How to Cut Back a Pothos

Cut back pothos stems to the desired length using a sharp knife or pruning scissors. Sever stems 1/2 inch above a leaf. Prune during the early spring before they start to grow vigorously.

Remove the final 3 inches of all stems to encourage new growth and branching. Growing tips can be severed several times during the growing season if you want a bushy plant. Pothos stems will not branch unless you remove their growing tip. Remove any stems that have lost leaves and become bare by cutting them off a few inches above the soil line. They will be replaced with new stems.

Prune outdoor pothos plants grown as ground cover by removing the growing tips at least twice a year. This encourages thick growth. Un-pruned pothos plants that are allowed to climb can develop stems up to 10 feet long and leaves up to 2 feet across.

Plant the tips of severed branches in moist potting compost and cover with a transparent plastic bag held in place by an elastic band. Keep on a bright windowsill until the cuttings produce new shoots. Plant several together in a 6-inch pot or hanging basket. Fertilize once a month with a liquid houseplant feed diluted by 50 percent.