Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum), is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant, trailing foliage and ease of care. Its heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with green, yellow, and white, adapt well to various indoor environments, making it a favored choice for enhancing aesthetics.
Pothos Plant Care
Light Needs
Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light, promoting vibrant leaf coloration and robust growth. An east or west-facing window provides suitable conditions, offering ample light without harsh direct sun. Pale or scorched leaves indicate too much direct sunlight. Variegated varieties losing their patterns and reverting to solid green suggest insufficient light.
Watering Practices
Water Pothos thoroughly when the top 50-75% of the soil is dry or the plant shows slight drooping. Allow excess water to drain completely, as prolonged soggy conditions cause root rot. Watering frequency, typically every one to two weeks, adjusts based on light and temperature.
Soil Requirements
Pothos flourishes in a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture. An ideal blend includes peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite for aeration and to prevent compaction. Other suitable mixtures incorporate coconut coir, orchid bark, and sand, supporting healthy root development and drainage. A standard houseplant or chunky aroid mix provides the necessary balance.
Temperature and Humidity
Pothos prefers average to warm temperatures, ideally 65°F to 85°F. Keep them away from cold drafts; temperatures below 50°F can damage foliage. While Pothos adapts to typical household humidity, it appreciates higher levels (40-60%). Increase humidity by misting, grouping plants, or using a pebble tray.
Fertilizing
Pothos benefits from regular fertilization during its active growing season (spring and summer). Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, once a month. A slow-release granular fertilizer (e.g., 5-5-5 or 10-10-10) is an alternative. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause salt buildup, leaf tip burn, or stunted growth. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter.
Propagating Pothos
Propagating Pothos is done through stem cuttings in water or soil, ideally during spring or summer. Select a healthy vine and cut just below a node (where leaves and roots emerge), ensuring each cutting has 1-2 leaves.
For water propagation, submerge at least one node in water, keeping leaves above the waterline. Place in bright, indirect light and change water every few days. Roots typically form within 10 days to a few weeks; transfer to soil once 2-3 inches long.
Alternatively, propagate directly in soil. After cutting, optionally dip the end in rooting hormone. Plant in well-draining potting mix, burying the node. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged, and place in bright, indirect light. Roots generally develop within four to six weeks.
Troubleshooting Common Pothos Problems
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves often signal watering issues. Overwatering, leading to soggy soil and root rot, is a frequent cause, sometimes with wilted leaves. Inconsistent watering or underwatering can also cause yellowing, sometimes with a crispy texture. Insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies can also contribute.
Brown Leaf Tips
Brown leaf tips indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Dry air, especially near heating vents, can crisp leaf edges. Both underwatering (dry soil) and overwatering (root damage) contribute to browning. Excess fertilizer can also cause salt buildup, manifesting as brown tips or margins.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth, characterized by long stems with sparse leaves, indicates insufficient light. The plant stretches towards light sources, resulting in elongated internodes. Increase bright, indirect light to promote compact, bushy growth. Regular pruning of leggy sections also encourages new, fuller growth from the nodes.
Pest Issues
Pothos can encounter common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Signs include webbing, cotton-like masses, or small insects on leaves and stems. Treat with a damp cloth, insecticidal soap, or neem oil. Isolate infested plants to prevent spreading.
Popular Pothos Varieties
Pothos offers diverse varieties, each with unique visual characteristics:
Golden Pothos: Green, heart-shaped leaves variegated with yellow or gold.
Marble Queen: Extensive white or cream variegation marbled across green foliage, requiring brighter light to maintain patterns.
Neon Pothos: Bright, almost fluorescent, lime-green leaves without variegation.
N’Joy Pothos: Smaller, crisp green leaves with distinct white margins, offering a compact growth habit.
Cebu Blue Pothos: Silvery-blue-green leaves that can develop an elongated shape and fenestrations as they mature.
Pothos Toxicity
Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested by humans or pets. These crystals cause immediate irritation upon contact with the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. Symptoms include intense burning and irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Ingestion is typically not fatal but can cause significant discomfort. In rare, severe cases, throat and tongue swelling could lead to breathing difficulties, requiring prompt veterinary or medical attention. Keep Pothos out of reach of children and pets, and wear gloves when handling to prevent skin irritation.