The problem
Plants like pothos are easy to propagate. But the internet loves anything that resembles a scientific experiment, so now there’s a trend for using candle wax.
The hack
Putting a wax “cap” on a cutting is supposed to keep bacteria out and force new roots to sprout from the nodes above. In practice, you’re coating a wound that already knows how to heal, with a substance that does nothing to help it.
The method
Take a fresh stem cutting, dip the cut end into melted candle wax, let it harden, then place the node under water in a clean glass; the leaves should stay above the water. Make sure you change the water twice a week and keep the cutting in bright, indirect light. The goal is for the stem to produce strong, healthy roots.
The test
I used a control: one cutting with the end dipped in cooled candle wax, one simply placed in water. The plain cutting rooted quickly and cleanly. The waxed one sat there sulking, with the sealed end doing nothing and roots eventually emerging from higher up the stem anyway.
The verdict
The plant is doing the work, not the candle wax. Dipping pothos cuttings in wax adds faff, fragrance and potential contaminants for no benefit. A sharp cut, clean water and good light remain the best “hack” for propagating pothos.
