Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as Pothos, is a highly favored houseplant among enthusiasts and beginners alike. Often referred to as “Devil’s Ivy,” this plant is celebrated for its ease of care and remarkable adaptability to various indoor environments. Its attractive, often variegated foliage trails beautifully, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets or shelves.
Pothos Plant Care
Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which encourages vibrant foliage and healthy growth. Direct sunlight, especially intense afternoon sun, can scorch the leaves, leading to faded colors or brown patches. While Pothos can tolerate lower light conditions, prolonged exposure to dim environments may cause variegated varieties to lose some of their distinctive patterns, reverting to a more uniform green. Placing the plant a few feet from a north or east-facing window generally provides ideal lighting.
Watering practices significantly influence the health of a Pothos plant. It is best to allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings before rehydrating the plant thoroughly. Overwatering is a common mistake that can lead to root rot, characterized by yellowing leaves and a soft stem base. Conversely, underwatering will cause the leaves to droop noticeably, signaling a need for water, though they typically perk up quickly after a good soak.
A well-draining potting mix is important for Pothos, allowing excess water to escape and preventing root saturation. A standard indoor potting mix amended with perlite or coarse sand provides the necessary aeration and drainage. Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom, as standing water can be detrimental to root health. Repotting is generally needed every one to two years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, moving it to a pot only one or two inches larger in diameter.
Pothos plants prefer average household temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C), and should be protected from sudden temperature drops or cold drafts. While they can tolerate typical indoor humidity levels, higher humidity can encourage larger leaves and more vigorous growth. Misting the foliage occasionally or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water can increase ambient humidity around the plant.
Fertilizing supports robust growth, particularly during the active growing season from spring through fall. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied every two to four weeks. During the winter months, when the plant’s growth naturally slows, it is generally not necessary to fertilize. Over-fertilization can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, potentially causing leaf burn.
Pruning Pothos plants helps maintain their shape, encourages bushier growth, and manages their vining length. Regular trimming can prevent the plant from becoming too leggy, promoting new growth from the nodes closer to the base. You can snip off stems just after a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors. These trimmed sections can also be used for propagation, allowing you to create new plants.
Propagating Pothos
Propagating Pothos is a straightforward process, commonly achieved through stem cuttings in water or directly in soil. For water propagation, select a healthy stem with at least two to three leaves and a few nodes, which are the small bumps on the stem where roots will emerge. Make a clean cut just below a node, ensuring at least one node is submerged in water and any leaves below the waterline are removed to prevent rot. Place the cutting in a clear glass of water in a bright, indirect light location, changing the water every few days to keep it fresh.
Roots typically begin to form within two to four weeks, growing longer over subsequent weeks. Once the roots are several inches long, the cutting can be carefully transplanted into a small pot filled with well-draining potting mix. For direct soil propagation, prepare a similar cutting, but instead of water, insert the cut end directly into moist potting mix. Keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and providing warm, indirect light, will encourage root development, which can be confirmed by gently tugging on the cutting to feel resistance.
Common Pothos Varieties
Beyond the classic ‘Golden Pothos’ with its green leaves splashed with yellow, numerous other varieties offer diverse foliage patterns. ‘Marble Queen’ Pothos features deep green leaves heavily variegated with creamy white, creating a marbled effect. The ‘Neon’ variety stands out with its bright, almost fluorescent lime-green leaves that show little to no variegation.
‘Jade’ Pothos presents solid, dark green leaves, offering a simpler yet elegant appearance. For those seeking more intricate patterns, ‘N’Joy’ Pothos displays smaller leaves with distinct patches of green, white, and cream. ‘Manjula’ Pothos is another unique cultivar, characterized by broad, heart-shaped leaves with wavy edges and highly variable cream, white, and light green variegation.
Troubleshooting Pothos Problems
Yellowing leaves on a Pothos can indicate several issues, often related to watering. Overwatering is a common culprit, leading to soggy soil and potential root rot, while consistently underwatering can also cause leaves to yellow and eventually drop. A general nutrient deficiency, particularly nitrogen, might also result in overall yellowing. Adjusting your watering schedule or applying a balanced fertilizer can often resolve these issues.
Droopy leaves typically signal that the plant is thirsty and needs water, and they usually perk up within a few hours after a good watering. However, persistent drooping accompanied by yellowing leaves might suggest overwatering and root damage. Brown tips or edges on leaves often point to low humidity or inconsistent watering, where the plant isn’t receiving enough moisture. Increasing humidity around the plant or ensuring a regular watering schedule can help.
Leggy growth, characterized by long, bare stems with sparse leaves, usually indicates insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect light can encourage more compact growth. If a variegated Pothos variety begins to lose its distinctive patterns and reverts to mostly green, this is also a sign of inadequate light, as the plant increases chlorophyll production to compensate.
Pothos Toxicity
Pothos plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, making them toxic if ingested by humans or animals. These crystals can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract upon contact or consumption.
Symptoms of ingestion in pets, such as cats and dogs, may include oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. For small children, ingestion can lead to similar symptoms, including pain and irritation in the mouth and throat. It is important to keep Pothos plants out of reach of curious pets and young children to prevent accidental ingestion. If ingestion is suspected, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian or poison control center.