---
title: "Cutting advice needed: where *exactly* should I cut this stem to prop…"
description: "Cutting advice needed: where *exactly* should I cut this stem to prop it? I need specifics, because I'm too nervous about messing it up.. Any and all…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg/8rSTJKNo27AmPzZd18myVB"
community: "Propagating & Sowing"
author: "Danae"
published: "2025-08-12T19:11:07.438591Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/13QWgSqrB-ViUjf7f01m5WFyCW8JFqpVCnYryjpd5hI/jnDZZuCQQUC-Ws-kpnUP4Q.webp?size=large"
---

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# Cutting advice needed: where \*exactly\* should I cut this stem to prop…

_Posted by Danae on 2025-08-12_

Cutting advice needed: where \*exactly\* should I cut this stem to prop it? I need specifics, because I'm too nervous about messing it up.. Any and all suggestions welcome!

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/13QWgSqrB-ViUjf7f01m5WFyCW8JFqpVCnYryjpd5hI/jnDZZuCQQUC-Ws-kpnUP4Q.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/13QWgSqrB-ViUjf7f01m5WFyCW8JFqpVCnYryjpd5hI/n7pVNbf3QTiG07_C5n_e8g.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### GreenLeaf commented on 2025-08-12

Nodes are located between the red lines. That’s the part you want to make sure is in the medium of choice.

You can cut it so you have multiple nodes/cutting (not cutting between every node) or you CAN cut between every node. Up to you.

I find node props work best if you’re proping in moss/perlite/soil. If you want to water prop I usually like a few leaves on mine.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/u2Rb07DIhCw9zCYixTDSxFPEy0Mr6tu5Z8oplUQ0m0I/zDgsWFD0RvC_ctB2uTJ0og.webp?size=large)

#### Danae replied on 2025-08-12

Thank you! So each line marks where I could cut, correct? I'm thinking of cutting along the line second closest to the base.

#### GreenLeaf replied on 2025-08-12

Yes :)

That’s an appropriate spot to cut. You could go shorter if you wanted without hurting the plant. But that’s totally up to you.

You can leave your new piece as a whole, or cut it so each node is its own piece.

However you decide to cut your prop, allow the props to callous over before putting them into your medium of choice. That means leaving your cuttings sit until the opens ends have dried and hardened (an hour or so depending on environment). This will help reduce the chances of your props rotting due to absorbing too much moisture.

### sarita commented on 2025-08-13

i wouldn’t cut it tbh. i would just stake it down to the soil in the pot it’s in!

#### Danae replied on 2025-08-13

Like you would try to get it to root from those nodes? I hadn't thought of that, but it might be a little long

#### sarita replied on 2025-08-16

yep! especially because there aren’t leaves there. that way it’s still attached to the mother plant to help. it’ll be much longer to chop and prop without leaves. here’s a pic of a rescue pothos that only had 1-2 leaves that survived so i staked! now there are ~10 new vines instead of one

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/YemI4K1MBAAkElBiimgc4WyNnMuc2od3fzgJyOqV0lk/EX09im9mT4udWu_s707oIA.webp?size=large)

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