The Golden Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is a resilient and forgiving houseplant, popular among both new and experienced plant enthusiasts. This trailing vine adapts well to various indoor light conditions and temperatures. While the Pothos is known for its hardiness, establishing a suitable watering routine is the most impactful element for ensuring its long-term health and vigorous growth. Mastering the balance of moisture prevents common houseplant ailments and allows your Golden Pothos to thrive.
Determining Watering Frequency
The Pothos prefers its soil to dry out significantly between waterings, mimicking its natural conditions. Never adhere to a fixed schedule, such as watering every Sunday, because the plant’s moisture needs constantly change. The necessity for water is best determined by checking the soil itself.
The most reliable indicator is the “finger test.” Insert a finger one to two inches deep into the potting mix near the plant’s base. If the soil feels completely dry at this depth, it is time to water your Pothos. If you feel any residual moisture, wait a few more days. This method prevents the plant from sitting in perpetually wet soil, a common cause of root issues.
Several environmental factors influence how quickly the soil dries and how often you need to water. Plants in brighter, indirect light photosynthesize and transpire more efficiently, leading to faster water uptake and evaporation. Conversely, a Pothos receiving less light dries out slower. During the cooler winter months, the plant often enters a period of reduced growth, requiring a significant decrease in watering frequency compared to the active growing season.
The Right Watering Technique
When the soil check indicates it is time to water, the goal is to provide a deep, thorough soaking that moistens the entire root ball. Apply water slowly to the soil surface until it flows freely out of the pot’s drainage holes. This ensures water reaches the deepest roots and helps prevent the buildup of mineral salts in the soil.
Proper drainage is non-negotiable for Pothos health; the container must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Once draining is complete, promptly empty any water collected in the saucer or cachepot beneath the plant. Allowing the Pothos to sit in standing water leads to saturated soil conditions, suffocating the roots and creating an environment where fungal diseases can flourish.
An alternative approach is bottom watering, where the pot is placed in a shallow tray of water for 10 to 30 minutes, allowing the soil to wick moisture up through the drainage holes. This technique is beneficial for fully hydrating compacted or overly dry soil, as it encourages roots to grow downward and seek moisture. The objective remains complete saturation followed immediately by the removal of all excess water.
Troubleshooting Watering Issues
Incorrect watering is the most frequent cause of distress in the Golden Pothos, which displays distinct symptoms for too much or too little water. A Pothos suffering from underwatering shows dramatic wilting, where the leaves droop and appear limp. The soil will be bone dry, and if the issue persists, the leaf edges may become crispy and brown.
To correct severe underwatering, completely saturate the soil by top or bottom watering until the plant has fully absorbed the moisture, and it will often perk up within a few hours. Conversely, overwatering is a serious problem, often indicated by yellowing leaves that feel soft and mushy, especially when the soil remains consistently wet. This is often accompanied by soft, dark spots on the stems, signaling the onset of root rot.
Root rot is a fungal infection caused by a lack of oxygen in saturated soil, leading to the decay of the roots. If you suspect root rot, check the roots; healthy Pothos roots are firm and white, while rotted roots are dark, soft, and often smell foul. To treat it, stop watering immediately, remove the plant, prune away all the dark, mushy roots with sterilized shears, and repot into fresh, well-draining soil to give the plant a chance to recover.