You might have walked past pothos plants in garden centres all the time. They can be overlooked as just another houseplant. But they’re actually surprisingl beneficial to you and your home.
They can make any area of your home look good with gorgeous leaves and trialing vines but they also offer lots of amazing benefits too.
So let’s take a look at the various advantages of growing a Pothos plant in your home.
Air Purification
One of the standout benefits of the Pothos plant is how to improves the quality of the air in your home.
Studies have shown that Pothos can remove common pollutants you’ll find indoors, like formaldehyde, benzene and xylene. This will make your home a better a nicer place to live.
Adaptability to Light Conditions
One of the best things about pothos plants are how adaptable they are to light. They can do really well in lower light and that makes them great for living Ina room that doesn’t get much natural light.
But they also do well in bright and indirect light, and often grow better. This means you can put them in a variety of spots around the home without having to worry about getting their lighting just right.
Low Maintenance and Resilience
If you’re someone that doesn’t have a particularly green thumb then a pothos plant makes a perfect choice. It’s known for needing very little maintenance and is tough.
Pothos will put up with occasional neglect, watering that isn’t consistent and varying levels of humidity. It’s this that makes it such a good plant for those who are busy and also new to caring for and growing plants.
Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility
As well as having health benefits pothos plants are obviously very beautiful and natural.
You can train its vines to climb up trellises or let it cascade down from a hanging basket. Both of which look fantastic in your home.
The variegated leaves, with patterns of green, yellow or white go well with lots of different styles of homes and interior design.
Popular Pothos Varieties
| Variety Name | Leaf Description |
|---|---|
| Golden Pothos | Dark green leaves with golden and yellow variegation |
| Marble Queen Pothos | Green leaves marbled with creamy white |
| Neon Pothos | Bright, chartreuse colored leaves |
| Manjula Pothos | Heart shaped leaves with white, cream and green variegation |
Mental Health Benefits
Having plants like pothos in your home can have a positive effect on your mental health. Having greenery around you has been associated with reduced stress levels, improved mood and increased productivity.
So caring for something like a pothos plant can give you a sense of accomplishment and a calming routine that will help with your mental well being.
Easy Propagation
Another plus point for pothos plants is how easy to propagate they are. All you have to do is take stem cuttings and put them in water or soil and they will grow into new plants with very little effort on your part.
This lets you have even more plants in your home without any extra cost but also means you can share them with friends and family.
Propagation Steps:
- Select a healthy vine that has several leaves.
- Cut a 4 to 6 inch section just below a node (where a leaf joins the stem).
- Remove the lower leaves so you can see the nodes.
- Put the cutting in water or soil.
- Keep it in indirect light and the moisture consistent.
- Roots should develop in a few weeks and then you should transplant it to a pot if it started in water.
Humidity Regulation
Pothos help to maintain the humidity in your home through something called transpiration. This is where they release moisture into the air.
This can be extra helpful if your home is noticeably dry as it will keep the air moist and more comfortable.
Noise Reduction
This may sound strange but one benefit of indoor plants like pothos is that they can absorb sound. The stems and leaves will reduce the noise levels in your home and make it quieter and more relaxed (if that’s what you want).
Symbolism
In various cultures the Pothos plant is associated with prosperity and good fortune. In Feng Shui, for example, placing a pothos in certain parts of the home can increase positive energy and attract wealth.
While these beliefs vary the fact that it has such a positive reputation is part of the reason it’s so popular.
Economic Benefits
Pothos plants are readily available both online and in gardening stores. They’re also pretty cheap.
Their easy propagation means that with a single plant you can grow multiple new ones over time. This will also save you lots in the long run if you’re aiming to have more plants.
Propagating Pothos can even become a small money maker on the side. You could sell your propagated plants to neighbors or online as a fun way to make a little extra cash.
Cost Comparison Table
| Plant Type | Average Cost | Ease of Propagation | Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos | $5 to $20 | Extremely Easy | Low |
| Fiddle Leaf Fig | $30 to $150 | Difficult | Moderate |
| Snake Plant | $15 to $50 | Easy | Low |
| Monstera Deliciosa | $25 to $100 | Moderate | Moderate |
Pothos as a Natural Décor Element
As touched on earlier pothos work well in a variety of interior design styles:
- Minimalist Spaces: Use a single trailing vine in a hanging pot.
- Bohemian Décor: Pair them with macramé hangers and wooden shelves.
- Industrial Style: Put them in metal or concrete pots.
The fact they can adapt so well to their environment is what makes them great when decorating. You can mix them different varieties in one put for another unique look.
Educational Opportunities for Kids
You can use a pothos plant as a way to teach children about caring for plants and biology.
Children can learn about:
- The importance of sunlight and water.
- The process of photosynthesis.
- How to propagate new plants from cuttings.
Showing children plants and nature early on can spark a life long curiosity and love for the outdoors.
Impact on the Environment
As well as making your home more beautiful pothos have an impact on the environment . They purify the air which reduces the toxins and so makes them a good choice if you want something eco friendly.
And as they’re so tough it means they don’t need as many resources (like water or fertilizers) compared to more demanding houseplants.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even though Pothos is forgiving you can’t guarantee it won’t have some problems. These are the most common issues and how to avoid them:
- Overwatering: Pothos doesn’t like soggy soil. Let the top inch of soil dry out before you water again.
- Direct Sunlight: Too much sun can burn the leaves. Bright, indirect light is better.
- Neglecting Pruning: Regularly trimming and pruning your plant will help stop leggy growth.
Creative Ways to Use Pothos
While most people grow Pothos in pots or hanging baskets there are some creative options you could choose:
1. Living Wall: Train your pothos to cook a trellis or frame on your wall.
2. Table Runner: Use a long trailing vine as a centerpiece on your dining table.
3. Terrarium Accent: Use small pothos cuttings in a closed terrarium.
4. Bathroom Buddy: Hang a Pothos in the shower to make it more like a spa (they thrive in high humidity).
Final Thoughts
Pothos is a great choice for anyone. It’s adaptable, requires very little main fences and brings you lots of benefits. So even if you’re completely new to plants it’s hard to beat the pothos.