How to Propagate Pothos and Hang Them in a Bathroom Shower

You love the lush, trailing vines of pothos plants and the serene, spa-like atmosphere they can create. But your bathroom, especially the shower area, feels like a missed opportunity. You’ve heard plants can thrive there, yet you’re unsure where to start. Buying multiple large plants can be expensive, and you worry about the logistics of hanging them safely in a humid, often low-light space. What if you could create that beautiful, cascading green wall for a fraction of the cost, using just one parent plant?

The solution is simpler than you think: learning how to propagate pothos and hang them in a bathroom shower. This method is cost-effective, deeply rewarding, and perfectly suited to the warm, humid conditions a shower provides. This guide will walk you through every step, from snipping your first cutting to securely displaying your new, thriving plants.

Why Pothos is the Perfect Shower Plant

Before we dive into propagation, let’s understand why pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is an ideal candidate for your bathroom oasis. Renowned for its resilience, pothos is a champion of adaptability. Horticulture experts consistently rank it among the top low-maintenance houseplants. It tolerates a wide range of light conditions, from bright indirect light to the lower light typical of many bathrooms. Most importantly, it thrives in higher humidity. The steam from your showers creates a microenvironment that mimics its tropical origins, promoting lush growth and reducing the need for frequent watering. Its trailing vines are perfect for hanging, instantly adding vertical interest and a touch of nature to your daily routine.

Part 1: The Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Pothos

Propagation is simply creating new plants from a section of an existing one. For pothos, the most reliable and beginner-friendly method is stem cuttings in water.

Gathering Your Supplies

You don’t need specialized equipment. Gather a healthy parent pothos plant, a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, a clear glass jar or vase, and fresh water. Having everything ready makes the process smooth.

Identifying and Taking the Perfect Cutting

Look for a healthy vine with vibrant leaves. The key to successful propagation is the node—a small, brownish bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Using your clean shears, cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem just below a node. Ensure your cutting has at least 2-3 nodes and 2-3 leaves. You can take multiple cuttings from one vine to start several new plants at once.

The Rooting Process: Water vs. Soil

• Water Propagation: This is the recommended method for beginners because it allows you to see the progress. Place your cuttings in the jar, ensuring all nodes are submerged in water, but keeping the leaves above the surface. Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light. Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent bacterial growth. In 1-3 weeks, you’ll see white roots sprouting from the nodes.
• Soil Propagation: You can also plant cuttings directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. While slightly faster, it doesn’t allow you to monitor root growth. Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) until new growth indicates the cutting has rooted.

When to Pot Your Rooted Cuttings

Once the roots are about 1-2 inches long, your new pothos is ready for soil. Gently plant it in a small pot with drainage holes, using a standard houseplant potting mix. Water it thoroughly and care for it as you would a mature plant.

Part 2: How to Hang Pothos in a Bathroom Shower Safely and Stylishly

Now for the fun part: creating your shower greenery. Safety and plant health are paramount.

Choosing the Right Location

Assess your shower’s light. While pothos tolerates low light, a spot that receives some ambient light (from a window or a bright bathroom) will promote better growth. Avoid placing leaves directly under harsh, hot water streams. A corner or a spot on the wall opposite the showerhead is often ideal.

Selecting Secure Hanging Mechanisms

This is crucial. Standard adhesive hooks often fail in constant humidity. You need solutions designed for wet environments.

• Waterproof Adhesive Hooks: Look for hooks specifically rated for “wet rooms” or “bathrooms,” with a strong, waterproof adhesive like 3M’s Command™ Bath series. Always follow weight limits and surface preparation instructions.
• Suction Hooks with Vacuums: High-quality suction cups with a vacuum lock can be very effective on smooth, non-porous tiles. Press them firmly to create a strong seal.
• Ceiling Hooks (For Permanent Installations): For a more permanent and secure display, you can install a small screw-in hook into a ceiling joist or use a sturdy, rust-resistant tension rod placed across the shower width.

Pot and Planter Considerations

The pot must have drainage holes to prevent root rot. Use a lightweight plastic or composite pot inside a decorative, waterproof cachepot or hanging basket. Ensure your hanging setup can support the weight of the pot, soil, and a watered plant.

Creating the Cascading Effect

For a full, lush look, create a hanging pothos display in your shower by grouping several propagated plants at different heights. Use multiple hooks or a multi-tiered hanging planter. Train the vines by gently guiding them along the wall or letting them cascade freely. Regular trimming of the longest vines will encourage bushier growth at the top, making the plant look fuller.

Ongoing Care for Your Shower Pothos

Your plants will enjoy the humidity, but they still need basic care. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry—this may be less frequent than for pothos in other rooms. The shower humidity will do much of the work. Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove mineral deposits from water splashes and keep them photosynthesizing efficiently. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

Will the soap and shampoo harm my pothos? Generally, no. Occasional, diluted splashes won’t harm the plant. However, try to avoid direct, concentrated streams of product onto the soil or leaves. Rinsing the leaves gently with clean water during your shower can help prevent any buildup.

How often should I water my pothos in the shower? This is the most common question. The rule of thumb is to check the soil. The constant humidity means the soil stays moist longer. Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry. This could be every 10-14 days, compared to weekly watering in a drier room.

What if my shower has no natural light? While pothos is tolerant, no plant can survive in complete darkness. If your bathroom is very dark, consider using a grow light. A small, waterproof LED grow light placed outside the shower area can provide the necessary light spectrum for your plants to thrive.

Embracing the process of propagating and hanging pothos transforms your shower from a purely functional space into a personal retreat. It’s a project that combines creativity with the simple joy of nurturing growth. By starting with a single cutting, you can cultivate an entire cascade of greenery that not only purifies the air but also enhances your daily well-being. With the right secure hanging methods and an understanding of the plant’s basic needs, you’ll create a thriving, living decoration that makes every day feel a little more spa-like.