How to Care for your Pothos

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy, is one of the easiest indoor plants to care for. Its lush, trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts. Here’s everything you need to know about how to care for pothos.

Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, so it’s best to place them near a window with filtered light. If natural light is insufficient, consider using grow lights to provide the necessary illumination. Here are some highly-rated grow lights:

GE Grow Light LED 32W Balanced Light Spectrum: This light is praised for its effectiveness and affordability. It provides a balanced light spectrum that mimics natural sunlight.

Sansi 24W LED Plant Light Bulb: Users recommend this bulb for its full-spectrum light and energy efficiency. It’s perfect for providing bright indirect light to your pothos.

Soltech Solutions Aspect Light: This stylish grow light is favored for its aesthetic appeal and effectiveness. It provides full-spectrum light and can be easily mounted above your plants.

Pothos prefer lightly moist but not soggy soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings. Here are some tips:

Water When Dry: Water your pothos when the top inch of soil feels dry. During the growing season (spring and summer), this might be every 1-2 weeks. In the winter, reduce watering to once a month3.

Avoid Tap Water: Pothos are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips. Use rainwater, distilled water, or let tap water sit out overnight before using it.

Pothos thrive in well-draining soil. A standard potting mix with added perlite or sand works well. Here are some potting tips:

Use a Pot with Drainage: Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom.

Repotting: Pothos grow quickly and may need repotting every 1-2 years. When repotting, use fresh potting mix and a slightly larger pot.

Pothos prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). They can tolerate average household humidity levels but will thrive with a bit more humidity. Here are some tips:

Increase Humidity: If the air is too dry, mist your pothos regularly or place a humidifier nearby.

Avoid Cold Drafts: Keep your pothos away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Feed your pothos with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in the winter when the plant is dormant. Here is a good fertilizer choice.

Yellow Leaves: This is often a sign of overwatering. Adjust your watering routine and ensure the soil dries out between waterings.

Pests: Pothos are generally pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract spider mites or mealybugs. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use insecticidal soap if necessary.

Pothos are easy to propagate, making them a great plant to share with friends. Here’s how:

Cut and Plant: Cut a section of the vine just below a node allow it a few hours to dry and then place it in water until roots develop. Once roots are established, plant it in soil and care for it as you would a mature pothos.

Caring for pothos is straightforward, making them an excellent choice for any plant enthusiast. By providing the right amount of indirect light, watering properly, and ensuring suitable soil and potting conditions, your pothos will thrive and add a touch of greenery to your home