Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is loved for its fast growth and trailing vines. But without regular pruning, it can become leggy or overgrown. The good news is that pruning pothos is easy and even helps the plant grow healthier and bushier.
In this guide, you’ll learn why pruning matters, the best time to prune, the tools you need, and how to prune pothos correctly without harming your plant.
Why Should You Prune Pothos?
Pruning isn’t just about keeping your pothos looking neat—it directly improves the plant’s health and growth. Here’s why it matters:
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Encourages bushier growth by stimulating new vines
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Removes leggy or yellow leaves that drain energy
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Controls the size of your plant if it is getting too long
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Promotes healthier vines by improving airflow and light exposure
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Provides cuttings you can use to propagate new plants
Related read: How to Propagate Pothos?
When Is the Best Time to Prune Pothos?
Spring and summer are the best seasons to prune since pothos grow actively during these months.
Avoid heavy pruning in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Light trimming of yellow or dead leaves can be done at any time of the year.
Tools You’ll Need
Pruning pothos requires only a few basic tools:
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Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears (to avoid tearing stems)
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Gloves (optional, since pothos sap can irritate skin)
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A clean surface for collecting cuttings if you plan to propagate
How to Prune Pothos: Step by Step
1. Identify Vines to Cut
Look for:
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Long, leggy vines with few leaves
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Yellowing, brown, or damaged leaves
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Overgrown vines that are too long for your space
2. Cut Above a Node
Always make cuts just above a node (the point where a leaf joins the vine). This encourages new growth from that spot.
3. Shape the Plant
Trim back vines to the desired length. Remove no more than one-third of the plant at once to avoid stress.
4. Use the Cuttings
Don’t throw away the trimmed vines. Place cuttings in water or soil to create new pothos plants.
Pruning Tips for a Bushier Pothos
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Prune multiple vines instead of just one for a fuller plant
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Rotate the plant regularly so light reaches all sides
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If your pothos looks thin at the base, cut long vines back closer to the soil to encourage growth near the roots
Common Questions About Pruning Pothos
Q1: Can I prune pothos in winter?
Yes, but growth will be slower. Major pruning is best in spring or summer.
Q2: Will pruning kill my pothos?
No, pruning actually helps pothos grow healthier. Just avoid cutting off more than one-third of the plant at once.
Q3: How often should I prune pothos?
Every 2–3 months is usually enough, depending on how fast your plant grows.
Final Thoughts
Pruning pothos is a simple but powerful way to keep your plant looking lush and healthy. By cutting just above the nodes and removing old or leggy growth, you’ll encourage new vines, prevent legginess, and even have cuttings to grow more plants.
With a little regular pruning, your pothos will stay vibrant, bushy, and beautiful year-round.
If you’re planning to move your plant after pruning, check out our guide on How to Repot Pothos for best practices.
