa State suggests trimming large leaves and keeping humidity high.
• No growth. Check the temperature. NC State gives a preferred range of 18–29 °C (65–85 °F) for the plant. Missouri Botanical Garden warns that temperatures below 16 °C (60 °F) may damage the leaves.

Planting for a fuller pot

UConn suggests an aroid mix, or houseplant mix lightened with extra perlite or orchid bark. NC State asks for moist but well-drained mix. For a fuller look, plant several rooted cuttings in one pot.

Safety

The RHS lists satin pothos as harmful if eaten and a skin and eye irritant, so wear gloves when cutting. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Keep jars of cuttings out of reach.

The method is close to golden pothos; compare our pothos propagation guide and the wider houseplant propagation guide.

Related guides

Other satin pothos problems we cover: curling leaves, yellow leaves.

References

• NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Scindapsus pictus
• Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder: Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’
• UConn Home & Garden Education Center: If Scindapsus is Wrong, I Don’t Want to Be Right (2026)
• Iowa State University Extension: How to Propagate Houseplants by Stem Tip Cuttings
• Illinois Extension: Cuttings
• Penn State Extension: Propagating Houseplants
• RHS: Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’
• ASPCA: Satin Pothos