09/24/2026
The secret to getting SPLIT leaves on your pothos đż
First of all, letâs get our terminology right!
Pinnations vs fenestrations
Pinnations are splits that start at the edge of the leaf and cut in toward the middle. Otherwise known as a split leaf (Pothos are popular for this). Fenestrations are holes inside the leaf (Monstera Deliciosa is a great example).
But which pothos can develop pinnation?
Epipremnum aureum is your classic pothos: Golden, Marble Queen, NâJoy, Neon, Manjula. They can split, but it takes LOTS of light and a few years before they reach maturity.
Epipremnum pinnatum includes Cebu Blue, Baltic Blue, etc. âPinnatumâ literally means feather-like, and these develop splits WAY faster.
OhâŚ. and satin pothos? Silver pothos? Not even a pothos at all lol. Itâs Scindapsus.
But how do I actually get splits?!
You have to let it climb! Hanging vines stay juvenile , but climbing mimics the plantâs natural environment which will trigger mature leaves to develop.
Other than support to climb, you have to give your pothos bright ALL DAY light (think the consistency of outdoor shade). 2-4 hours of some direct sun indoors is great! More light means bigger leaves. Pothos appreciate being kept somewhere consistently warm as well.
Also, keep the stake your plant is on moist as the aerial roots need something damp to grab onto.
Then be patient! Each new leaf comes in a little bigger than the last.
DIY coco coir stake
You need:
PVC pipe or a wooden stick
a coco coir hanging basket liner or mat
zip ties or jute rope
Cut the liner to size, wrap it tight around the pipe, and tie it every few inches. Put it in the pot BEFORE you attach the plant so you donât crush the roots.
Stake care:
Keep it damp. Mist it or pour a little water down it a few times a week. If the coir is dry, the roots wonât grab.
Just donât let the soil at the bottom stay soggy.
Attach the nodes facing the stake with plant velcro or clips. Do not tie the leaves down!
When the plant hits the top, add another section.
Replace the coco coir if it gets moldy or crusty with mineral buildup.