Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular, resilient houseplant known for its beautiful vining foliage. While often considered low-maintenance, proper soil moisture is important for its health and growth. Understanding its soil moisture needs helps prevent common issues and ensures the plant thrives.
Understanding Pothos’s Soil Moisture Needs
Pothos prefer soil that is consistently slightly moist, but never waterlogged or soggy. This balance is important because overly wet soil can lead to root rot, a common and potentially fatal issue for these plants. Allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings prevents the roots from sitting in stagnant water. Moist soil retains water and air pockets, which roots need for oxygen, while wet or soggy soil lacks these, suffocating the roots and creating an environment conducive to fungal growth that causes root rot. Pothos are native to tropical regions with wet and dry cycles, adapting to periods of drying out.
Best Practices for Watering Pothos
Water Pothos by checking soil moisture, not a strict schedule. The finger test is a common method: insert your finger one to two inches deep into the soil. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water. A soil moisture meter can also provide a precise reading, with 1-3 indicating watering is needed.
Watering frequency is influenced by environmental factors, including light, humidity, temperature, and pot size and material. Plants in brighter light, warmer temperatures, or lower humidity require more frequent watering due to increased evaporation. Smaller pots and terracotta pots dry out faster than larger or plastic pots. When watering, ensure water drains from the bottom of the pot, indicating the entire root system has been moistened. It is important to empty any excess water from the saucer promptly to prevent standing water, which can lead to root rot.
Troubleshooting Common Watering Issues
Pothos display clear signs of watering problems. Overwatering signs include yellowing leaves (especially more yellow than green), soft or mushy stems. The leaves may also appear soft and limp, or curl downwards. Root rot, a serious consequence of overwatering, is identified by dark, mushy, and foul-smelling roots. If overwatered, allow the soil to dry out completely before the next watering, and consider repotting into fresh, well-draining soil, removing any affected roots.
An underwatered Pothos exhibits different symptoms. These include droopy or wilting leaves that may feel crispy or brittle. The soil will likely be bone dry and may even pull away from the edges of the pot. If left unaddressed, leaves may turn yellow and brown, often starting at the edges or lower leaves; slow growth also indicates underwatering. To revive an underwatered Pothos, thoroughly water until water drains from the bottom, or use bottom watering.