The Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, has earned its reputation as a resilient and popular houseplant. Its trailing, heart-shaped foliage makes it a favorite for adding greenery to indoor spaces, even tolerating lower light conditions. However, the plant’s tropical origins mean it still possesses specific environmental preferences. The question of whether Pothos likes humidity is directly linked to its biology and native environment, which dictates the moisture levels it requires to maintain its lush appearance.
The Pothos Natural Environment
The Pothos plant is an evergreen liana native to the tropical rainforests of the Society Islands, specifically Mo’orea in French Polynesia. In this native biome, the plant lives as an understory climber, using aerial roots to ascend the trunks of larger trees beneath the dense canopy. This environment is characterized by consistently high ambient moisture levels, often sustained above 60% relative humidity (RH).
This constant moisture is absorbed not only through the roots but also directly from the air by the leaves, a process that minimizes water stress. The plant’s physiology evolved to thrive in this perpetually damp, sheltered air, which explains its preference for higher moisture indoors. While the Pothos is adaptable, replicating a fraction of this high-humidity environment is beneficial for its long-term health and growth.
Identifying Insufficient Humidity
Pothos plants thrive best when the surrounding air moisture is maintained between 50% and 70% RH. While they can tolerate short periods near 40% humidity, prolonged exposure to drier conditions will cause noticeable stress. The most common visual indicator of insufficient moisture is the appearance of brown, crispy patches along the tips and edges of the leaves. This browning occurs because the plant loses water faster than its root system can supply it, causing the leaf tissue to dry out and die.
A significant drop in ambient moisture can also lead to an overall slowdown in growth, as the plant conserves energy and water by reducing transpiration. You may also observe leaves starting to curl or droop, even if the soil is adequately moist, as the plant attempts to minimize the surface area exposed to the dry air. Furthermore, low-humidity environments create ideal breeding grounds for certain pests, such as spider mites, which can quickly infest a moisture-stressed plant.
Actionable Steps for Increasing Moisture
The most effective and consistent way to raise the moisture level around a Pothos is by using an electric humidifier. A cool-mist humidifier placed near the plant can reliably maintain the preferred range of 50% to 70% RH, especially during winter when forced-air heating significantly dries out indoor air. This method distributes water vapor evenly and is the gold standard for tropical houseplants.
Methods for Increasing Humidity
- Create a pebble tray beneath the plant’s pot: This involves placing a layer of small stones in a shallow tray and filling it with water, ensuring the water level remains below the bottom of the pot to prevent root rot. As the water evaporates, it creates a localized pocket of higher moisture directly around the foliage.
- Group several plants together: This helps raise the local humidity, as plants naturally release moisture into the air through transpiration, creating a beneficial microclimate.
While popular, misting the leaves with a spray bottle provides only a temporary boost of moisture that lasts for a very short period. For misting to be effective, it would need to be done multiple times per day, which is impractical and can potentially promote fungal issues on the leaves if done improperly.