Ultimate Pothos Plant Care Tips for Beginners

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), commonly known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular and versatile houseplant cherished for its low-maintenance care and striking appearance. With heart-shaped, glossy leaves that come in shades ranging from deep green to variegated patterns with white, yellow, or light green streaks, pothos adds a touch of natural beauty to any indoor space. Its trailing vines make it ideal for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a climbing plant on trellises.

This hardy plant thrives in a range of conditions, including low light, although it flourishes best in bright, indirect sunlight. Pothos is drought-tolerant and only requires watering when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, making it a forgiving choice for busy or novice plant owners. It also grows well in standard potting soil with good drainage.

Beyond aesthetics, pothos is known for its air-purifying properties, helping to remove common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. This enhances the air quality, contributing to a healthier living environment. However, pothos is toxic to pets if ingested, so it should be kept out of reach of animals.

Easy to propagate through stem cuttings, pothos allows you to expand your plant collection effortlessly. Embrace pothos for its beauty, ease of care, and air-purifying benefits.

Best Indoor Locations for Your Pothos Plant

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a versatile and adaptable houseplant that can thrive in various indoor spaces. Here’s a guide on where to plant pothos to help it grow healthily:

1. Indirect Sunlight Areas

Pothos thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. Place it near windows with filtered light, such as east- or north-facing windows, to prevent the leaves from scorching. Pothos can adapt to lower light conditions, making it suitable for offices, bathrooms, or shaded rooms. However, it may grow more slowly and lose variegation in low light.

2. Hanging Baskets or High Shelves

Pothos is perfect for hanging baskets or placing on high shelves, where its trailing vines can drape down beautifully. This placement also helps keep the plant out of reach from pets or small children.

3. Climbing Structures

If you want to showcase its climbing ability, place the pothos near a trellis, moss pole, or other support structures. This can enhance vertical greenery and provide an eye-catching indoor display.

4. Bathrooms and Kitchens

Pothos loves moderate to high humidity, making bathrooms and kitchens ideal locations. The natural moisture in these areas helps keep the plant hydrated and thriving.

5. Away from Direct Sunlight and Heat Sources

Keep pothos away from direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves, and away from heat sources like radiators, which can dry out the plant.

By choosing the right spot, you’ll ensure your pothos grows lush and healthy, adding a touch of greenery to your living space.

Pothos Care Tips

Here are essential care tips for maintaining a healthy and thriving pothos plant:

1. Light Requirements

Pothos prefers bright, indirect light. While it can adapt to low-light conditions, the plant may grow slower, and variegated types may lose some of their color. Direct exposure can scorch the leaves, causing them to brown and dry out.

2. Watering

Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure you don’t water too frequently. Typically, water every 1–2 weeks, adjusting based on the season and room conditions.

3. Temperature and Humidity

Pothos thrives in temperatures between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). While it can handle average indoor humidity, higher humidity is preferred. Occasional misting or placing the plant near a humidifier can help during dry seasons.

4. Soil and Potting

Use a standard potting mix with added perlite or sand for better drainage. Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from collecting at the bottom.

5. Fertilization

Fertilize with a balanced houseplant fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Reduce feeding in fall and winter.

6. Pruning and Maintenance

Trim long vines to encourage bushier growth and remove any yellow or dead leaves. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them looking vibrant.

7. Propagation

Propagating pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a simple and rewarding process that can help you expand your plant collection. To propagate pothos, start by selecting a healthy vine with at least one node, the small bump where leaves grow. Using clean scissors or pruning shears, cut a 4–6 inch section of the vine below the node. You can propagate pothos in two ways:

Water Propagation: Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged while keeping the leaves above the waterline. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation. Roots should begin to develop in a few weeks.

Soil Propagation: Alternatively, plant the cutting directly in a pot filled with well-draining soil, ensuring the node is buried. Water lightly and place the pot in a warm, bright area.

In both methods, new growth will emerge as the roots establish, allowing you to enjoy more lush pothos plants!

8. Pest Management

Watch for pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for treatment. Following these tips will help ensure your pothos remains lush, vibrant, and a beautiful addition to your space.

Types of Pothos: Which One Is Right for You?

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) comes in several popular varieties, each with unique leaf shapes, colors, and growth habits. Here are some of the most commonly recognized types of pothos:

1. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Gold’ or ‘Golden Pothos’)

This variety features bright green leaves with striking yellow or gold variegation. It is one of the most popular and widely available types. Thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light. It is relatively easy to care for.

2. Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’)

Known for its stunning variegated leaves, the Marble Queen has green leaves splashed with creamy white. Each leaf has a unique pattern. Prefers bright, indirect light for the best variegation, but it can also grow in lower light conditions.

3. Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’)

This variety is known for its vibrant, bright green to yellow-green leaves, giving it a striking appearance. Thrives in bright, indirect light and is tolerant of low light, though color intensity may diminish without sufficient light.

4. Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’)

Jade pothos has solid green leaves without any variegation. It’s a classic variety that is hardy and easy to grow. Performs well in low light conditions and requires less frequent watering than more variegated types.

5. Snow Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Snow Queen’)

Similar to the Marble Queen but with a more pronounced white variegation, Snow Queen pothos has bright white and green leaves. Requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth and variegation.

6. Pearls and Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Pearls and Jade’)

This variety features small, rounded leaves with a mix of white, green, and pale gray, creating a beautiful marbled effect. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions.

7. Cebu Blue Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Cebu Blue’)

Known for its elongated, blue-green leaves with a unique silvery sheen, this variety is a stunning addition to any plant collection. Prefers bright, indirect light and requires regular watering to keep the soil lightly moist.

8. Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)

Often confused with pothos, Satin Pothos features heart-shaped leaves with silvery spots and a velvety texture. It belongs to a different genus but has similar care needs. Thrives in bright, indirect light and needs well-draining soil.

TIP These pothos varieties each offer a unique aesthetic, making them popular choices for indoor gardening. Whether you prefer the classic green of Jade pothos or the striking variegation of Marble Queen, there’s a type of pothos to suit every style!