Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as “Devil’s Ivy,” is a resilient and easy-to-grow houseplant. This tropical vine, originating from the Solomon Islands, is a favored choice for plant enthusiasts due to its attractive trailing vines and diverse leaf patterns. While Pothos can grow very long in nature, their size is easily managed indoors through regular pruning.
Popular Pothos Varieties
The Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a classic and widely available variety, featuring glossy, heart-shaped green leaves with creamy gold or yellow variegation. The Marble Queen Pothos showcases heart-shaped leaves with a striking marbled pattern of green and creamy white, with variegation varying significantly.
The Neon Pothos has vibrant, chartreuse or golden-yellow, heart-shaped leaves without variegation. N’Joy Pothos offers a compact growth habit with smaller, spade-shaped leaves displaying a crisp contrast of deep green and pure white variegation along the edges. The Cebu Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum) has elongated, thin, silvery blue-green leaves. As this variety matures, especially when allowed to climb, its leaves can develop fenestrations, or natural holes.
Pothos Plant Care
Light Needs
Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain the vibrancy of variegated foliage. They can tolerate lower light, but variegated varieties may lose their distinct patterns and revert to all-green. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch leaves. An east or west-facing window is often ideal.
Watering
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue and can lead to root rot, while underwatering causes the leaves to droop or wilt.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining, airy potting mix is suitable for Pothos. Incorporating materials like perlite or orchid bark improves aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogged conditions. Standard houseplant potting mix also works.
Temperature and Humidity
Pothos plants prefer average room temperatures, generally between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). They adapt well to typical household humidity levels. Higher humidity can encourage larger leaves but is not essential for their health.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Pothos benefit from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer monthly at half strength. Reduce frequency in winter as growth slows. Over-fertilization can lead to yellowing or browning leaves and a crusty white residue on the soil.
Pruning and Maintenance
Pruning Pothos encourages bushier growth and manages vine length. This involves trimming stems to control shape and size. Pruning also removes yellowed or dead leaves, maintaining the plant’s appearance and vigor.
Propagating Pothos
Propagating Pothos is straightforward using stem cuttings. Select a healthy vine and cut just below a node, the small bump where leaves and roots emerge. Each cutting should have at least one to two leaves and a node. Remove any leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent rot.
Cuttings can root in water or soil. For water propagation, place cuttings in a glass of water with the node submerged. Roots typically develop within a few weeks. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, transfer cuttings to a well-draining potting mix. For soil rooting, plant cuttings with the node buried, keeping the soil consistently moist until new growth appears.
Troubleshooting Common Pothos Problems
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves often signal watering issues. Overwatering is a primary cause, leading to saturated soil and potential root rot. Underwatering can also cause yellowing if the plant experiences prolonged dryness. Nutrient deficiencies may also contribute, suggesting a need for proper fertilization.
Brown Leaf Tips/Edges
Brown tips or edges often indicate insufficient moisture in the soil or air. Underwatering is a common culprit. Low humidity can also cause browning, especially in dry indoor environments. Excessive direct light can also lead to scorched, brown edges.
Drooping Leaves
Drooping leaves indicate plant stress. Most often, this means the plant is thirsty and needs immediate watering. However, drooping can also signal overwatering if the soil remains waterlogged, preventing roots from absorbing water. Check soil moisture to determine the cause.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems with widely spaced leaves, indicates inadequate light. Insufficient brightness causes the plant to stretch for illumination, resulting in a less dense appearance. Regular pruning helps mitigate leggy growth by encouraging new, bushier foliage.
Pests
Pothos can be affected by common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites cause fine webbing and stippling on leaves, while mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses. Manage pests by wiping leaves with a damp cloth or applying horticultural oils like neem oil.
Pothos Toxicity and Safety
Pothos plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause irritation if ingested. These crystals lead to immediate discomfort upon contact with mucous membranes. For pets, ingestion results in oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
In humans, contact with Pothos sap can cause skin irritation, and ingestion may lead to a burning sensation in the mouth and throat. Place Pothos plants in locations inaccessible to small children and household pets to prevent accidental ingestion.