Pothos is a popular houseplant known for its attractive foliage and adaptability. Its ease of care makes it a favored choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts, thriving in various indoor environments. This vining plant brings lush greenery into homes, often cascading from shelves or hanging baskets.
Understanding Pothos sp.
The term “Pothos sp.” refers to a species within the genus Epipremnum, most commonly Epipremnum aureum. Though widely known as Pothos, this is a common name from historical misclassification; it belongs to the Araceae family. Epipremnum aureum, also called Golden Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is native to Mo’orea, French Polynesia. It is known for its hardiness.
In its natural habitat, this evergreen climber can reach over 40 feet by climbing tree trunks using aerial roots. Indoors, it typically grows 6 to 8 feet. The scientific name Epipremnum aureum signifies its origin and golden variegation.
Popular Pothos Varieties
Pothos varieties offer diverse leaf patterns and colors. Each cultivar maintains the plant’s characteristic heart-shaped leaves and vining habit.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a recognized variety with green leaves variegated with yellow or white. The amount of variegation can vary. Its leaves typically reach up to 4 inches long in young plants.
Marble Queen Pothos has a white and green variegated pattern, often displaying more white than green. This variety requires more light than other Pothos types to maintain its distinct coloring.
Neon Pothos has bright, solid chartreuse or golden-yellow leaves. Younger leaves often appear brighter, with the color deepening as they mature.
N’Joy Pothos is a compact variety with smaller leaves featuring distinct white and green patches. The variegation is crisp, with clear lines separating the white from the green.
Manjula Pothos has broad, heart-shaped leaves with creamy white, silver, and green variegation. The patterns are often irregular and blotchy. This variety is a patented cultivar.
Jessenia Pothos has medium-green leaves with subtle lime-green to yellowish variegation. The lighter areas appear as speckles or streaks, often following the leaf veins.
General Pothos Care
Pothos plants are adaptable and low maintenance, suitable for many indoor environments. Proper care involves understanding their needs for light, water, soil, temperature, humidity, and occasional fertilization.
Light Requirements
Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Shield them from direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves. Placing them a few feet from a bright window or using a sheer curtain provides ideal light.
While Pothos tolerates lower light, too little light can cause variegated varieties to lose their patterns. Pale or bleached leaves suggest too much direct sun. Young Pothos benefit from 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light daily for initial growth.
Watering Needs
Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common issue, leading to root rot, yellowing leaves, and mushy stems. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch, or when 50-75% of the soil volume is dry. Pothos plants often droop when thirsty. After watering, ensure excess water drains completely from the pot and do not let the plant sit in standing water.
Soil Preferences
Pothos plants prefer a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix. Suitable mixes often include peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and compost for aeration and moisture retention. Some mixes also incorporate coco coir, orchid bark, and horticultural charcoal to enhance drainage. A neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0-7.0) is preferred for optimal nutrient absorption.
Temperature and Humidity
Pothos plants thrive in average household temperatures, ideally 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). As tropical plants, they appreciate higher humidity, especially in drier environments. Increase humidity by misting leaves, placing the plant near a humidifier, or grouping it with other plants. Avoid cold drafts or open vents to maintain a stable environment.
Fertilization
Pothos plants are not heavy feeders and do not require frequent fertilization. During their active growing season (spring and summer), fertilizing once a month with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 3-1-2 or 2-2-2 NPK ratio), diluted to half-strength, is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to salt buildup, browning leaf tips, or stunted growth. Reduce or stop fertilization during the dormant cooler months of fall and winter.
Propagation and Pruning
Pothos plants are easy to propagate. Pruning helps maintain plant health and shape, encouraging bushier growth.
Propagation
Propagation is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least three leaves and cut it about half an inch to an inch below the lowest leaf node. Remove the lowest leaf. Cuttings can be placed in water, ensuring no leaves are submerged; roots typically emerge within a week to ten days. Once roots are several inches long, transplant to potting soil. Cuttings can also be rooted directly in soil.
Pruning
Pruning Pothos manages its size and encourages a fuller, bushier plant by promoting new growth from nodes. The best time for significant pruning is during the active growing season (spring to early fall) for recovery and new foliage. Use clean, sharp scissors or shears, cutting just above a node (where leaves emerge). This encourages new growth. Address leggy growth by cutting back vines to promote bushiness. Remove yellowed, damaged, or dead leaves at any time.
Common Pothos Problems
Despite their resilience, Pothos plants can encounter common issues, often signaling a need for care adjustment. Recognizing these signs helps in promptly addressing the problem.
Yellowing leaves are a common concern, often stemming from improper watering. Both overwatering (leading to root rot, mushy leaves) and underwatering (wilting or curling leaves) can cause yellowing. Too much or too little light, nutrient deficiencies or excesses, and environmental stress (sudden temperature changes, repotting) can also cause yellow leaves.
Browning leaf tips or edges often indicate low humidity or underwatering. Prolonged dry air can stress the plant. Consistent watering and increased humidity can help.
Leggy growth (long vines with widely spaced leaves) usually points to insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light to encourage compact, bushy growth. Pruning leggy sections can also stimulate new, fuller growth.
Pothos plants are generally pest-resistant but can be affected by common houseplant pests like spider mites (fine webbing, pale spots), mealybugs (white, cottony masses), aphids (small, pear-shaped, cluster on new growth), thrips (tiny, slender, cause silvery or stippled leaves), and scale insects. These pests feed on plant sap, weakening growth and discoloring foliage. Inspect plants regularly and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.