Pothos is the ultimate houseplant – perfect for beginners and a favorite for seasoned plant lovers. It’s tough, adaptable and gorgeous.
Whether you want it to cascade from a shelf, climb a wall or brighten your desk, pothos is a great option. Best of all? It’s ridiculously easy to care for.
So this guide will help you keep this low-maintenance beauty thriving.
Understanding Your Pothos
Before we get in to the care specifics it’s useful to understand the unique characteristics of pothos:
- Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
- Common Names: Devil’s Ivy, Golden Pothos, Money Plant
- Origin: Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and the Solomon Islands.
- Growth Habit: Evergreen vine with heart-shaped leaves, capable of trailing or climbing.
Choosing the Right Spot
Pothos are adaptable but selecting the right location can really enhance their growth:
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. They can tolerate low light but may exhibit slower growth and reduced variegation. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
- Temperature: Maintain indoor temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
- Humidity: While they prefer moderate to high humidity, pothos can adapt to average indoor humidity levels. In drier environments, occasional misting can be beneficial.
Watering Wisely
Overwatering is a common pitfall with pothos care. Here’s how to get it right:
- Check Soil Moisture: Insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Watering Schedule: Typically, watering every 1-2 weeks is sufficient. However, factors like indoor climate and pot size can influence frequency.
- Avoid Overwatering: Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the roots, leading to root rot.
Soil and Potting
The right soil mix and pot can make a significant difference:
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
- Pot Selection: Choose a pot with drainage holes. Pothos prefer being slightly root-bound, so select a pot that’s just 1-2 inches larger in diameter when repotting.
Feeding Your Pothos
While not heavy feeders occasional fertilization promotes healthy growth:
- Fertilizer Type: A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength is suitable.
- Frequency: Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Refrain from fertilizing during the fall and winter months when growth slows.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular upkeep keeps your pothos looking its best:
- Pruning: Trim back leggy vines to encourage bushier growth. Use clean, sharp scissors to make cuts just above a leaf node.
- Cleaning: Dust can accumulate on leaves, hindering photosynthesis. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth every few weeks.
- Support: If you’d like your pothos to climb, provide a moss pole or trellis for support. This mimics their natural growing conditions and can lead to larger leaf development.
Propagation
Pothos are among the easiest plants to propagate:
- Stem Cuttings:
- Select a Healthy Vine: Choose a vine with several leaves and at least one node (the knobby part where leaves and roots grow).
- Cut Below a Node: Using clean scissors, make a cut about 4-6 inches in length.
- Rooting:
- In Water: Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water weekly. Roots typically develop within a few weeks.
- In Soil: Plant the cutting in moist potting mix, burying the node. Keep the soil consistently moist until roots establish.
- Transplanting: Once roots are a few inches long, transfer water-propagated cuttings to soil. This transition helps the plant adapt to its new environment.
Common Pothos Varieties
Pothos come in several attractive varieties, each with unique leaf patterns:
- Golden Pothos: Features dark green leaves with golden-yellow variegation.
- Marble Queen Pothos: Showcases creamy white and green marbled leaves.
- Neon Pothos: Known for its bright, chartreuse leaves that stand out in any room.
- Jade Pothos: Displays solid, deep green leaves, ideal for lower light conditions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even the hardy pothos can face challenges indoors. Here’s how to address the most common problems:
Yellowing Leaves
- Causes: Overwatering is the primary culprit, but nutrient deficiencies or aging leaves can also be factors.
- Solution:
- Check the soil moisture—if it’s soggy, let the plant dry out and reduce watering frequency.
- Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to redirect energy to healthy growth.
- Fertilize if the plant hasn’t been fed in a while.
- Causes: Low humidity, underwatering, or excessive fertilizer.
- Solution:
- Mist the plant occasionally or place a humidifier nearby if the air is dry.
- Check the watering schedule to ensure consistency.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, and flush the soil with water if you suspect salt buildup.
- Causes: Insufficient light, depleted nutrients, or a pot that’s too small.
- Solution:
- Move the plant to a brighter spot, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Repot if the roots are cramped, using fresh potting mix.
- Feed during the growing season with a diluted houseplant fertilizer.
- Common Culprits: Spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects.
- Solution:
- Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove pests.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations.
- Isolate the plant to prevent spreading pests to others.
- Causes: Usually a sign of underwatering or overwatering.
- Solution:
- Check the soil. If dry, water thoroughly. If soggy, allow it to dry out and adjust watering practices.
- Encourage trailing vines to climb walls or furniture using adhesive hooks or command strips.
- Use a moss pole to replicate its natural climbing habitat. This can encourage larger, more mature leaves.
- Regularly pinch or cut back long vines to encourage side shoots.
- Rotate the pot every couple of weeks to ensure even growth.
- Create a lush, green wall by arranging multiple pots of pothos on shelves or a mounted grid.
- Train vines to overlap for a cascading effect.
- Use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is high in minerals or chlorine.
- Wipe leaves regularly to keep them free of dust, maximizing photosynthesis.
- Myth: Pothos thrive in complete darkness.
Fact: While they tolerate low light, they need some light to grow well and maintain variegation. - Myth: They don’t need pruning.
Fact: Regular pruning keeps them healthy and encourages fuller growth. - Myth: Pothos are pet-safe.
Fact: They are toxic to pets if ingested. Keep them out of reach of curious cats or dogs. - Air Purification: NASA lists pothos as one of the best plants for removing indoor toxins.
- Stress Relief: Greenery is known to reduce stress and improve mental health.
- Affordability: Pothos are budget-friendly, easy to propagate, and long-lasting.
Brown Tips or Edges
Stunted Growth
Pests
Droopy Leaves
Extra Tips
If you’re looking to elevate your pothos care, here are a few insider tricks:
Training Your Pothos
Creating a Bushier Plant
DIY Pothos Wall
Boosting Growth
Pothos Care Summary Table
| Aspect | Ideal Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light | Tolerates low light but grows slower. |
| Watering | When soil feels dry to the touch | Avoid soggy soil to prevent root rot. |
| Temperature | 65–85°F (18–29°C) | Protect from cold drafts. |
| Humidity | Moderate to high | Mist occasionally in dry environments. |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix | Add perlite or peat for extra drainage. |
| Fertilizer | Monthly during spring/summer | Use diluted, balanced fertilizer. |
| Propagation | Cuttings in water or soil | Easy to propagate and grow. |
Decorating with Pothos
Pothos aren’t just low-maintenance; they’re also incredibly versatile in home decor. Here’s how to style them:
Hanging Baskets
Hang pothos in macramé holders for a classic boho look. Let the vines cascade down for a dramatic effect.
Shelving and Bookcases
Place pots on high shelves, allowing vines to drape elegantly over the sides. Mix pothos with other trailing plants for variety.
Desks and Tabletops
Use small pots with compact pothos vines as accents on desks or coffee tables. Add pebbles or decorative stones to the top of the soil for a polished look.
Bathroom Greens
The humidity in bathrooms is perfect for pothos. Place them near a window or under artificial light.
Pothos Myths and Facts
Let’s clear up some misconceptions about this beloved plant:
Why Every Home Needs a Pothos
If you’re still on the fence about adding a pothos to your indoor garden, consider these perks:
Final Thoughts
Caring for a pothos indoors is pretty simple. Pothos are forgiving, stylish and downright delightful to grow. With just a little attention to their preferences your pothos will thrive.