Pothos

Overview

Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is one of the most popular and easiest houseplants to grow. Native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, this versatile trailing vine is beloved for its heart-shaped leaves and impressive ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. Pothos plants are perfect for beginners, as they're incredibly forgiving and can bounce back from occasional neglect.

The plant's cascading vines make it ideal for hanging baskets, shelves, or training up a moss pole. Pothos is also known for its air-purifying qualities, helping to remove common household toxins from the air. With its adaptability and attractive foliage, it's no wonder this plant has become a staple in homes, offices, and public spaces worldwide.

Care Guide

Light Requirements

Pothos is remarkably adaptable to various light conditions, making it perfect for almost any spot in your home:

• Low Light: Will survive but growth will be slower and variegation may fade
• Medium Light: Ideal for healthy growth and maintaining variegation
• Bright Indirect Light: Promotes faster growth and more vibrant variegation
• Direct Sunlight: Avoid as it can scorch the leaves

For the best results, place your Pothos in a spot with bright, indirect light. If you notice the variegation on the leaves fading, it's a sign your plant needs more light. Conversely, if leaves develop brown spots, it might be getting too much direct sun.

Watering

Pothos prefers a moderate watering schedule and can tolerate occasional drought better than overwatering:

Watering Schedule:

• Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings
• Typically water every 1-2 weeks, depending on light and temperature
• Reduce watering in winter when growth slows
• Increase frequency in warmer months or in brighter light

Watering Technique:

• Water thoroughly until it flows from the drainage holes
• Empty the saucer to prevent the plant sitting in water
• Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots

Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and soggy soil, while curling or wilting leaves often indicate underwatering.

Soil

Pothos thrives in well-draining soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged:

Ideal Soil Mix:

• Standard potting mix with added perlite or pumice for drainage
• Commercial houseplant or aroid mix
• DIY mix: 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, 1 part orchid bark

The soil should feel light and airy, allowing roots to breathe while still holding enough moisture. Avoid heavy, dense soils that can lead to root rot.

Temperature & Humidity

As a tropical plant, Pothos prefers warm conditions but is adaptable to normal household environments:

Temperature:

• Ideal range: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Can tolerate down to 55°F (13°C) but growth will slow
• Protect from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes
• Keep away from heating vents and air conditioners

Humidity:

• Adapts to average household humidity (40-60%)
• Appreciates higher humidity but doesn't require it
• If air is very dry, consider occasional misting or placing on a pebble tray with water
• Grouping with other plants can create a more humid microclimate

Fertilizing

Pothos isn't a heavy feeder but benefits from regular, light fertilization during the growing season:

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength
• Feed once a month during spring and summer
• Reduce or eliminate fertilizer in fall and winter
• If leaves appear pale or growth slows, it may need more nutrients

Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup and damage roots, so it's better to under-fertilize than over-fertilize.

Propagation

Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate, making it perfect for expanding your collection or sharing with friends:

Stem Cuttings in Water:

1. Cut a 4-6 inch section of stem below a node (the bumpy part where leaves emerge)
2. Remove leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting
3. Place in a container of water, ensuring the node is submerged
4. Change the water weekly to prevent bacteria growth
5. Roots should appear within 1-3 weeks
6. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, plant in soil

Stem Cuttings in Soil:

1. Take a 4-6 inch cutting with at least one node
2. Remove lower leaves, leaving 2-3 at the top
3. Optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone
4. Plant directly in moist potting mix
5. Keep soil consistently moist until new growth appears

Division:

1. When repotting, gently separate the plant into smaller sections
2. Ensure each section has healthy roots and stems
3. Plant each division in its own pot with fresh soil
4. Water thoroughly and place in indirect light

Pothos propagation is most successful in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.

Common Problems

Despite being low-maintenance, Pothos can occasionally face issues:

Yellowing Leaves:

• Cause: Usually overwatering, but can also be due to underwatering, low light, or nutrient deficiency
• Solution: Check soil moisture and adjust watering schedule. Ensure adequate light and consider fertilizing if it's been a while.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges:

• Cause: Low humidity, underwatering, or fertilizer buildup
• Solution: Increase humidity, adjust watering schedule, and flush the soil occasionally to remove salt buildup.

Leggy Growth:

• Cause: Insufficient light causing the plant to stretch toward light sources
• Solution: Move to a brighter location and prune to encourage bushier growth.

Pests:

• Common pests: Mealybugs, spider mites, scale
• Signs: Sticky residue, webbing, or visible insects on leaves and stems
• Treatment: Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol. Repeat treatments weekly until pests are gone.

Root Rot:

• Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
• Signs: Yellowing leaves, mushy stems, foul smell
• Solution: Remove from pot, trim away rotted roots, repot in fresh soil, and adjust watering habits.

Popular Varieties

Pothos comes in several attractive varieties, each with unique leaf patterns:

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• The most common variety
• Green leaves with yellow or cream variegation
• Highly adaptable to various conditions

Marble Queen Pothos

• Highly variegated with creamy white and green patterns
• Slower growing due to less chlorophyll
• Requires more light to maintain variegation

Neon Pothos

• Bright, lime-green leaves without variegation
• Color is most vibrant in medium to bright light
• Adds a pop of color to any space

Jade Pothos

• Solid green leaves without variegation
• More tolerant of low light conditions
• Fast-growing and lush

Pearls and Jade Pothos

• Smaller leaves with white and gray-green variegation
• Compact growth habit
• Requires bright indirect light to maintain variegation

Cebu Blue Pothos

• Silvery-blue, elongated leaves with a metallic sheen
• More pronounced leaf texture
• Mature leaves can develop fenestrations (holes)

With its forgiving nature, beautiful trailing vines, and air-purifying benefits, Pothos is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts. Its ability to thrive in various conditions makes it one of the most versatile houseplants available.