Harvesting Brazilian Pothos Plant:
Timing and Techniques

The Brazilian Pothos plant, also known as the Epipremnum pinnatum, is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for and grows quickly. One of the main reasons people love this plant is because it is so easy to propagate. Harvesting the plant is a great way to propagate new plants, but timing and techniques are important to ensure success.

When to Harvest Brazilian Pothos

The best time to harvest Brazilian Pothos is during the spring or summer months when the plant is actively growing. During this time, the plant will have plenty of energy and will be better able to recover from the pruning.

Avoid harvesting during the fall or winter months when the plant is dormant. The plant will have limited energy during this time, and pruning can cause stress that could harm the plant’s overall health.

Techniques for Harvesting Brazilian Pothos

There are two main techniques for harvesting Brazilian Pothos: stem cuttings and division.

Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings are the most common form of harvesting for Brazilian Pothos. To take stem cuttings from your plant, follow these steps:

1. Choose a healthy stem that has at least two or three leaves attached.
2. Use clean, sharp scissors or gardening shears to make a clean cut just below a node (the point where leaves attach to the stem).
3. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
4. Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone (optional).
5. Place the cutting into a small pot filled with well-draining soil.
6. Water thoroughly and keep in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.
7. Wait for roots to develop before transplanting into a larger pot.

Division

Division involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems. This technique is ideal if your Brazilian Pothos has become too large for its pot or if you want to propagate multiple plants at once.

To divide your Brazilian Pothos plant, follow these steps:

1. Remove the parent plant from its pot and gently shake off any excess soil.
2. Look for natural points where the plant has already started to produce new shoots or stems.
3. Use clean, sharp gardening shears to carefully separate each section into individual plants.
4. Plant each section in its own pot filled with well-draining soil.
5. Water thoroughly and keep in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight.

FAQ

How often should I harvest my Brazilian Pothos?

It’s best to avoid harvesting too often as this can put stress on your plant and negatively impact its growth. Stick to once or twice per year during the spring or summer months.

Can I propagate my Brazilian Pothos without harvesting?

Yes! Brazilian Pothos can be propagated through air layering or by placing cuttings directly into water instead of soil.

How long does it take for cuttings to root?

It can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks for cuttings to develop roots, depending on factors such as temperature and humidity levels.

Can I harvest my Brazilian Pothos during the fall or winter?

While it’s technically possible, it’s not recommended as the plant will have limited energy during this time and may struggle to recover from pruning.

How do I care for my newly propagated plants?

Newly propagated plants should be kept in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight until they are established. Water them regularly but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Once they have developed strong roots, you can treat them like mature plants.