The Pothos plant, Epipremnum aureum, often called Devil’s Ivy, is a resilient and popular houseplant known for thriving in various conditions. While this vining plant tolerates occasional neglect, consistent and correct watering is crucial for sustained health and lush growth. Understanding the plant’s specific needs, which mimic its tropical wet-and-dry native environment, is the key to preventing common houseplant problems. This guide provides an approach to mastering the watering needs of your Pothos.
Understanding Pothos Thirst Cues
The most reliable way to determine if a Pothos requires water is to check the moisture level of the potting mix directly. Instead of following a rigid calendar schedule, wait until the top one to two inches of soil feel completely dry before watering again. To perform the “finger test,” insert a finger about two inches deep into the soil; if you feel moisture, wait a few more days.
The Pothos also communicates thirst through visual cues. When dehydrated, the normally firm leaves will display slight drooping or wilting, signaling the plant is ready for a thorough drink. Leaves may also begin to curl inward, which is a mechanism the plant uses to reduce the surface area exposed to the air, slowing down moisture loss through transpiration.
Technique for Thorough Watering
When the soil has dried sufficiently, saturate the entire root ball to encourage deep root growth. Apply water slowly and evenly across the surface of the potting mix. Continue this process until water flows freely out of the pot’s drainage holes.
This thorough soaking mimics the heavy rainfall the plant experiences in its native tropical habitat. Allowing the water to drain confirms the entire root system has been moistened and helps flush out accumulated mineral salts from the soil. Never allow the pot to sit in the drained water for more than 10 to 15 minutes, as prolonged contact with standing water suffocates the roots and leads to root rot. Bottom watering, where the pot wicks up moisture from a saucer, is also effective for plants with dense root systems.
Adjusting Watering for Environment and Season
The speed at which the soil dries is influenced by the plant’s immediate environment, meaning a fixed schedule rarely works. During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, warmer temperatures and increased sunlight cause the plant to use water more quickly, requiring more frequent watering. Conversely, in the fall and winter, the plant’s growth slows, and the soil retains moisture longer, necessitating a reduction in watering frequency.
Light exposure is another factor, as Pothos placed in bright, indirect light will dry out faster than those in lower-light conditions. The pot material also affects the drying rate; porous materials like terracotta wick moisture away faster than non-porous plastic or glazed ceramic pots. Smaller pots have a reduced soil volume, which naturally dries out more rapidly than a large container.
Identifying and Correcting Watering Problems
The most common issue Pothos owners face is overwatering, which presents as yellowing leaves, particularly on the lower parts of the plant. If the soil remains soggy, the roots become deprived of oxygen, leading to root rot, indicated by mushy, dark roots and soft stems. To correct overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again, and trim any severely damaged leaves or stems to conserve the plant’s energy.
Underwatering, while less damaging, has warning signs such as crispy brown edges on the leaves and potting mix shrinking away from the sides of the pot. A severely underwatered plant will wilt dramatically, but the leaves will feel dry and brittle instead of soft. For a plant showing signs of severe dehydration, a deep soak, possibly using the bottom-watering method, will rehydrate the soil effectively. The Pothos is resilient and usually perks up within a few hours of receiving water if the dehydration has not been prolonged.