Your first pothos plant might start as a single cutting from a friend but don’t be surprised when you end up with a huge load of leaves tumbling from your bookshelf. They’re just awesome plants!
Being such adaptable vines is how they’ve won over countless plant lovers. From first-time growers to seasoned gardeners, they can turn even the most challenging corners into vibrant green spaces.
So if you want some useful care tips for growing a pothos plant this guide is for you.
Meet the Pothos Family
Walk into any plant shop and you’ll spot various pothos cousins. And the fun part is they each have their own personality.
It’s a good idea to become familiar with all the different types and their needs.
The classic Golden Pothos shows off splashes of cream and yellow on deep green leaves, growing like a champion in almost any spot. If you’re drawn to dramatic patterns the Marble Queen creates nature’s artwork with its swirling cream and green designs. Although it takes its time growing compared to its golden cousin.
Looking for something to brighten a room? The Neon Pothos lights up spaces with leaves so bright they almost glow, especially when they catch morning light.
The Manjula brings its own flair with wider, wavy leaves painted in gray, cream, and various green shades. For something more subtle but equally stunning, the Global Green’s two-toned leaves showcase darker green edges that catch the light beautifully.
Making Your Pothos Feel at Home
Your pothos isn’t picky about light, but it will tell you when it’s happy. Those darker corners in your home? A pothos will survive there, though it might grow more slowly and its variegated leaves might become more green.
But give it bright, indirect light – like near a north-facing window or a few feet back from an east-facing one – and you’ll see it thrive.
Think about where you feel comfortable in your home – chances are your pothos will too. These plants do best in normal room temperatures between 60-80°F, just like we do. They’re not fans of cold drafts from doors or AC units and they’ll show their displeasure by dropping leaves if they get too chilly.
When it comes to soil and pots imagine creating a cozy but well-ventilated home. Mix regular potting soil with some perlite or orchid bark to create air pockets – roots need to breathe too. Choose a pot that has drainage holes (essential for preventing root rot) and is just a couple of inches larger than the current one when repotting.
Watering
Forget rigid watering schedules – your pothos will tell you when it needs a drink. Push your finger about an inch into the soil; if it’s dry at that depth, it’s watering time.
Your plant’s leaves are also excellent communicators. Perky, firm leaves mean they’re happy, while drooping ones might be asking for water. If leaves start yellowing and feel soft, you might be showing too much love with the watering can.
Keeping Your Pothos Looking Its Best
Spring and summer are your pothos’s party seasons – this is when it’ll pump out new leaves and might need monthly feeding with any basic houseplant fertilizer. Don’t stress about precise measurements; dilute the fertilizer a bit more than the package suggests to avoid burning the roots.
When vines get too long or bare at the base don’t be shy about pruning. Each cut encourages new growth so trimming back leggy vines actually helps create a fuller plant. Save those cuttings too – they’re your way to more plants.
When Things Aren’t Quite Right
Even the hardiest pothos can have off days. Yellow leaves usually mean too much water, while crispy brown edges suggest the air’s too dry or the plant’s thirsty.
Spotted a few bugs? A quick shower in the sink and a wipedown with diluted neem oil usually does the trick. The key is catching these issues early – take a quick look at your plant while you’re having your morning coffee, and you’ll spot potential problems before they become serious.
Growing Your Pothos Family
There’s something really wonderful about turning one pothos into many. Plus it’s surprisingly simple!
Next time you’re trimming those long vines save pieces with 4-5 leaves and a few nodes (those little brown bumps along the stem). These are your ticket to new plants.
Drop these cuttings in a clear glass of water near a bright window and within a few weeks you’ll spot roots emerging like tiny white threads. Once they reach a couple inches long, these babies are ready for soil.
Some plant parents keep their pothos growing in water permanently – just change the water every week or so to keep things fresh.
Beyond the Basic Hanging Basket
Your pothos can be more than just another houseplant. In my home office I’ve trained vines along small command hooks to create a living frame around my window. They’re natural air cleaners too, quietly filtering indoor air while adding that perfect touch of green to any room.
Try this: gather a few small pothos plants in different varieties and arrange them at different heights using simple plant stands or books. The varying colors and leaf patterns create an effortless design feature that grows more impressive by the week.
Or go vertical – a moss pole or simple trellis can transform your pothos into an impressive climbing display, encouraging larger leaves and fuller growth.
Seasonal Care
Like most of us pothos plants shift their behavior with the seasons. During spring and summer’s longer days they’re in full growth mode.
You might notice new leaves unfurling weekly, each one bringing its own pattern of variegation. This is when they’ll appreciate more frequent watering and occasional feeding.
As autumn rolls in and days shorten your pothos naturally slows down. Don’t worry if it seems less enthusiastic about growing – it’s just following nature’s rhythm.
Cut back on water and skip the fertilizer until spring returns. Keep an eye on heating vents during winter; they can dry out leaves faster than you’d expect.
Getting Creative with Your Pothos
Turn propagation into an art display by creating a cutting station. Collect interesting clear glasses or bottles, add pothos cuttings at different stages of root development and arrange them on a sunny windowsill. It’s both beautiful and functional – plus, you’ll always have young plants ready for gifting.
For something more ambitious you could try creating a living wall. Start small with a wooden frame and some garden twine creating a grid. As your pothos grows, weave the vines through the grid.
Over time they’ll fill in to create a stunning green tapestry. Just remember to position the pot so you can easily water without creating a mess.
FAQ
Why is my pothos dropping leaves?
Usually, this is your plant’s way of saying it’s either too wet or too cold. Check the soil moisture and make sure it’s not sitting near a drafty window or AC vent.
Why is my pothos turning green
This is actually your plant adapting to lower light. Move it closer to a window (but not in direct sun), and those beautiful patterns should return on new growth.
Why are my pothos vines getting too long and bare at the base?
Time for a haircut! Trim those vines back – each cut point can become a new growing tip. Tuck the trimmed ends back into the pot’s soil for an even fuller plant.
Remember, pothos are known as “devil’s ivy” because they’re nearly impossible to kill. They’ll usually bounce back from almost any gardening misstep, making them perfect for both beginning gardeners and plant experts alike.