Will pothos grow back if you cut it back?

Author: Manuela Klocko  |  Last update: Monday, June 22, 2026

If you have a large pothos that is getting out of control, trimming it back is a good way to manage the size and shape. Make cuts with a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Cut vines just above a node, the point at which leaves emerge. New growth will appear at these nodes after you make the cut.

Will pothos regrow after cutting?

Yes, a pothos stem can produce new leaves even if it has no leaves left. Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum) are known for their ability to regenerate. As long as the stem is healthy and has at least a few nodes (the small bumps or joints along the stem), it can sprout new growth.

Will my pothos grow where I cut it?

Trimming Your Pothos Make your cut about 1/4'' or so above a leaf node (those are the little bumps along the stems). Your plant should grow a new stem out of a node above where you cut, so don't worry that it won't recover!

What happens if you cut a pothos and no new leaves?

It's ok that your vines have no leaves as long as you give them a bit more time! ✂️Trim the Cutting: If you have a cutting with no leaves, you can still use it for propagation, but it may take longer to establish roots. Trim the cutting just below a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Does trimming pothos make it bushier?

Pruning directly at the leaf nodes can help the plant to form more bushy foliage. However, the easiest way to get the desired bushy shape is simply to grow several pothos plants in one pot.

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How to get pothos to grow new leaves?

Growing New Pothos Vines

One way to make foliage grow in the pot is to clip the plant stems under a node to push growing energy to the nodes above. Let a leaf or two remain on what you've cut off. New pothos vines will sprout and eventually become longer shoots.

Should you cut yellow leaves off pothos?

Too much sun can cause your pothos plant's leaves to yellow. This often appears as bleached or yellowish patches on the leaves. "If there's a lot of damage, you can remove affected leaves; otherwise, wait for the pothos to push out enough new growth to help cover up the old, damaged growth," says Hancock.

How often should I water pothos?

Water your Pothos every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. If the plant's leaves begin curling inward or the potting mix is dry, this is a sign you need to water it more often.

How do I make my pothos grow fuller?

Your pothos isn't bushy because you haven't been cutting it back. It seems almost counter-intuitive that you need to be pruning your pothos to help it be more full, but it's true. You should regularly prune/pinch back stems to help your pothos grow bushy and full.

Can I put pothos cutting directly into soil?

As an alternative method of propagating pothos, you can put it directly in soil. To do this, you will need to use a rooting hormone. Take a cutting, as above, dip it into water and then into rooting hormone, then plant the cutting directly in potting soil. It will take a few months to root.

How to revive pothos?

Revive your wilting Golden Pothos 🌿 by spotting and fixing these life-threatening signs!
  1. Yellow leaves and wilting signal distress; check for over or under-watering.
  2. Medium, indirect sunlight and stable temperatures are ideal for Pothos health.
  3. Combat pests and diseases early with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

How to tell the difference between pothos and philodendron?

Philodendron leaves are thin, soft, and papery, whereas pothos leaves feel thicker and waxier. You can also eyeball the leaf shape to tell the difference: Philodendrons have heart-shaped leaves, while pothos plants bow out in a more traditional way.

Where do you cut pothos to regrow?

To propagate Pothos in soil, take a 4”-6” cutting with a few leaves. It should be cut above a node at 45 degrees, and the bottom leaves should be removed. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to speed up the rooting process. Fill a pot with soil, water it slightly, and make a hole in the middle using a pencil.

Should I cut off damaged pothos leaves?

🍂 Removing Yellow or Damaged Leaves

Snip them off at the base to redirect your plant's energy to the greener, more productive leaves. If you spot a damaged leaf, show no mercy; a clean cut where the leaf meets the stem will help prevent potential disease spread.

Can pothos revert?

All variegated plants -- including 'Marble Queen' pothos -- have the ability to revert to their non-variegated forms. This is a natural occurrence that can happen at any time.

What does an overwatered pothos look like?

A: If overwatered, your pothos will typically show signs of yellowing and mushy leaves.

Do pothos like to climb or hang?

Do Pothos like to climb or hang? Pothos naturally vine horizontally or hang downward from their pot unless there is more sunlight to reach up for. Depending on your preferences, these laid-back, easy-to-care-for plants are willing to climb, trellis, weave, or dangle from a hanging basket.

Should I mist my pothos every day?

Humidity: This plant likes high humidity but it is very tolerant and can thrive even where there is low humidity. For best results, mist once a week in the summer and once every two weeks in the winter. Pruning: Keep the stems trimmed relatively short to keep foliage full along the full stems.

How do you make pothos happy?

Keep your pothos happy by:
  1. Avoiding direct sunlight - pothos prefer bright, but indirect light.
  2. Watering when the top two inches of soil feel dry.
  3. Misting every few days - they love a humid environment.

Do pothos like direct sunlight?

Bright, Indirect Light: Pothos plants do best in bright, indirect light. Place your Pothos near a window with a sheer curtain, or in a spot that receives bright but filtered light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves and cause them to wilt.

Will pothos regrow leaves after cutting?

Yes, you can wield your scissors freely, knowing that pothos plants are quite resilient and can typically grow back after being cut!

How to train a pothos to climb?

Add a Moss Pole

Add the pole to the pot and secure the vines using twist or zip ties. Eventually, your plant will begin attaching itself to the pole, which usually takes a few months. Keep the moss pole evenly moist to encourage your pothos to climb the moss.

How long do pothos plants live?

Pothos plants live an average five to 10 years, but with minimal consistent care can live much longer. Plant pothos in standard houseplant potting mix or well-draining aroid mix. Provide plenty of indirect light, ideally in an east- or west-facing window.

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