How to Grow Pothos

Pothos plants, beloved for their lush foliage and easygoing nature, make excellent additions to any indoor space. With the right care, these resilient houseplants thrive in a range of environments, offering beauty and air-purifying benefits.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned plant enthusiast, understanding key care aspects - like choosing the right variety, ensuring proper light and water, and mastering propagation - can help your pothos flourish year-round.

Published: November 14, 2024.

Choosing the Right Pothos Variety for Your Space

Pothos plants, also known as Devil’s Ivy, come in a range of varieties that cater to different aesthetic preferences and growing environments. Choosing the right variety involves considering factors such as leaf color, growth habits, and space limitations.

Here’s a look at some popular pothos varieties and tips on selecting one that fits your indoor setting:

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Known for its heart-shaped leaves with vibrant green and yellow variegation, the Golden Pothos is one of the most popular and easy-to-grow varieties. Its adaptability to low light makes it ideal for spaces with indirect light, such as offices or shaded corners.

Marble Queen Pothos

This variety features stunning white and green marbled leaves that brighten any room. While it can tolerate low light, Marble Queen grows more vibrantly in brighter indirect light.

Its slower growth rate makes it suitable for smaller spaces or desktops where controlled growth is preferred.

Jade Pothos

A classic variety with solid green leaves, Jade Pothos thrives in lower light settings and offers a denser, bushier growth. This variety is perfect for filling out shaded areas and is ideal for beginners looking for a low-maintenance plant.

Neon Pothos

As the name suggests, Neon Pothos stands out with its bright chartreuse leaves, adding a splash of color to any room. It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its striking color. This variety works well in well-lit rooms, adding contrast to darker furniture or walls.

Manjula Pothos

With its unique mix of white, green, and silver variegation, Manjula Pothos is a show-stopping variety. Its slower growth rate and bushy appearance make it ideal for focal points or smaller areas where it can be admired up close. Manjula Pothos prefers bright, indirect light for best growth.

Choosing the right pothos variety largely depends on the light levels in your space, your preferred maintenance level, and the look you want to achieve.

For low-light areas, varieties like Jade and Golden Pothos are hardy choices, while well-lit spots can bring out the vibrant hues in Marble Queen and Neon Pothos.

Optimal Lighting Conditions for Pothos Growth

Pothos plants are highly adaptable when it comes to lighting, but providing the right light is key to maintaining their vibrant foliage and encouraging healthy growth.

Bright, Indirect Light

While pothos can tolerate low light, they grow best in bright, indirect light. Place them near a window where they receive filtered sunlight, such as an east or north-facing window.

This light level helps maintain their color and encourages lush, full growth without risking sunburn to the leaves.

Low-Light Adaptability

Pothos plants are popular for their tolerance of low-light conditions, which makes them a common choice for office spaces or rooms with minimal natural light. In low-light environments, the growth rate may slow down, and variegated varieties might develop more green tones, as variegation is typically less pronounced in lower light.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can scorch pothos leaves, causing them to turn yellow or develop brown, crispy edges. If placing your pothos near a south or west-facing window, ensure it’s shielded by sheer curtains or moved a few feet back to avoid excessive direct sun exposure.

Artificial Light Solutions

Pothos can also thrive under artificial light, making them ideal for rooms without windows or areas with limited sunlight.

Place them under fluorescent lights or full-spectrum LED grow lights for at least 10-12 hours daily to mimic natural light conditions. This setup works well for offices, basements, or interior rooms.

Seasonal Adjustments

During winter months, natural light may diminish, especially in northern climates. If your pothos is positioned in a spot where light significantly decreases, consider moving it closer to a light source or supplementing with artificial lighting to keep it healthy throughout the season.

Adapting to low light or indirect light is what makes pothos such a versatile indoor plant, capable of enhancing any corner or shelf in your space. By understanding its light preferences, you can ensure your pothos maintains its vibrant, attractive foliage year-round.

Selecting the Perfect Soil for Healthy Pothos Roots

Pothos plants thrive in well-draining soil that retains enough moisture to keep the roots hydrated without becoming waterlogged.

The right soil mix ensures your pothos can grow strong, healthy roots and withstand occasional missed waterings.

Ideal Soil Type

Pothos plants prefer a loose, aerated soil mix that drains well. A standard potting soil is a good base, but it’s beneficial to amend it with additional materials to improve drainage. Look for soils labeled for indoor or tropical plants, as these often have the right balance of ingredients.

Adding Drainage Components

To ensure proper drainage, consider mixing in elements like perlite, orchid bark, or sand. These materials help prevent compacted soil and allow for better airflow around the roots.

A typical mix might include two parts potting soil, one part perlite, and one part orchid bark. This combination provides moisture retention while preventing the soil from becoming overly saturated.

Ensuring Proper pH Levels

Pothos plants prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.1 to 6.5. Most commercial potting soils fall within this range, but if your water or fertilizer has an impact on soil pH, consider testing occasionally to ensure it remains within the ideal range.

Avoid Heavy Soils

Avoid heavy soils or those labeled for outdoor use, as they can retain too much water and suffocate pothos roots. Heavy soils may also compact over time, limiting root growth and potentially leading to root rot.

Repotting and Soil Refreshing

It’s generally good practice to refresh the soil every year or two, especially if the plant shows signs of slowed growth. Repotting into fresh soil improves nutrient levels and allows the roots more room to expand. Choose a pot with drainage holes to further support healthy, well-draining soil.

Selecting a well-draining, light soil mix and monitoring the pot’s drainage will create a supportive environment that allows pothos roots to grow strong and resilient, ensuring your plant stays healthy and vibrant.

Watering Tips: Finding the Right Balance

Watering is one of the most crucial aspects of pothos care. Achieving the right balance between moisture and dryness keeps the plant thriving, while overwatering or underwatering can lead to issues.

Watering Frequency

Pothos plants prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Typically, watering once every 1-2 weeks works well, but this can vary depending on temperature, humidity, and light conditions.

In warmer months, pothos may require more frequent watering, while in cooler months, it’s best to reduce the frequency.

Signs of Overwatering

Overwatering can lead to root rot, yellowing leaves, and a generally unhealthy appearance. Signs of overwatering include yellow, soft, or mushy leaves, especially near the base of the plant. If you notice these symptoms, let the soil dry out completely before watering again, and consider adjusting the watering schedule.

Signs of Underwatering

Underwatered pothos may exhibit drooping leaves or crispy, brown edges. While pothos are resilient and can bounce back after occasional dryness, prolonged lack of water can cause stress and inhibit growth. If you notice wilting or dry leaves, it’s time to give the plant a thorough watering.

The “Finger Test”

To check if your pothos needs water, insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry at this depth, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, wait a few more days before checking again.

This simple test helps prevent overwatering and keeps your pothos on a healthy schedule.

Watering Technique

When watering, pour water evenly over the soil until it starts to drain from the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the roots receive an adequate drink without pooling at the surface.

If using a pot without drainage holes, be extra cautious with the amount of water to avoid excess accumulation at the base.

Seasonal Adjustments

Pothos require less water in winter when growth naturally slows down. Adjust your watering routine accordingly, and check the soil moisture more frequently during seasonal transitions. Less frequent watering during winter helps avoid stress on the roots and supports a natural growth cycle.

Ideal Temperature and Humidity Levels

Pothos plants are highly adaptable, but they thrive best within certain temperature and humidity ranges. Creating a stable environment that mirrors their native tropical habitat supports vigorous growth and helps prevent stress-related issues.

Optimal Temperature Range

Pothos prefer a temperature range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C - 29°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C), but prolonged exposure to cold can hinder growth and may cause leaves to drop.

To maintain their health, avoid placing them near drafty windows or doors in winter and keep them away from direct heat sources.

Handling Temperature Fluctuations

Sudden temperature changes can stress pothos plants. In homes with fluctuating temperatures, consider placing pothos in an interior room where the environment remains more stable.

If temperatures occasionally dip, pothos are resilient enough to recover, but aim to provide a warm, consistent setting.

Humidity Requirements

As tropical plants, pothos appreciate moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. While they can tolerate drier conditions, maintaining higher humidity helps them thrive, especially during dry winter months. Signs of low humidity include brown leaf tips and edges.

Increasing Humidity Levels

To boost humidity, consider grouping pothos with other houseplants, as this creates a more humid microenvironment. Alternatively, placing a humidifier nearby, misting the leaves occasionally, or setting the plant on a tray of water with pebbles can help maintain the moisture levels they prefer.

With a stable, warm environment and adequate humidity, pothos will grow lush and resilient, making them a reliable choice for a range of indoor settings.

Fertilizing Your Pothos: Nutrient Requirements and Frequency

While pothos are not heavy feeders, periodic fertilizing ensures they receive essential nutrients for vibrant, healthy foliage. Proper fertilization supports growth, encourages variegation, and prevents nutrient deficiencies.

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Pothos benefit from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, typically with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formulation).

This balanced mix provides essential nutrients to support leaf and root health. Organic options, such as fish emulsion or compost tea, can also be used if diluted properly.

Fertilizing Frequency

Fertilize pothos once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, from spring through early fall. This provides them with sufficient nutrients to support new growth.

During the winter months, reduce or pause fertilizing, as the plant’s growth naturally slows down and it requires fewer nutrients.

Application Tips

Dilute the fertilizer to half strength to avoid nutrient burn, which can lead to brown leaf edges. Apply the fertilizer directly to the soil, avoiding contact with the leaves.

Always water the plant thoroughly after fertilizing to help distribute nutrients evenly and prevent a buildup of salts in the soil.

Signs of Overfertilization

If leaves begin to show brown tips or edges, it may be a sign of overfertilization. In such cases, flush the soil by watering it thoroughly to help remove excess nutrients, and consider spacing out feedings or reducing the fertilizer concentration.

Regular, moderate fertilization supports healthy growth without overwhelming the plant, helping it maintain lush, vibrant foliage.

Pruning and Shaping Pothos for Better Growth

Pruning is essential for managing the shape and size of pothos, as well as encouraging fuller, bushier growth. With a few simple techniques, you can shape your pothos and even propagate new plants from cuttings.

Why Prune Pothos?

Pruning helps control the size and shape of pothos, which can grow quite long if left unchecked. By trimming back overgrown vines, you can promote bushier, denser growth and maintain a more compact appearance, especially for smaller spaces.

How to Prune Pothos

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut just above a leaf node (the point where a leaf joins the stem). Cutting here encourages new growth from the node, creating a fuller plant.

Regularly removing leggy or sparse stems helps keep your pothos looking vibrant and well-shaped.

Propagation Through Cuttings

Pothos cuttings are easy to propagate, allowing you to expand your collection or share plants with friends. To propagate, cut a stem below a leaf node, ensuring it includes at least two or three leaves.

Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the leaf nodes are submerged, and keep it in indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, and the new plant can be transferred to soil once the roots are about 2 inches long.

Shaping Techniques

For a bushier appearance, focus on cutting back the longest stems, as this encourages the plant to develop new shoots along the cut stems. If you want a trailing effect, prune sparingly and allow the vines to grow longer, guiding them over shelves or supports as they extend.

With regular pruning and shaping, you can keep your pothos lush and vibrant, whether you prefer a compact, bushy look or long, trailing vines.

Common Pests and Diseases: Prevention and Treatment

While pothos plants are relatively hardy, they can occasionally fall victim to pests and diseases. Early identification and treatment are key to keeping your pothos healthy and pest-free.

Common Pests

Pothos plants can attract pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Spider mites leave a fine webbing on the leaves, while mealybugs appear as small white, cotton-like clusters, often at leaf joints.

Aphids are tiny insects that can cause leaves to curl or turn yellow.

Treatment Options

Begin treatment by isolating the affected plant to prevent pests from spreading. Wipe down leaves with a damp cloth or rinse the plant under a gentle stream of water.

For persistent infestations, use insecticidal soap or a diluted neem oil spray, applying every few days until the pests are gone. Always test any solution on a small area first to avoid damaging the plant.

Preventing Diseases

Pothos can occasionally suffer from fungal diseases, especially if overwatered. Root rot, a common issue, results from soggy soil and leads to wilting or blackened roots.

To prevent root rot, ensure your pothos has well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes, and avoid leaving it in standing water.

Maintaining Healthy Conditions

Keeping the plant in an optimal environment with proper humidity, airflow, and sunlight helps prevent pest and disease issues.

Regularly inspect leaves and stems for signs of infestation and address any unusual symptoms early on.

With consistent monitoring and prompt action, you can prevent and treat common pests and diseases, ensuring your pothos remains healthy and thriving.

Troubleshooting Common Pothos Problems

Pothos plants are known for their resilience, but certain environmental factors can cause issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot and address some of the most common pothos problems:

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves are often a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. If the soil is consistently damp, allow it to dry out fully before the next watering. If the plant is too dry, water it thoroughly. Consider fertilizing during the growing season to address any nutrient-related yellowing.

Brown Leaf Tips and Edges

Brown tips may indicate low humidity or salt buildup from fertilizer. Increase humidity by misting or using a pebble tray, and flush the soil with water every few months to remove excess salts. Avoid direct sunlight, which can also cause browning.

Leggy or Sparse Growth

Leggy growth often results from insufficient light. Move the pothos to a brighter location with indirect light to encourage denser, more compact growth. Pruning leggy stems can also promote new, bushier growth from the cut nodes.

Wilting or Drooping Leaves

Wilting can occur due to both overwatering and underwatering. Check the soil moisture level: if it’s too dry, give the plant a deep watering; if it’s wet, allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Consistent watering practices can help prevent this issue.

Addressing these common problems with targeted solutions can help keep your pothos looking lush and healthy year-round.

Propagating Pothos: Step-by-Step Guide

Propagating pothos is a straightforward process that can be done in either water or soil. Here’s a simple guide to growing new plants from cuttings:

• Select a Healthy Stem: Choose a healthy vine with at least two or three leaves. Cut the stem just below a node (the point where a leaf meets the stem), as roots will grow from the node.
• Water Propagation: For water propagation, place the cuttings in a clean jar with enough water to submerge the leaf nodes, but keep the leaves out of the water to prevent rot. Position the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light and change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Roots should start developing within two to four weeks.

• Soil Propagation: Alternatively, plant the cuttings directly into a well-draining potting mix, burying the nodes just below the soil surface. Water the soil lightly and keep it consistently moist, placing the pot in a spot with indirect light. Root development in soil may take a bit longer than in water, but it results in stronger, more resilient roots.

• Transplanting Water-Propagated Cuttings: Once water-propagated roots reach about 2 inches in length, transfer the cuttings to soil to establish a permanent home. Plant them in a pot with well-draining soil, water thoroughly, and adjust to normal care as the new roots settle in.

With this simple propagation process, you can grow new pothos plants to expand your collection or share with friends, all while enjoying the rewarding experience of cultivating new life from your favorite plant.