Pothos is known for its resilience and beauty and is one of the most popular houseplants. Whether you’re new to caring for plants or a seasoned greenery enthusiast, pothos is easy to care for and adds a lush greenery to any space.
This guide provides important tips for caring for pothos, from watering and lighting to troubleshooting common problems and rejuvenating old plants.
#1 – Understand Pothos varieties and growth patterns
Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum, comes in several varieties, each with unique color patterns. Popular pothos varieties include golden pothos, marble queen, and neon pothos, all of which have heart-shaped leaves and growing vines. In the wild, pothos can grow up to 40 feet, but indoors, pothos typically reaches 4 to 6 feet.
Popular pothos varieties include:
Nyoi pothos: A new variety with green and white variegation. Marble Queen Pothos: Deep green mossy colored leaves with white stripes. Golden Pothos: Yellow-green leaves with golden variegation. Jade Pothos: Its dark green leaves make it ideal for dark areas. Mandula Pothos: A patented variety from the University of Florida with green and white variegation. The edges of the leaves are slightly wavy.
pin#2 – Lighting Tips for Different Pothos Environments
Pothos plants can adapt to a wide range of light conditions. However, it grows best in bright, indirect light. Here’s how to ensure the best light for your plants.
Low-light apartments: If your space lacks natural light, consider using fluorescent lighting. Place the light about 12 to 14 inches away from the plant to avoid overheating the foliage. Rotate the plant every few weeks to ensure even light exposure. A well-lit home: A home with large windows and plenty of light will do well to grow pothos. However, avoid exposing your pothos to direct sunlight as this may cause the leaves to burn. For south-facing windows, use sheer curtains to block out the light.
Advanced Tips for Lighting Pothos
pinNote the thick stems and large leaves that come in a variety of shapes and forms. | PlantCareToday.com
#3 – Watering Pothos: Keeping the Balance Correct
Proper watering is important to keep your pothos healthy. These plants prefer to be mostly dry between watering. They can suffer from both water scarcity and excess water.
Watering Frequency: Water your pothos when the top inch of soil is dry. Check that the soil is dry by inserting your finger into it before watering. Watering method: Water generously, allowing excess water to drain from the bottom of the pot. Be sure to remove any water that collects in the saucer to prevent root rot. Tips for Proper Watering: Humid Bathroom: If your pothos is in a humid area, such as a bathroom, you may need to water it less often. Always check soil moisture before watering. Dry living rooms: In drier environments, misting the plants occasionally may help, but checking soil moisture more frequently is a better option. Pebble trays help maintain humidity levels around the plants.
Soak-and-dry watering is best for pothos.
#4 – Pothos fertilizer for optimal growth
Pothos plants don’t need a lot of fertilizer, but feeding them regularly will encourage growth and keep the foliage vibrant. Learn more about pothos fertilizer
Fertilizing time: Fertilize once a month with a half-balanced liquid fertilizer (20-20-20) during the growing season (spring to summer). Do not fertilize in winter when plant growth slows. Signs of nutrient deficiencies: If your pothos leaves are pale or yellow, it may be lacking in nutrients. A regular feeding schedule will help restore the plant’s vigor.
If you click this link and make a purchase, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you.
#5 – Repotting and soil tips for a healthy pothos
Pothos is not particular about soil, but it grows best in a well-drained pot. Repotting is essential to avoid root blockage.
Best soil: Coconut coir is suitable for pothos when mixed with potting soil and perlite. This combination retains some moisture without becoming soggy. When to repot: Repot your pothos every two to three years or whenever you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot that is one size larger, and always use fresh soil when repotting.
pin#6 – Grooming and Maintenance: Keeping your Pothos in top condition
Pothos requires minimal care, but will stay lush with regular care.
Pruning: Prune long vines to encourage fuller growth. Using clean scissors, cut the stem just above the leaf node. Read tips on how to prune pothos plants. Clean the leaves: Pothos leaves can collect dust, which can inhibit photosynthesis. Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust. Misting the leaves helps keep them clean and increases humidity around the plant.
pin#7 – Common Issues and Their Solutions: Troubleshooting Guide
Although pothos is a hardy plant, it can still face some common problems. Here’s a quick guide to keeping your plants in top condition.
#8 – Advanced care for old pothos
As your pothos grows, it may become leggy or grow slower. Here’s how to care for old plants.
Rejuvenate leggy plants: If your pothos is losing its fullness, cut back the long vines to encourage bushier growth. Cuttings can be propagated in water and replanted in the same pot to create a fuller plant. Read our article on how to make your pothos grow more abundantly. Deal with plants that are entangled in roots: If the roots are wrapped around the bottom of the pot or growing out of the drainage holes, it’s time to repot the plant into a larger container. Fresh pothos potting soil and more space will encourage new growth.
#9 – Propagating Pothos: Grow More Plants
Pothos is very easy to propagate, and new plants can be grown from cuttings. Here’s a quick guide to get started:
How to take cuttings: Cut a 4- to 6-inch stem that contains at least one leaf node (the protrusion on which roots form). Place the cuttings in water or soil. Rooting in water: Place the cuttings in a glass of water in a well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight. Once roots have formed in 2 to 3 weeks and are 2 to 3 inches long, you can move the cuttings into soil. Read our tips for growing pothos underwater. Rooting in soil: Plant cuttings directly into moist soil, keeping the soil slightly moist until roots form.
Details on how to grow pothos
#10 – Seasonal Pothos Care Tips: Adjust for Winter and Summer
Pothos plants adapt well to indoor environments, but may require some adjustments depending on the season.
Winter care: Reduce watering frequency during winter as growth slows. Make sure your pothos is away from cold drafts and heating vents, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plant. Summer care: In the warmer months, the plant may need to be watered more frequently, especially if it is in a sunny location. Keep an eye on soil moisture and adjust as necessary.
#11 – Pests and diseases that affect pothos plants
Pothos plants are relatively hardy and low maintenance, but they can be plagued by pests and diseases. Here are the most common problems and how to deal with them.
Common pests:
Mealybugs: These small cotton-like pests tend to hide in the crevices of leaves and stems. They feed on the sap of plants, weakening them and causing their leaves to turn yellow. Learn more about mealybug control with PothosSolution. Remove mealybugs using a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or apply insecticidal soap to the affected area. Neem oil can also be used as a natural pest control method. Spider mites: These small pests are hard to see but can cause significant damage, leaving fine webs and small yellow or brown spots on leaves. Solution: Increase the humidity around the room. Mist your pothos regularly or place it on a pebble tray. Treat infestations with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Scale insects: These pests attach to stems and leaves and look like small, stationary bumps. They feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and droop. Solution: Scrape the scale insects off with a soft cloth and treat the plant with horticultural oil or neem oil.
pinCommon illnesses:
Root rot: One of the most common problems with pothos plants, usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a foul-smelling soil. Solution: If root rot is found, repot the plant in fresh, well-drained soil and cut out the affected roots. Reduce watering and make sure the pot has proper drainage holes. Bacterial leaf spot: This disease appears as water-soaked spots on the leaves that may eventually turn yellow or brown. Solution: Remove affected leaves and avoid misting the plant as this will allow bacteria to grow. in damp conditions. Improve air circulation and keep water out of the leaves. Powdery Mildew: Although rare on indoor pothos plants, powdery mildew can develop in humid conditions. Appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. Solution: Reduce the humidity around the plant and increase air circulation. Treat the affected area with a fungicide or a homemade remedy of water and baking soda.
Is Pothos toxic to people, children, and pets?
All parts of the Pothos plant are highly toxic to humans, pets, and livestock. Pothos contains calcium oxalate, which can cause stomach aches and pains if taken in large amounts.
Fortunately, ingesting large amounts is unlikely, as contact with the sap can cause a burning sensation on the lips and mouth.
Be careful when handling pothos, as contact with the sap can cause contact dermatitis. Wear gloves and wash your plants after pruning or repotting them.
pinPothos is a versatile and hardy houseplant that can grow in many environments with minimal care. Whether you want to grow vines later on or keep a compact tabletop plant, pothos is perfect for any space.
By following these care tips and troubleshooting common problems, you can keep your pothos thriving and beautifying your home for years to come.
