Originating in the lush forests of Southeast Asia, the pothos plant has become a beloved houseplant for its easy care and versatile nature. Whether you prefer a trailing plant, a climber, or a mass of mounding foliage, the pothos plant delivers. With its wide range of sunlight, moisture, temperature, and humidity tolerances, it’s no wonder that pothos is a favorite among plant enthusiasts. Plus, with a variety of colorful pothos options available, it’s a plant that collectors can’t resist.
Pothos Plant Care at a Glance
- Common name: Pothos, Devil’s Ivy
- Scientific name: Epipremnum aureum
- Plant type: Vine
- Soil: Coarse, well-draining
- Light: Medium to bright
- Water: Low to medium
- Food: Monthly with general-purpose 20-20-20 plant food
- Temperature and humidity: 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate humidity
- Propagation: Stem cuttings
- Safety: Keep away from pets and toddlers
- Mature size: 20 to 40 feet long, 3 to 6 feet wide
How to Care for Pothos Plants
Pothos plants are incredibly low-maintenance and adaptable. They can thrive in a wide range of soil types, sunlight conditions, and moisture levels. However, it’s worth noting that variegated forms, like the golden pothos, require a bit more light to maintain their vibrant coloration.
You're reading: Pothos Plant Care: Easy Tips for Growing and Propagating
Select Soil for Pothos Plants
When choosing soil for your pothos, opt for a potting mix with a good amount of perlite and composted forest products. This combination provides the necessary drainage, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that pothos can also be grown in water. Simply take cuttings from the tips of the vines, remove a few lower leaves, and submerge them in a vase filled with fresh water. Change the water regularly to prevent algae buildup.
Choose the Right Light
Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. A room with south-facing windows is an ideal location. The vibrant colors of variegated pothos, in particular, come to life under bright light. However, even in low-light conditions, pothos can still thrive, although the variegation may fade, and leaves may drop off.
Water Pothos Plants
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Allow the soil of your pothos plant to dry out between waterings. Once the soil has formed a slight crust, it’s time to water your plant. Use a watering can or immerse the pot in a bucket of water to thoroughly saturate the soil. Ensure that the pot is not too large, as excessive water retention can lead to root rot.
Fertilize Your Pothos Plants
Feed your pothos plant monthly with a general-purpose 20-20-20 plant food, following the instructions on the fertilizer label. Liquid, granular, slow-release, and organic fertilizers are all suitable options. While potting soil provides an initial nutrient boost, it’s essential to supplement it after about a month to ensure continuous growth. Consider fertilizing more frequently for a more consistent supply of nutrients, adjusting the application rate accordingly.
Set the Temperature and Humidity
Maintain a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate humidity for optimal pothos growth. Avoid exposing your plant to temperatures below 55 degrees, as this can be detrimental. In winter, when indoor humidity drops, you may observe brown leaf tips. Elevate the humidity by placing the plant on a tray filled with pea gravel and water, or mist it with a spray bottle daily.
Prune Your Pothos Plant
Pruning your pothos plant is a simple task that helps control its growth, remove dead leaves, and trim leggy vines. To prune your pothos:
- Use clean, sharp shears or scissors.
- Cut the vine about ¼ inch above a leaf node.
- Healthy cuttings can be placed in water to develop new pothos plants.
How to Repot Pothos
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When it’s time to repot your pothos, ensure that the new pot is no more than 2 inches larger than the root ball. This will prevent the plant from being susceptible to root rot. Follow these steps for repotting your pothos:
- Water the pothos to make removal easier.
- Choose a pot with drainage that is 1 to 2 inches larger than the existing pot.
- Fill the new pot about ⅓ full with potting soil.
- Gently grab the pothos by the base, tip the existing pot to the side, and carefully wiggle it out.
- Place the pothos in the new pot.
- Backfill the new pot with soil, covering the root ball completely.
- Water the plant until water drains out the bottom of the pot.
How to Propagate Pothos Plants
Propagating pothos plants is a rewarding way to expand your collection or share with fellow plant enthusiasts. Here’s how to propagate pothos:
- Trim a 6-inch vine with at least four to six leaves and two nodes, cutting just above a leaf node.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only the top two.
- For water propagation, place the bottom half of the cutting in a water-filled vase, ensuring it’s in a warm and bright location.
- For soil-based propagation, insert the lower two nodes into a pot filled with moist soil and place it in a warm, bright location.
Types of Pothos Plant
Pothos plants come in a variety of stunning varieties that are perfect for indoor spaces. Here are some popular types of pothos plants:
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): This traditional pothos features large green, heart-shaped leaves streaked with yellow variegation.
- Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’): A popular cultivar with green heart-shaped foliage and creamy white variegation.
- Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’): Bright chartreuse leaves without variegation, best displayed under bright indirect light.
- Manjula Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Manjula’): 4-color variegation with silver, cream, white, and light green markings.
- Cebu Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’): Deep blue-green leaves without variegation, featuring a subtle metallic sheen.
- Pearls and Jade (Epipremnum aureum ‘Pearls and Jade’): Smaller green leaves with white and green variegation patterns.
Safety Considerations
While pothos plants are relatively safe, they can cause mild toxicity in dogs, cats, and humans if ingested. The calcium oxalate raphides present in the plant can act as oral and digestive irritants, leading to nausea or vomiting. Pothos leaves can also cause skin irritation, so wash your hands after handling them, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Potential Pests and Diseases
Pothos plants are generally resistant to insect pests. However, Phytophthora root rot, a soilborne fungus, can pose a threat if the plant is exposed to wet soil and low oxygen levels. To prevent this, ensure your potting soil is well-drained and water your plant appropriately.
FAQs
Q: Why is my pothos turning yellow?
Overwatering is the primary cause of yellowing leaves. Ensure proper drainage and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. However, yellow leaves can also indicate bacterial or fungal infections or pest issues.
Q: How can I make my pothos plants fuller?
Regular pruning stimulates new growth and fills out your pothos plant. You can also insert a moss pole into the pot, allowing the plant to climb and develop fuller leaves. Alternatively, placing multiple pothos cuttings in one pot can create a denser plant.
Q: Why is my pothos droopy?
Droopy leaves can be a result of both overwatering and underwatering. However, other factors such as pests, diseases, and lack of sunlight can also cause the plant to droop.
Q: When should I repot my pothos?
It’s time to repot your pothos if you notice roots emerging from the bottom of the pot or if there are more roots than soil. Slow or stunted growth can also indicate the need for a larger pot.
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