How To Grow & Care For Pothos Plants

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Pothos plants are the perfect addition to your indoor garden. They’re easy to care for, and their long, luscious vines look amazing in any room. This guide provides you with everything you need to know about pothos plant care, so you can keep your plants happy and thriving!

Pothos plant in a small plant. How to care for pothos.

Table of Contents

Types of Pothos Plants

Let’s explore some of the most popular varieties of pothos plants you might want to consider growing:

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos is the most common variety, known for its heart-shaped leaves with beautiful golden-yellow variegation.

It’s highly adaptable and can thrive in low light, making it a favorite for beginners.

This variety is perfect for adding a touch of warmth and brightness to any room.

Marble Queen

Marble Queen Pothos is prized for its elegant leaves, which feature a striking mix of white and green variegation.

This variety grows more slowly than others, but its stunning foliage makes it worth the wait.

It’s ideal for spaces that need a touch of sophistication and light.

Neon Pothos

Neon Pothos stands out with its vibrant, chartreuse-colored leaves that can brighten any corner of your home.

Its bold color makes it a popular choice for those looking to add a pop of color to their indoor garden.

This variety thrives in medium to bright indirect light, enhancing its vivid hues.

Satin Pothos

Satin Pothos, also known as Silver Satin, features striking, heart-shaped leaves with a beautiful silvery sheen and subtle, dark green variegation.

The leaves have a velvety texture that adds a touch of elegance to any space.

This variety is perfect for those who want a sophisticated look and thrives in medium to low light conditions.

Pothos Plant Care Tips

To keep your pothos plant looking its best, follow these essential care tips:.

1. Choose a Well-Draining Pot

Selecting the right pot is crucial for the health of your Pothos.

Ensure that the pot you choose has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.

This will help avoid root rot, a common issue in Pothos plant care.

Consider a terracotta pot with a drainage hole, as this material allows for better air circulation around the roots.

2. Plant in Light, Aerated Soil

Pothos plants thrive in a light, well-aerated soil mix.

A good potting mix combined with perlite or orchid bark will provide the ideal environment for the roots to grow and breathe, ensuring your plant remains healthy and robust.

Look for a premium indoor potting mix, which typically includes added perlite for improved aeration.

3. Water Moderately

While Pothos plants enjoy regular watering, it’s important to avoid overwatering.

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, ensuring the plant receives enough moisture without being waterlogged.

Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is one of the most common issues with Pothos plants.

To make watering easier and more consistent, use a moisture meter to check soil moisture levels before watering.

Golden Pothos, Devil's ivy, Epipremnum aureum plant on chandelier.

4. Provide Indirect Light

Pothos plants prefer bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions.

Place your plant near a window where it can receive filtered sunlight, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

If your home doesn’t get much natural light, consider using a grow light to supplement lighting, especially during the shorter days of winter.

This will help maintain the vibrant color and health of your Pothos year-round.

5. Maintain Warm Temperatures

Pothos plants thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F.

It’s important to keep your plant in a stable, warm environment, avoiding cold drafts or sudden temperature changes that could stress the plant.

Temperatures below 50°F can cause significant damage to your Pothos, leading to slowed growth and potential leaf drop.

To ensure your plant stays within its ideal temperature range, consider placing it in a temperature-controlled room or using a small space heater during colder months.

6. Ensure Adequate Humidity

Though Pothos plants are adaptable, they do appreciate higher humidity levels.

If your home is particularly dry, especially during the winter months, consider misting the leaves occasionally or placing a humidifier nearby to boost the moisture in the air.

This is particularly important if you notice the edges of the leaves turning brown, a common sign of low humidity.

A compact humidifier can help maintain the ideal humidity level for your Pothos, ensuring lush, vibrant growth.

Image of a satin pothos in a hanging basket on a bedroom wall.

7. Fertilize During Growing Season

During the spring and summer, when Pothos plants are actively growing, fertilize them every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

This will provide the nutrients needed for lush growth and help maintain the plant’s vibrant foliage.

Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, so it’s important to follow the recommended dosage on the fertilizer label.

A good choice is an all-purpose liquid plant food that is easy to apply and provides a balanced nutrient profile for healthy growth.

8. Prune Regularly

Pruning is essential to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.

Trim back any overgrown vines or damaged leaves with clean, sharp scissors to shape the plant and promote new growth.

Regular pruning also helps maintain the plant’s size, making it more manageable and aesthetically pleasing.

Invest in a pair of high-quality pruning shears to make precise cuts without damaging the plant.

9. Propagate with Stem Cuttings

Pothos plants are easy to propagate, making them perfect for sharing with friends or expanding your collection.

Simply cut a healthy vine just below a node and place it in water or directly into soil.

Within a few weeks, roots will form, and you’ll have a new plant to enjoy or share.

For the best results, use a rooting powder to encourage faster and more robust root development.

Pothos plants being propagated in water.

10. Repot When Necessary

If your Pothos becomes root-bound, it’s time to repot.

A root-bound plant may show signs of stress, such as stunted growth or yellowing leaves, because it can’t absorb water and nutrients effectively.

Choose a pot one size larger than the current one and refresh the soil to give the roots more space to grow.

A new decorative planter can also be a great way to update the look of your plant while giving it the room it needs to thrive.

11. Wipe Down Leaves

Dust can accumulate on Pothos leaves, hindering their ability to photosynthesize effectively.

Wipe down the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them clean and healthy, which will also help your plant absorb light more efficiently.

Regular cleaning also gives you the chance to inspect the leaves for any early signs of pests or diseases.

For added convenience, use a leaf shine spray that not only cleans but also adds a natural shine to the leaves.

12. Monitor for Pests

Keep an eye out for common pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids.

If you notice any, treat the plant promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent an infestation from spreading.

Regularly inspecting your Pothos ensures that any pest problems are caught early before they can cause significant damage.

A ready-to-use neem oil spray is a great all-natural option that can protect your plant without harmful chemicals.

13. Prevent Root Rot

To avoid root rot, ensure that your Pothos is not sitting in soggy soil.

Always use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes, and be mindful of your watering schedule.

Overwatering is a common cause of root rot, so it’s crucial to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.

Consider using a pot with a built-in drainage system to make sure excess water is always able to escape.

14. Support Trailing Growth

As your Pothos grows, it may need support to help its vines trail gracefully.

Use a trellis, stake, or even guide the vines along a shelf or wall for a beautiful, cascading effect.

Supporting the vines not only enhances the plant’s aesthetic appeal but also prevents tangling and helps manage growth direction.

A decorative plant trellis can add both functionality and style to your plant display.

15. Rotate the Plant Regularly

To ensure even growth, rotate your Pothos plant every few weeks.

This will prevent it from leaning towards the light source and encourage a fuller, more balanced appearance.

Plants that are not rotated may develop uneven growth patterns, with one side becoming more elongated than the other.

A rotating plant shelf can make rotating your plant easier and ensure it gets equal light exposure on all sides.

Homemade scindapsus flower in a flower pot on a gray background.

Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Pothos Plants

Even though Pothos plants are hardy, certain mistakes can hinder their growth. Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your Pothos in top condition:

1. Overwatering the Plant

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes in Pothos plant care.

It’s important to let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again to prevent waterlogged roots, which can lead to root rot.

Consistently soggy soil can deprive the roots of oxygen, causing them to decay and the plant to weaken.

To avoid this, consider using a self-watering planter that regulates moisture levels and reduces the risk of overwatering.

2. Using a Pot Without Drainage

Pots without drainage holes can trap excess water, leading to root rot and other moisture-related issues.

Always choose a pot with proper drainage to keep your Pothos healthy and prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.

Without drainage, the plant’s roots can become waterlogged, leading to poor growth and eventual root rot.

A planter with drainage holes and a saucer to catch excess water is ideal for preventing these issues.

3. Placing in Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can burn Pothos leaves, causing them to lose their vibrant color and develop brown, crispy edges.

These plants thrive in bright, indirect light, so it’s best to place them near a window with filtered light or in a well-lit room away from direct sun.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can severely damage the plant and cause permanent scarring on the leaves.

If you’re concerned about too much sun, a light-filtering window film can help diffuse the sunlight and protect your plant.

Pothos plant in front of white background.

4. Neglecting to Dust the Leaves

Dusty leaves can block sunlight and reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize, leading to slower growth and dull, unhealthy-looking foliage.

Regularly wiping down the leaves with a damp cloth or using a gentle leaf cleaner will help your plant stay vibrant and healthy.

Dust buildup can also harbor pests and other contaminants that might harm the plant.

For added ease, consider using disposable plant wipes that clean and shine the leaves in one step.

5. Ignoring Signs of Pests

Pests can quickly damage your Pothos if not dealt with promptly.

Regularly inspect your plant for any signs of infestation, such as discolored leaves, webbing, or sticky residue, and take action immediately using appropriate treatments like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Ignoring these signs can lead to a full-blown infestation that could spread to your other plants.

6. Allowing Soil to Stay Soggy

Soggy soil can suffocate the roots and lead to rot, one of the most serious issues for Pothos plants.

Always check that the top inch of soil has dried out before watering again, and ensure your pot has proper drainage to allow excess water to escape.

Consistently wet soil deprives the roots of oxygen, causing them to decay and the plant to suffer.

A soil moisture meter can be a useful tool to ensure you’re not overwatering your plant.

Scindapsus pictus plant in flower pot on wooden table

7. Using Heavy, Compacted Soil

Heavy soil can hinder root growth and retain too much moisture, which is detrimental in Pothos plant care.

Use a light, well-draining soil mix that allows air to reach the roots and water to flow through easily.

Compacted soil can lead to poor drainage and root suffocation, stunting the plant’s growth and health.

Opt for a specialized potting mix for indoor plants that includes ingredients like perlite and peat to keep the soil light and aerated.

8. Skipping Fertilization in Spring and Summer

Pothos plants need extra nutrients during their growing season to maintain their lush, vibrant appearance.

Skipping fertilization can lead to slower growth, less vibrant foliage, and a weakened plant overall.

Regular feeding during the spring and summer months ensures your plant has the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer that can be easily mixed with water and applied during your regular watering routine.

9. Not Pruning Overgrown Vines

Without regular pruning, Pothos plants can become leggy and sparse, with long vines that may start to look untidy.

Trimming back the vines not only encourages fuller, bushier growth but also helps maintain a neat and manageable plant size.

Overgrown vines can also lead to the plant putting energy into growing longer instead of fuller, more lush foliage.

Keep a pair of pruning shears handy to trim your plant and keep it looking its best.

Pruning pothos plant leaves for propagation.

10. Letting the Plant Become Root-Bound

A root-bound Pothos will struggle to absorb water and nutrients, which can lead to stunted growth and yellowing leaves.

If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling around the pot, it’s time to repot your plant into a larger container.

Repotting gives the roots room to expand and supports healthier, more vigorous growth.

11. Failing to Rotate the Plant

If you don’t rotate your plant, it may grow unevenly towards the light source, resulting in a lopsided appearance.

Rotating your Pothos every few weeks ensures that all sides receive equal light exposure, promoting balanced and even growth.

Uneven growth can lead to a weaker plant structure and less attractive appearance.

A rotating plant stand can help you easily turn the plant without having to remember to manually rotate it.

12. Exposing to Cold Drafts

Cold drafts can stress your Pothos, leading to leaf drop, discoloration, and stunted growth.

Keep your plant away from windows or doors where cold air might enter, especially during the winter months when indoor temperatures can fluctuate.

Pothos plants prefer a warm, stable environment, and sudden temperature changes can be detrimental to their health.

13. Leaving Cuttings Unplanted Too Long

When propagating, it’s important to plant cuttings promptly to ensure they remain viable and don’t dry out.

Leaving cuttings unplanted for too long can cause them to dry out, reducing the chances of successful rooting.

Fresh cuttings are more likely to develop strong roots quickly, leading to a healthy new plant.

Store your cuttings in a propagation station with water or directly plant them in soil to keep them hydrated and encourage root development.

14. Ignoring Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies.

Addressing the underlying issue promptly can help restore your plant’s health and prevent further damage.

Ignoring yellowing leaves may lead to more severe problems, such as root rot or a weakened plant.

15. Overcrowding Multiple Plants in One Pot

Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources, resulting in weaker plants with stunted growth.

Ensure each Pothos has enough space to grow by not overcrowding pots and giving each plant its own container if necessary.

Crowded conditions can also lead to poor air circulation, increasing the risk of disease and pest infestations.

Conclusion

Pothos plants are a fantastic choice for any indoor garden, offering both beauty and resilience.

By following these Pothos plant care tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be able to enjoy lush, vibrant Pothos plants that enhance your home’s décor.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced indoor plant owner, Pothos plants are sure to thrive under your care.