The Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant prized for its low-maintenance nature and trailing foliage. Growers often use bottom watering, a technique that allows the soil to absorb moisture from the base of the pot. This method differs from traditional top watering, which involves pouring water directly onto the soil surface.
Understanding Bottom Watering as a Technique
Bottom watering requires placing the Pothos pot into a shallow container of water, allowing moisture to be drawn upward through the drainage holes. This process relies on capillary action, where the cohesive and adhesive forces of water molecules allow the liquid to travel against gravity through the soil’s tiny pores. This action pulls moisture up, thoroughly saturating the entire root ball.
This technique is preferred because it ensures the soil is evenly moistened from the bottom to the top. This even saturation can be difficult to achieve with top watering, especially when the soil is extremely dry or hydrophobic. Preventing water from sitting on the soil surface also helps deter common houseplant pests like fungus gnats, which thrive in moist topsoil. Furthermore, bottom watering encourages the Pothos roots to grow downward, promoting a deeper root system.
Determining the Ideal Soaking Time
There is no single fixed duration for bottom watering a Pothos, but the general timeframe is between 10 and 30 minutes. The plant should soak until the top layer of the potting mix becomes visibly moist. A shorter time, such as 10 minutes, is appropriate for smaller pots or plants that were only slightly dry.
A longer soak, closer to 30 minutes, may be necessary for larger containers or for Pothos plants that have become dehydrated. Pot size is a major variable, as a deeper soil column takes significantly longer for capillary action to fully saturate. Soil composition also influences the duration; a well-draining, chunky mix absorbs water faster than a dense, peat-based soil.
Visual Cues the Pothos is Fully Hydrated
Instead of strictly relying on a clock, a grower should watch for physical indicators that the bottom watering process is complete. The most definitive sign is the appearance of moisture spreading across the entire top surface of the soil. Once the top layer of the potting mix darkens and feels damp, saturation is complete, indicating the water has wicked through the entire root ball.
Another practical cue is the noticeable increase in the pot’s weight. Water is heavy, and a fully saturated pot will be heavier than a dry one, which is a useful check for larger plants. Once these cues confirm full hydration, the pot should be removed from the water. This allows any excess moisture to drain completely from the drainage holes, preventing the Pothos roots from sitting in stagnant, waterlogged conditions.
Establishing a Watering Schedule
Determining when to repeat bottom watering depends on the moisture level of the soil, not a rigid calendar date. The most reliable method is the finger test, which involves inserting a finger about two inches into the soil. If the soil at this depth feels dry, the Pothos is ready for another thorough hydration.
Environmental factors in the home affect the frequency of watering. Pothos placed in brighter, indirect light use water more quickly due to increased photosynthesis and transpiration rates. Similarly, warmer temperatures and lower indoor humidity accelerate the rate of soil drying. Growers should adjust their schedule seasonally, as plants in active growth during spring and summer require more frequent watering than those in winter.