The Pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum), often called Devil’s Ivy, is a highly popular and resilient houseplant. This vining tropical species tolerates a wide range of indoor conditions, making it a favorite for new and experienced plant owners. While Pothos is forgiving, selecting the correct growing medium is important for ensuring long-term health and preventing root rot. The right soil mixture ensures the roots have the proper balance of moisture retention and aeration necessary to thrive.
The Ideal Soil Characteristics Pothos Needs
The fundamental requirement for Pothos soil is an open, chunky structure that facilitates rapid water movement. Pothos roots are highly susceptible to rot when exposed to prolonged saturation, making well-draining soil necessary. The soil must be structured to prevent compaction, which reduces the air pockets necessary for root respiration. Without sufficient oxygen, the roots cannot function properly and begin to break down, leading to root rot.
The texture of the soil should be loose and airy, allowing water to pass through quickly while still retaining a gentle level of moisture. A dense or heavy soil, such as standard garden soil, holds too much water and quickly suffocates the root system. Pothos prefers a growing medium that is slightly acidic to neutral, with an ideal pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. This pH level ensures that the plant can efficiently absorb the necessary micronutrients.
Recommended Soil Mixes and Components
Begin with a high-quality, commercial indoor potting mix as a base. However, standard potting mixes are often too dense for Pothos and require modification to enhance their porosity. Introducing amendments helps prevent the fine particles of the potting mix from settling.
Creating a custom blend allows for maximum control over drainage and aeration. A simple and effective DIY mixture consists of approximately equal parts of indoor potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. The perlite, a lightweight volcanic glass, is added to create small air pockets and improve drainage throughout the mix. Orchid bark, or pine bark fines, introduces larger, coarser chunks that maintain the chunky structure and resist compaction over time.
For a mix with slightly more moisture retention without sacrificing drainage, coco coir can be substituted for some or all of the potting soil. Coco coir is a fibrous material that holds moisture and nutrients while remaining light and airy, and it is a sustainable alternative to peat moss. You can also add a small amount of horticultural charcoal or worm castings to the mixture to provide a minor nutrient boost. The goal of any blend is a texture that feels airy and crumbles easily, allowing excess water to run out within seconds of watering.
Understanding Repotting and Soil Refreshing
Pothos soil mix will eventually degrade and lose its beneficial structure over time. As the organic components of the soil break down, the particles become smaller, leading to the soil compacting and reducing the airflow around the roots. This compaction is the main reason why a plant’s soil needs refreshing. The depletion of nutrients from the original mix over months of watering also makes fresh soil beneficial.
Signs of needing a soil refresh include water pooling on the surface and very slow drainage. You may also notice the soil pulling away from the edges of the pot or a visible circling of roots near the drainage holes. Repot a Pothos every one to three years, depending on its growth rate, to ensure the roots have access to fresh, well-aerated medium. When repotting, select a new container that is only one size larger than the previous one to avoid overwhelming the roots with too much soil, which can lead to overwatering issues.