Leave the root above the leaves out of the soil, It will turn brownish and stiff, it will be fine.

The black stem over the hook is dead. You may be able to cut off and root whatever is left on the growing end.

thank you! i have liiked at this post for ten minutes trying to figure this out! i would to have suggested cutting the root off

I forgot to mention that some metals are toxic when they are in continuous contact rubbing against a plant's stem or other tissues.

You should cover the hook with a small piece of plastic or rubber hose. It will also soften the bend the plant has to take.

In your top pic, I would plant the piece on the left horizontally at the soil surface. That would give it the most encouragement toward making new growth tips - at each node making a root that doesn't yet have a growth tip.

Is there more to the piece on the right? I don't see any roots, or even nodes below the leaves, although the node AT the leaves should be "usable." The stem looks like it may be rotting below there, where it goes out of the picture.

Are you seeing some new tips on the original vine from which these pieces were cut?

the photo confuses me

Thanks, didn't think of the hook wanting to be toxic, apparently neither did my dh.. lesson learned.

The one on the right has no roots!! just the leaves, silly thing. It isn't rotting, just dark color. But it is growing. no nodes either,, very strange... just straight out of the stem.

As far as new growth on the mother vine, yes, a lot of growth. Can't believe it either with the abuse it has taken.

So either way for the left one then? either upright or horizonal, thanks, will let him know. he was wondering what to do with it, how to do it, thought I would ask.. :)

teengardener -- i am sorry to confuse you, but it seems that is what I do best these days, confuse people, lol

its okay. my eyesight isnt that great

I have seen pothos stems die off like that near the pots when they have been overwatered. The live green ends can be rooted. The black dried/shriveled section is dead.