If you’re looking to give your pothtos plant the best possible home then this guide is for you. I’m gong to take you through pothos and soil – what works, what doesn’t and how to create the perfect mix that will get your pothos growing better than ever.
Understanding Pothos and Their Soil Preferences
Giving your pothos the right soul mix will make a big difference to how it grows and it’s health.
Key Soil Characteristics for Pothos
- Well Draining: Pothos hate sitting in soil that is waterlogged. If they are left in a very wet soil for any length of time it can lead to root rot. So your pothos needs to have good drainage.
- Moisture: While drainage is important, the soil should also hold on to some moisture so the roots stay hydrated and don’t dry out.
- Nutrients: Your pothos needs a mix of soil that is fertile and has enough nutrients for it to grow well.
- Slightly Acidic pH: Pothos like their soil to have a pH between 6.1 and 6.8.
Crafting the Ideal Soil Mix
Creating your own soil mix lets you make it specifically for your pothos and what it needs.
This is the mix I use so you can try it for yours and see how it works:
Ingredients
- 2 parts peat moss or coco coir
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part pine bark fines or orchid bark
- Optional: 1 part compost or worm castings for added nutrients
Instructions
- In a large container, mix the peat moss (or coco coir), perlite and pine bark fines (or orchid bark).
- If you’ve decided to use it then add the compost or worm castings to the mix.
- Mix all ingredients together fully.
- Moisten the mix slightly before potting to so it’s got enough moisture running through all of it.
Why These Ingredients?
- Peat Moss/Coco Coir: Both of these hold on to moisture at the same time as helping with air flow. Coco coir is a good alternative to peat moss.
- Perlite: Helps with drainage and air flow, also stops the soil for getting compacted.
- Pine Bark Fines/Orchid Bark: Also help with drainage and add organic matter, which makes the roots grow more healthily.
- Compost/Worm Castings: Has lots of nutrients, which supports good growth and makes the structure of the soil better.
Store Bought Soil Mixes: What to Look For
If you don’t want to go the DIY route then that fine. There are lots of mixes you can buy that are made for you.
But when you’re choosing one think about these sorts of things:
- Well Draining Formulation: Choose a mix that is designed for indoor plants or aroids as they generally have better drainage.
- Supplement with Perlite: To make the air flow better you might want to add some extra perlite to the mix.
- Avoid Heavy Garden Soils: These can hold on to way too much moisture and may even have pests or diseases in them.
Potting Tips for Pothos
Choosing the Right Container
- Drainage Holes: Always use pots with drainage holes so you don’t get a build up of water at the bottom.
- Size Matters: Choose a pot that’s 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the one it’s currently in. This will give it a chance to grow without too much soil that can hold to a lot of moisture.
Repotting Steps
- Take your Pothos out of its current pot but be careful with the roots and make sure you don’t damage them.
- Look at the roots and trim any that you find are black or mushy, as these are rotting.
- Put fresh soil mix at the bottom of the new pot.
- Place your pothos in the center of the pot and soil and fill in the ret with your soil mix. Press down carefully when you’ve finished as it will get rid of any air pockets that have formed.
- Water so that the water runs out of the bottom, making sure all of the soil is moist.
Watering Practices: Getting the Right Balance
The right watering is important to the soil mix too. If you overwater it can cause root rot but not enough water will make your pothos wilt.
Guidelines
- Check Soil Moisture: Before you water put your finger around an inch into the soil. If it feels dry then you can be confident to go ahead and water.
- Watering Frequency: Generally water every 1 to 2 weeks, although you’ll want to change that depending on how humid and hot or cold it is.
- Avoid Waterlogged Soil: Make sure all the excess water drains away. And don’t let your pothos sit in standing water.
Fertilizing Your Pothos
A good soil mix is the best starting point but a little fertilizing can help for even better growth.
Recommendations
- Type: Use a balanced fertilizer that you’ve diluted to half strength.
- Frequency: Feed once a month during the growing season (that’s the spring and summer). However in the fall and winter it’s best to either slow down fertilizing or stop completely.
- Application: Always apply your fertilizer to moist soil so you don’t burn the roots.
Common Soil Issues and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
Possible Causes: Overwatering, poor drainage or not enough nutrients.
Solutions
- Make sure the pot has drainage holes and the soil mix drains well.
- Let the top inch of soil to dry out before you water again.
- You can also use a fertilizer to deal with any issues around the lack of nutrients.
Drooping or Wilting
Possible Causes: Underwatering, compacted soil or damaged roots.
Solutions
- See what the moisture of the soil is like. If it’s too dry then water it thoroughly.
- Repot with a soil mix that is fresh and has good air flow. Important if the soil is compacted.
- Look at the roots as you repot and get rid of any damaged parts.
Stunted Growth
Possible Causes: Poor quality soil, a lack of nutrients or soil that’s too acidic or alkaline.
Solutions
- Test the soil’s pH and either use lime or sulfur to increase or decrease the pH. Line increases pH, sulfur decreases pH.
- Use compost or worm castings to give your pothos a boost of nutrients.
- Make sure your pothos is not root bound by repotting into a slightly bigger pot.
Additional Tips for Thriving Pothos
Photos don’t need a lot of maintenance but a few extra tips can keep them thriving and look their best.
- Rotate the Plant: Turn your Pothos every few weeks so it gets even amounts of light and balanced growth.
- Clean the Leaves: Wipe the leaves occasionally with a cloth to get toc of any dust as it can block the light and make photosynthesis poorer.
- Propagation: If your Pothos gets too leggy snip a few cuttings and propagate them in water or directly in soil to create new plants.
- Monitor Pests: Keep an eye out for spider mites or mealybugs. If you find any treat them quickly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
FAQs About Pothos Soil
Can Pothos Grow in Water Only?
Yes, Pothos can grow in water but they may grow slower as the r won’t get the nutrients found in soil. Adding a liquid fertilizer to the water can help to compensate for this.
Is Regular Garden Soil Suitable for Pothos?
Garden soil is usually too dense for Pothos and can result in poor drainage and root rot. Always use a potting mix that is designed for houseplants. Or if you have to add garden soil with things like perlite and coco coir.
How Often Should I Replace Pothos Soil?
Repot your Pothos every 1 to 2 years or when you notice signs of the soil becoming compacted, root bound or your pothos is generally starting to look unhappy. Fresh soil will make the drainage better, improve the amount of nutrients and air flow.
Final Thoughts
Pothos plants are incredibly forgiving, which is always helpful! But giving them the right soil mix will make them grow even better.
You can either go with your own mix or just buy one and modify it. Focus on the drainage, nutrients and air flow though as those are most important to your pothos. Get it right and your plant will be thriving for many years to come.