Pothos Plant Care: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners (and Beyond!)

The Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), often affectionately called Devil's Ivy or Money Plant, is a true champion in the world of easy-care houseplants. Its trailing vines, heart-shaped leaves, and remarkable tolerance for neglect have made it a beloved choice for beginner and seasoned plant enthusiasts alike. Here at Secret Garden Finds, we adore the versatility and easy-going nature of the Pothos, and we're here to share our top tips for keeping yours thriving in your indoor garden.

Why Pothos is a Top Choice for Indoor Plants:

Before we dive into the care tips, let's appreciate why the Pothos has earned its place as a household favourite, especially for those looking to buy indoor plants:

• Low Maintenance Marvel: This is perhaps the Pothos's biggest draw for busy plant parents. It's forgiving of missed waterings and can adapt to a range of light conditions, making it a perfect beginner houseplant.
• Air Purifying Qualities: Like many indoor plants for clean air, Pothos helps to filter and purify the air in your home, contributing to a healthier living environment. According to a NASA Clean Air Study, Epipremnum aureum can help remove common household toxins like formaldehyde and benzene 
• Versatile Style for Home Decor: Whether cascading from a hanging planter, trailing along a shelf, or climbing a moss pole (available in our online garden shop), the Pothos adds a touch of natural beauty and vibrant green to any décor in your home.
• Easy to Propagate for Plant Lovers: Want more Pothos? They are incredibly easy to propagate from stem cuttings, allowing you to expand your indoor plant collection or share with friends. Learn more about propagation from resources like the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Adaptable to Various Light Levels: While they thrive in bright, indirect light, Pothos can tolerate lower light conditions, making them suitable for various spots in your  home. However, for optimal growth and vibrant foliage, aim for indirect light.

Our Top Tips for a Happy Pothos Indoors:

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of Pothos care tips to ensure your plant thrives in your indoor space:

1. The Balancing Act of Watering Your Pothos:

One of the most common mistakes with Pothos is overwatering, especially in the cooler climate of British Columbia. These low-water houseplants prefer their soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

• The "Finger Test": Stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water. If it feels moist, hold off.
• Water Thoroughly: When you do water, make sure to saturate the soil until water drains out the bottom of the pot. This ensures all the roots are getting moisture. Use room-temperature water for best results.
• Adjust Seasonally: You'll likely need to water your Pothos more frequently during the warmer, actively growing months and less often in the cooler, dormant months (fall and winter).

2. Finding the Right Light for Indoor Pothos:

Pothos are adaptable to a range of light conditions, but they truly flourish in bright, indirect light, common in many homes.

• Ideal Spot: An east or west-facing window where they receive gentle morning or afternoon sun is often perfect. A few feet back from a south-facing window can also work well.
• Signs of Light Issues:
  • Too Little Light: Leaves may lose their variegation (if they have any) and the growth may become leggy (etiolated) with sparse leaves.
  • Too Much Direct Sun: Leaves can become scorched or develop brown, crispy spots.
• Experiment in Your Home: Observe your plant and adjust its location if you notice any signs of stress.

3. Humidity Considerations for Pothos:

While Pothos can tolerate average household humidity levels, they will appreciate a bit of extra moisture, especially during dry winter months when indoor heating is on.

• Increase Humidity By:
  • Grouping Plants: Placing your Pothos with other indoor foliage plants creates a more humid microclimate.
  • Using a Humidifier: A humidifier can significantly boost the humidity in the air, benefiting all your tropical houseplants.
  • Placing on a Pebble Tray: Fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water, placing your Pothos pot on top (making sure the bottom of the pot isn't sitting directly in the water). As the water evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant.
  • Occasional Misting: While misting can provide temporary humidity, be mindful of overdoing it, as consistently wet leaves can sometimes lead to fungal issues.

4. Choosing the Right Pot and Soil for Healthy Roots:

• Drainage is Key for Indoor Plants: Ensure your plant pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Soggy soil is the enemy of Pothos roots and can lead to root rot. Find a variety of pots with drainage in our online shop.
• Well-Draining Soil Mix for Pothos: Use a well-draining potting mix formulated for indoor plants. You can also amend a standard mix with perlite or coco coir to improve drainage.
• Repotting Your Growing Pothos: Repot your Pothos when it becomes root-bound (you see roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant dries out very quickly). Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one. Spring or early summer is the best time for repotting your indoor greenery.

5. Feeding Your Pothos for Lush Growth:

During the active growing season, you can give your Pothos a diluted balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the fall and winter months when growth slows down. Follow the instructions on your chosen fertilizer for proper dilution.

6. Pruning Your Pothos for Bushier Growth and Propagation:

Don't be afraid to prune your Pothos! Pruning encourages bushier growth and helps to keep your plant looking its best in your indoor space. You can simply snip off leggy stems just above a leaf node. These cuttings can also be used to propagate new indoor plants – a cost-effective way to expand your collection!

Signs Your Indoor Pothos Might Need Some TLC:

• Yellowing Leaves on Pothos: Can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Assess your watering habits and consider fertilizing during the growing season.
• Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips on Pothos: Often caused by underwatering or low humidity, common issues in heated homes during winter.
• Drooping Leaves on Pothos: Can indicate either overwatering or underwatering. Check the soil moisture to determine the cause.
• Stunted Growth in Pothos: May be due to insufficient light, lack of nutrients, or being root-bound.

Bring the Beauty of Pothos into Your Home:

The Pothos is a rewarding and forgiving indoor plant that can bring a touch of vibrant greenery to any home. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a thriving Pothos for years to come.

 

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Happy Planting! 🌱

Please note that this blog post is for informational purposes only.

It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.