Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum, is a beloved houseplant that is coveted for its lush, trailing vine and heart-shaped leaves. As Pothos is so forgiving and easy to maintain, it’s become a perfect selection for beginners and has been favored by experienced plant owners alike. Its above-average tolerance for challenging growing conditions, air cleaning capability and stylish looks make it one of the most popular indoor plants. In this piece we’re exploring the ultimate care manual for Pothos to ensure you’re making the most out of this adaptable house plant.
Indoor Care
Indoor Pothos Care is particularly easy. They will thrive in indirect light, and are even tolerant of low light conditions, perfect for home and office! Maintaining a Healthy Indoor Pothos The secret to a healthy indoor Pothos is to behind by giving it the right amounts of light, water, and a little food.
Perfect indoor conditions for Pothos are bright rooms but no direct sunlight. A spot near a window, that doesn’t have scorching sunlight won’t hurt. A stable temperature of 65-85°F (18-29°C) and the humidity range (50-70%) is crucial if you want to keep your Pothos vibrant and healthy indoors.
Outdoor Care
Pothos can even survive outdoors in the right setting, specifically warm and humid environments similar to the tropics and subtropics. When the right outdoors Pothos should avoid direct sunlight as it could burn the leaves.
Outdoor Ideal outdoor conditions are in shaded or partially shaded locations where the plant will receive indirect sunlight. They should be grown in a well-draining soil and kept from temperatures that drop below 50°F (10°C). With regular watering and without wet soil, you will help them to thrive and grow well outside.
Watering
Watering is essential to the life of a Pothos, however moderation is key. One of the most prevalent perils is overwatering, which causes root rot. When the top inch of soil is dry to the touch is the ideal time for watering the plant.
| Season | Watering Frequency |
|---|---|
| Spring and Summer | Every 1-2 weeks |
| Fall and Winter | Every 2-4 weeks |
Do not allow the plant to sit in water by using a pot with drainage holes.
Light Requirements
Pothos can tolerate a range of lighting, from low to bright indirect light. But they will grow faster and have richer leaves if you give them some indirect light.
Place your Pothos in a north or east direction. If there is no way for it to get full sunlight otherwise then when inside, use grow lights although they could use some natural light. Do not expose to direct sunlight as it may burn the leaves.
Potting Soil
Your choice of potting soil is also critical when growing Pothos. Keep in mind they like their potting mix to be well-draining and nutrient-rich. A usual soil mix would be regular potting soil mixed with peat moss and perlite for drainage.
Correct soil enables the roots of the plants to receive enough nutrients and water without becoming waterlogged. Ideally Pothos optimal soil pH is 6.1-6.5.
Repotting
You’ll want to repot a Pothos when it gets too big for its pot. Signs that it’s time to repot are roots coming out of the drainage holes, the plant looking a bit top-heavy, and slow-growing despite good care.
To repot a Pothos, take it out of the pot it is in, tease apart the root ball and place it in a new pot one or two sizes up with fresh potting soil. When you do repot, water generously to allow the soil to settle.
Pruning
Trimming is part of proper Pothos care maintenance because it encourages the plant to have more leaves and become bushier. Regular pruning will also allow you to control the growth form of the plant and eliminate dead and yellowed leaves.
Prune excessive growth with sterilized scissors, preferably in the growing season (spring and summer), to promote new growth. Pruning can also protect from possible pest problems by removing damaged portions.
Blooming
Indoors, it is uncommon for pothos to flower; however, if provided the right growing conditions, you might be in for an exotic surprise. Flowering is more likely in the wild and its natural environment, because of perfect growth conditions, which encourage blooming.
For blooms, see if you can provide adequate light, controlled humidity and nutrient-rich soil (but without over-fertilizing). But for indoor care, the priority should continue to be on healthy foliage rather than blooms.
Fertilizer
that fertilizer helps Pothos to be big and beautiful. An even, water soluble houseplant fertilizer that has been diluted by half is best.
Feed Pothos once every 4-6 weeks in the growing season and scale back during dormancy. Watch out for over-fertilizing, which can lead to salt buildup and leaf burn.
Propagation
Pothos is one of the very easiest plants to propagate. There are quite a few ways with the most common being stem cuttings.
- Identify a healthy growing vine and cut a 4-6 inch section just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves, making sure to leave a couple of leaves at the top.
- Place the cutting in water or soil. If using water, change the water every week to prevent stagnation.
- Roots should develop within a few weeks, after which they can be potted into soil (if started in water).
Overwatered
Symptoms of an Overwatered Pothos Signs of an overwatered Pothos include yellow leaves, wilting, and a mushy stem. Check the roots if you suspect overwatering. If the dark, soft roots are observed, root rot is present.
For overwatering issues, reduce watering, increase drainage, and repot with fresh, dry potting soil, if needed. Trimming or cutting out damaged roots may prevent decay from spreading.
Sunburnt Leaves
Leaves burnt by the sun look dry and brown, usually along edges or tips. This is caused by excessive direct sunlight on a Pothos.
To cure or prevent sunburn, relocate the plant to an area with indirect sun and prune away the damaged leaves. Shading during the peak sun hours can also reduce sun exposure.
Drooping Leaves
Leaves droop Pothos due to underwatering, overwatering, or low humidity. The only way to know if it’s a lack of water is to check the moisture in the soil.
If you’re dry, just water the plant deeply. Water less frequently to relieve wilting from an overwatered condition. This may off balance but you can also solve them simply by increasing humidity.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves on a Pothos typically occur due to over-watering, nutrient deficiencies or insufficient light. Here are some questions you should be asking to help get to the root of the issue (pun intended) — focusing on the dozen or so possibilities that you can control — and ways to help solve it: Am I really providing the best for the plant?
Manipulate watering regimen, ensure good light, and apply a suitable nutrient solution to rejuvenate a Pothos with yellow leaves.
Brown Leaves
Brown leaves can suggest low humidity, too much sunlight, or a lack of nutrients. Correct the root cause to ensure the same doesn’t happen again.
Brown leaves can also be eliminated through higher humidity in the room and moving the plant in an area without direct sunlight while keeping the plant on a good fertilizing schedule.
Black Leaves
Blackened leaves are usually the result of cold injury, overwatering, or nutritional irregularities. To make an accurate diagnosis, evaluate the growing conditions of the plant.
Exposing the plant to a stable environment can help plants with black leaves, aside from moderating the watering of the plant and observing nutrient lock.
Root Rot
Root rot is a common problem with over watering or poor drainage and the roots turn dark and mushy. The plant must be saved, and quick action is needed.
How to identify root rot Look at the roots when the plant starts to wilt. Removing infected roots and replanting in a fresh, nonporous medium can arrest further progression.
Toxicity to Cats
Insoluble calcium oxalates make pothos poisonous to cats. It is toxic if eaten causing oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting.
If your cat eats Pothos, clear any plant material from its mouth and rinse off its mouth, then see a vet if symptoms are present.
Toxicity to Dogs
Like cats, Pothos is poisonous to dogs and can irritate their mouth, salivate excessively, and even vomit if ingested.
Offer water to flush your dog’s mouth, and seek veterinary care for further treatment if your dog has consumed portions of a Pothos plant.
Toxicity to Humans
Humans Pothos ingestion is slightly less toxic to humans, causing ingestion irritation to mouth and GI tract.
Pothos should be kept away from children and hands should be washed after dealing with the plant. Get specific medical advice if swallowed and symptoms are present.
Conclusion
Taking care of Pothos involves suitable lighting, water, and occasionally feeding. Routine checking of their development and taking care of anything like pest or disease will keep this plant healthy.
Great for adding colour to any room decor, Pothos provides great aesthetics and air purifying in any indoor space when the correct care is given. Feel free to use this guide for Pothos care as quick reference to a thriving plant within your collection.