Pothos, also known as “devil’s ivy,” is a popular and resilient houseplant. Its adaptability and low-maintenance nature make it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. This vining plant brings lush greenery to indoor spaces, thriving with straightforward care.
Pothos Plant Care
Light
Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat. Placing them near an east or west-facing window, or a few feet from a brighter window, provides ideal conditions. While they tolerate lower light, growth may slow, and variegated varieties might lose their distinct patterns. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, causing them to look pale or develop brown spots.
Water
Proper watering is crucial for Pothos. The plant prefers its soil to dry out significantly between waterings, typically when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Overwatering is a common issue, leading to root rot, yellowing leaves, or mushy stems. Underwatering may cause leaves to wilt, curl, or develop crispy brown tips.
Soil
A well-draining, airy potting mix is essential for Pothos to prevent waterlogging. A standard houseplant potting mix is suitable, but adding amendments like perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir improves drainage and aeration. These components ensure excess water can escape freely. The ideal pH for Pothos soil is neutral to slightly acidic (6.1 to 6.8).
Temperature and Humidity
Pothos plants prefer indoor temperatures between 65°F and 85°F. Temperatures below 50°F can cause damage, so protect them from cold drafts. While Pothos adapt to average household humidity, they flourish in higher levels, ideally 50% to 70%. Increase humidity by misting, using a pebble tray, or placing the plant in a bathroom.
Fertilizer
During active growing seasons (spring and summer), Pothos benefit from regular fertilization. Applying a balanced houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 3-1-2 NPK ratio) once a month is sufficient. Follow product instructions and avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to salt buildup and harm the plant. During fall and winter, reduce or cease fertilization.
Popular Pothos Varieties
The Pothos genus offers diverse varieties, each with unique leaf characteristics. ‘Golden Pothos’ (Epipremnum aureum) is common, featuring green heart-shaped leaves with yellow variegation. ‘Marble Queen’ Pothos displays green leaves streaked with creamy white; its variegation requires more light to remain vibrant.
‘Neon’ Pothos has vibrant, uniform chartreuse or golden-yellow leaves, lacking variegation. ‘Jade’ Pothos has solid, dark green, glossy leaves. Other varieties include ‘N’Joy’ and ‘Pearls and Jade’, known for crisp white and green variegation, often with distinct patterns.
Propagating Pothos
Propagating Pothos is straightforward, commonly done through stem cuttings in water. Select a healthy vine and use clean, sharp scissors to cut about 0.5 to 1 inch below a node (a small bump where leaves and roots emerge). Ensure each cutting has at least one or two leaves and a node. Remove any leaves that would be submerged to prevent rotting.
Place cuttings in a glass with room-temperature water, ensuring nodes are submerged but leaves remain above the waterline. Position the container in bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Roots typically form within one to two weeks and are ready for potting once several inches long.
Common Pothos Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves can indicate either overwatering or underwatering. If soil remains consistently wet and leaves feel soft, it suggests overwatering and potential root rot; allow the soil to dry more between waterings. If leaves are yellowing, wilting, and crispy, the plant is likely underwatered and needs more moisture.
Brown leaf tips or edges often point to low humidity or underwatering. Increasing humidity through misting or a pebble tray can alleviate this. Leggy or sparse growth, where vines appear stretched with few leaves, indicates insufficient light.
Moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect light encourages denser foliage. Pothos can also encounter pests like spider mites or mealybugs. Manage these by regularly inspecting leaves and treating affected areas with insecticidal soap or neem oil.