Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum) are popular houseplants admired for their lush foliage and easy care. Often called Devil’s Ivy due to their resilience, they are an excellent choice for new indoor gardeners. Their adaptable nature makes them a rewarding addition to many indoor spaces.
Why Pothos Plants Are Popular
Pothos plants are favored for minimal maintenance and adaptability. They tolerate different light conditions and infrequent watering. Their aesthetic versatility allows them to be grown as trailing vines from hanging baskets or shelves, or trained to climb. Pothos plants are also recognized for their ability to improve indoor air quality.
Popular Pothos Varieties
Numerous Pothos varieties offer diverse visual characteristics, primarily differing in leaf color and variegation patterns. The Golden Pothos features heart-shaped green leaves marbled with yellow or white streaks.
The Marble Queen Pothos displays striking creamy white and green variegation, often requiring more light to maintain its distinct coloring. In contrast, the Neon Pothos stands out with its bright, chartreuse-yellow leaves, typically a solid color without variegation.
The N’Joy Pothos is characterized by smaller, heart-shaped leaves with crisp, well-defined patches of deep green and pure white.
Pothos Plant Care
Light Needs
Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light, such as that found near an east or west-facing window. While they can tolerate lower light conditions, growth may slow, and variegated varieties might experience a fading of their distinct patterns. Placing them in too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, causing them to turn pale or brown.
If indoor lighting is insufficient, artificial grow lights can supplement natural light. Signs of inadequate light include leggy growth with widely spaced leaves, while pale or burnt foliage indicates excessive direct sun exposure. Adjusting placement to diffuse harsh light with sheer curtains can help prevent damage.
Watering
Proper watering is crucial for Pothos health, and overwatering is the most common issue. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. A reliable method to check soil moisture is to insert a finger into the soil; if the top layer feels dry, it is time to water.
Pothos plants often exhibit a slight drooping of their leaves when thirsty. When watering, ensure water drains from the bottom of the pot to prevent root rot, and do not let the plant sit in standing water. Watering frequency typically ranges from once every week to two weeks, depending on environmental conditions.
Soil Requirements
Pothos plants prefer a well-draining potting mix that allows for good aeration around the roots. Ideal components include ordinary potting soil amended with materials like perlite, peat moss, or orchid bark to enhance drainage and prevent compaction.
The plant thrives in soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH, typically ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Adequate drainage is more important than a specific soil type, as Pothos can adapt to various well-draining substrates. This prevents root issues from soggy conditions.
Temperature and Humidity
Pothos plants prefer average to warm indoor temperatures, ideally ranging between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). While they can tolerate temperatures slightly outside this range for short periods, consistent exposure below 50°F (10°C) can cause stress. Sudden temperature fluctuations should also be avoided.
These plants adapt well to average household humidity levels but will benefit from higher humidity, mimicking their native tropical environments. Placing them in more humid areas of the home, such as a bathroom, or grouping them with other plants can help create a more favorable microclimate. Misting can provide a temporary boost, though it is not a primary source of humidity.
Fertilizing
Pothos plants are not heavy feeders, but they benefit from regular fertilization during their active growing season, typically from spring through summer. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, such as one with an NPK ratio around 3-1-2 or 2-2-2, approximately once a month.
Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to prevent over-fertilization, which can lead to salt buildup and harm the plant. During cooler fall and winter months, when growth naturally slows, reduce or cease fertilization.
Propagating Pothos Plants
Propagating Pothos is a straightforward process, most commonly achieved through stem cuttings in water or soil. Begin by selecting a healthy stem that has at least three leaves and a few nodes, which are small bumps on the stem where roots and new leaves emerge. Using a sharp, sterile tool, cut the stem at an angle, about half an inch to an inch below a node.
Remove any leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent rotting. Place the cutting in a jar of room-temperature water, ensuring only the stem node is submerged, not the leaves. New roots typically begin to emerge within one to two weeks.
Once the roots have grown to several inches in length, the cutting can be transplanted into a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Alternatively, cuttings can be rooted directly in moist soil by inserting the node into the substrate. Keeping the soil consistently moist during this initial rooting phase is helpful.
Common Pothos Plant Problems
Pothos plants are generally robust, but certain issues can arise from improper care. Yellowing leaves, especially lower ones, often indicate overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root rot. If the leaves turn yellow, assess the watering schedule and ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Brown leaf tips or crispy edges usually suggest underwatering or insufficient humidity. Checking the soil moisture and potentially increasing ambient humidity can alleviate this problem. Leggy growth, characterized by long stems with sparse leaves, indicates the plant is not receiving enough light. Moving the plant to a location with brighter, indirect light encourages fuller growth.
Pothos Plant Toxicity
Pothos plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making them toxic if ingested by humans or pets. While typically not fatal, consuming any part of the plant can cause significant irritation. Symptoms may include oral pain, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, difficulty swallowing, and digestive upset such as vomiting.
Place Pothos plants out of reach of curious children and pets. Wearing gloves when handling or pruning the plant can also prevent skin irritation from the sap.