Pothos plants, known for their trailing vines and attractive foliage, are a popular choice for both new and experienced plant enthusiasts. Their adaptable nature and relatively simple care requirements make them a favored houseplant. These versatile plants are widely available, with large retailers like Lowe’s offering a convenient source for acquiring them.
Pothos Varieties at Lowe’s
Lowe’s typically offers several common Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) varieties, each displaying unique leaf characteristics. The ‘Golden Pothos’ is the most recognized, featuring heart-shaped green leaves splashed with vibrant yellow or gold variegation. The ‘Marble Queen Pothos’ has deep green leaves heavily variegated with creamy white patterns.
The ‘Neon Pothos’ stands out with its bright, lime-green leaves that show little to no variegation. ‘Jade Pothos’ offers a classic, solid dark green leaf without any variegation. Availability can fluctuate based on the specific Lowe’s location and the current growing season.
Choosing a Healthy Pothos at Lowe’s
When selecting a Pothos at Lowe’s, inspect the leaves for signs of distress or disease. Look for firm, vibrant green leaves without yellowing, brown spots, or discoloration. Avoid plants with pests like insects, webbing, or sticky residue.
Next, examine the plant’s stem, ensuring it is firm, not soft or mushy. Healthy Pothos should have full, bushy growth, not sparse or leggy vines, which indicate insufficient light. Check the soil surface; it should not be waterlogged or bone dry, and have no foul odor. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water retention.
Caring for Your Lowe’s Pothos
Light
Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light, which encourages vibrant foliage and healthy growth. Placing your plant near an east or north-facing window provides ideal light exposure. While Pothos can tolerate lower light, excessive shade can cause variegation to fade, resulting in greener leaves. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves, leading to brown spots.
Watering
Proper watering is important for Pothos health; overwatering is a common mistake. Allow the top inch or two of potting mix to dry out between waterings. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger or using a moisture meter. When watering, saturate the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then discard excess water from the saucer.
Soil and Potting
Pothos prefer a well-draining potting mix that allows for aeration around the roots. A standard indoor potting mix with perlite or orchid bark provides necessary drainage. If your Pothos is root-bound (roots circling the pot) or the soil seems dense, consider repotting into a slightly larger container with fresh soil. Ensure the new pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Temperature and Humidity
Pothos adapt well to average indoor temperatures, thriving between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C). They are tolerant of typical household humidity and do not require high humidity to flourish. However, slightly higher humidity, through occasional misting or a humidifier, can promote lusher growth and keep leaves looking their best. Avoid drafty areas or extreme temperature fluctuations.
Addressing Common Pothos Problems
Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering, indicating roots are too wet and unable to access oxygen. Allow the soil to dry out more between waterings to correct this. Conversely, brown, crispy leaf tips suggest underwatering or low humidity. Increase watering frequency or consider misting.
Leggy growth (long, bare stems with sparse leaves) points to inadequate light. Moving your Pothos to a brighter, indirect light location encourages more compact, bushy growth. If variegated Pothos, like Marble Queen, loses its distinct patterns and turns greener, it needs more bright, indirect light to maintain coloration.