Pothos Plant Care Guide: Light, Water, Soil, Propagation and Tips

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s ivy, is one of the most popular trailing houseplants worldwide. Its heart shaped leaves, forgiving nature and ability to thrive in a wide range of indoor conditions make it a favorite for both beginners and experienced plant lovers.

At a glance, Pothos plant care looks like this:

• Light: Bright, indirect light for best growth, tolerates low light
• Water: Let the top layer of soil dry before watering again
• Soil: Well draining indoor potting or aroid mix

Once you avoid constantly soggy soil, Pothos grows quickly, trails beautifully and is very forgiving of minor care mistakes.

Pothos Plant Overview

• Botanical name: Epipremnum aureum
• Common names: Pothos, Devil’s ivy, golden pothos, Ceylon creeper, hunter’s robe, ivy arum, money plant (in many regions), Solomon Islands ivy
• Plant type: Tropical evergreen vine from the arum family (Araceae), grown indoors as a trailing or climbing foliage plant
• Difficulty level: Easy, ideal for beginners
• Growth rate: Fast in warm, bright indoor conditions, moderate in low light
• Mature size indoors: Vines commonly reach 2 meters or more with support or when allowed to trail
• Safety and toxicity: Toxic to cats, dogs and humans if ingested (insoluble calcium oxalate crystals). Can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if chewed.

Quick Pothos Care Summary

What Pothos / Devil’s Ivy Looks Like

Pothos is loved for its lush, trailing foliage and versatility.

• Leaves and vines
  • Heart shaped leaves, usually 5 to 12 cm long indoors.
  • Flexible, vine like stems that can trail from hanging pots or climb moss poles and supports.
• Leaf color and patterns
  • Classic golden Pothos has green leaves splashed or marbled with yellow.
  • Popular varieties include:
    • ‘Marble Queen’ with creamy white marbling
    • ‘Neon’ with bright chartreuse leaves
    • ‘Jade’ with solid green foliage
    • ‘N’Joy’ and ‘Manjula’ with heavy white or cream variegation
• Growth habit
  • In nature, Pothos climbs trees and can produce large, split leaves when fully mature.
  • Indoors, it usually stays in juvenile form with smaller, entire leaves and long, draping vines.

Natural Habitat

Pothos is native to Mo’orea in the Society Islands of French Polynesia and has naturalized across many tropical and subtropical regions. This background explains why it enjoys warmth, tolerates shade and appreciates humidity but can still cope with typical indoor air.

Unique Characteristics

• Extremely adaptable and tolerant of neglect, which is why it is often called Devil’s ivy because it is hard to kill and stays green even in low light.
• Very easy to propagate in water or soil from simple stem cuttings.

Complete Pothos Plant Care Guide

A. Light Requirements for Pothos

Ideal Light

• Best in bright, indirect light.
• Thrives near an east or north facing window, or a little back from a bright south or west window.

Low Light Tolerance

• Tolerates low light and is often used in offices or dim hallways.
• In low light, growth slows and variegation may fade to more solid green.

Signs of Too Little Light

• Sparse, leggy growth with long spaces between leaves.
• Faded or mostly green leaves on previously variegated varieties.
• Very slow production of new leaves.

Signs of Too Much Light

• Brown, crispy patches on leaves from sunburn.
• Bleached, pale areas, especially on lighter variegated sections.

Best Indoor Placement Tips

• Place near bright windows with filtered light (for example behind a sheer curtain).
• For low light rooms, move as close as possible to the brightest area or add a small grow light.

When you think about Pothos light requirements, picture soft, bright daylight without harsh rays directly hitting the leaves.

B. Watering Instructions

Pothos prefers to dry slightly between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of yellow leaves and root problems.

How Often to Water

Exact frequency depends on light, temperature and pot size, but general guidance is:

• Water every 1 to 2 weeks, allowing the top 2 to 5 cm of soil to dry first.
• In brighter, warmer conditions you will water more often.
• In lower light or cooler rooms you will water less often, sometimes every 2 to 3 weeks.

Always check the soil with your finger before watering rather than following a rigid schedule.

How to Avoid Overwatering

• Use pots with drainage holes.
• Water thoroughly until some drains from the bottom, then empty the saucer.
• Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet or heavy.

Seasonal Watering Changes

• Spring and summer: Growth is more active, so water when the top of the mix feels dry.
• Autumn and winter: Growth slows as light levels drop, so allow more time between waterings and let the soil dry deeper into the pot.

Signs of Underwatering

• Leaves drooping and feeling limp or thin.
• Dry, very light pot and soil pulling away from the pot edges.
• Brown, crispy tips and edges if very dry for extended periods.

Signs of Overwatering

• Yellowing leaves, especially older ones near the base.
• Wet, sour smelling soil.
• Black or mushy roots if you inspect the root ball.

If you are unsure about Pothos watering, it is safer to wait a little longer than to water too soon.

C. Soil Requirements

Pothos is not very picky about soil, as long as it drains well and does not stay waterlogged.

Best Potting Mix

Good choices include:

• Standard indoor potting mix with added drainage material.
• An aroid style mix such as:
  • 2 parts all purpose houseplant soil
  • 1 part perlite or pumice
  • 1 part orchid bark or coco chips

pH Level

• Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, roughly pH 6.0 to 7.5.

Drainage Needs

• Ensure there are drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
• Avoid very large pots with lots of unused soil, as this stays wet longer and can promote rot.

D. Temperature and Humidity

Ideal Temperature Range

• Pothos prefers temperatures between 18 and 29 °C indoors.
• Typical indoor temperatures around 20 to 24 °C are ideal.

Minimum Tolerance

• Protect from cold below about 10 to 15 °C.
• Chilly drafts and cold windows can cause leaf damage and slow growth.

Humidity Level

• Average indoor humidity is usually fine.
• Pothos prefers moderate to higher humidity but adapts well to normal home levels.

Ways to Increase Humidity

• Place the pot on a pebble tray with water below the pot base (not touching the roots).
• Group it with other plants to create a slightly more humid microclimate.
• Use a small humidifier in very dry rooms if needed.

E. Fertilizer Guidance

Pothos does not require heavy feeding but benefits from light fertilizing during the growing season.

Type of Fertilizer

• Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
• Or a gentle slow release fertilizer applied in spring according to label instructions.

How Often to Feed

• Feed about once a month in spring and summer.
• Reduce or skip feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows.

Growing Season vs Dormant Season

• Spring and summer: Occasional feeding supports lush foliage and new vines.
• Autumn and winter: Low light and cooler temperatures mean the plant uses less fertilizer, so avoid overfeeding.

F. Pruning and General Maintenance

How and When to Prune

• Use clean scissors or pruners.
• Trim long vines to maintain the desired length or shape.
• Cut just above a node (where a leaf and aerial root emerge) to encourage branching.
• Prune in spring or summer for fastest recovery and fuller growth.

Cleaning and Grooming Tips

• Wipe leaves with a soft damp cloth to remove dust and help them shine.
• Remove yellow or damaged leaves promptly to keep the plant looking fresh.

G. Repotting Instructions

Pothos tolerates being a little root bound, but will grow better with fresh soil every few years.

How Often to Repot

• Every 2 to 3 years is typical, or when roots heavily circle the pot and growth slows.

Signs the Plant Needs a New Pot

• Roots growing out of drainage holes.
• Water runs straight through and soil dries extremely quickly.
• Thick mat of roots with little soil left when you slide the plant out.

Step by Step Repotting Process

1. Choose a new pot: Select one that is 2 to 5 cm wider than the current pot and has drainage holes.
2. Prepare fresh mix: Use a well draining potting or aroid mix as described earlier.
3. Remove the plant: Water lightly the day before, gently squeeze the pot and slide the root ball out.
4. Loosen the roots: Tease apart circling roots and trim any dead, black or mushy roots.
5. Repot: Add a layer of fresh soil to the new pot, position the plant at the same depth and fill around it, gently firming the mix.
6. Water and settle: Water thoroughly once, let excess drain and allow the top of the soil to dry before the next watering.

H. Propagation Methods

Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate, making it perfect for sharing or filling out pots.

Best Propagation Technique

• Stem cuttings in water or soil are the simplest and most reliable method.

Step by Step: Propagating Pothos in Water

1. Choose a healthy vine with several leaves.
2. Cut just below a node so each cutting has at least one node and a couple of leaves.
3. Remove the leaf closest to the cut end so the node is bare.
4. Place cuttings in a jar of clean water with nodes submerged and leaves above the waterline.
5. Keep in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days.
6. Roots usually appear within 2 to 4 weeks. Plant into soil when roots are a few centimeters long.

Step by Step: Propagating in Soil

1. Prepare a small pot with moist, well draining mix.
2. Insert cuttings so at least one node is buried and leaves are above the soil.
3. Firm the mix gently around each cutting.
4. Keep the soil lightly moist, never soggy, and place in bright, indirect light.
5. After a few weeks, tug gently. Resistance means roots have formed.

Best Season to Propagate

• Spring and early summer are ideal for fastest rooting and strongest new growth.

I. Common Pothos Problems and Solutions

1. Yellow Leaves

Likely causes: Overwatering, poor drainage or natural aging of older leaves.

Solutions:

• Check soil moisture and allow it to dry more between waterings.
• Ensure the pot has drainage and is not sitting in water.
• Remove old yellow leaves that are naturally aging.

2. Brown Tips and Edges

Possible causes: Underwatering, very dry air or excess fertilizer salts.

Solutions:

• Check the soil and water thoroughly when dry.
• If you fertilize often, flush the pot with clean water once or twice to clear salts.
• Maintain moderate humidity if your air is extremely dry.

3. Leggy, Sparse Vines

Likely cause: Low light.

Solutions:

• Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light.
• Trim vines back to encourage new branching and fuller growth.

4. Soft Stems or Root Rot

Likely cause: Chronic overwatering and waterlogged soil.

Solutions:

• Remove the plant from its pot and inspect roots.
• Trim away mushy, black or rotten roots.
• Repot in fresh, well draining mix and reduce watering frequency.

5. Pests

Pothos can occasionally attract pests such as:

• Mealybugs
• Spider mites
• Scale insects

Solutions:

• Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and mild soapy water.
• Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
• Isolate heavily infested plants until pests are controlled.

J. Toxicity Information

Pothos is considered toxic if ingested by pets or humans.

Pets (Cats and Dogs)

• Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause:
  • Oral irritation and drooling
  • Pawing at the mouth
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty swallowing

Humans

• Chewing or ingesting parts can cause a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, swelling and irritation.
• May cause mild stomach upset if swallowed.
• Sap can lead to skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Safety Tips

• Keep Pothos out of reach of pets and small children.
• Wear gloves if your skin is sensitive when pruning or repotting.
• Wash hands after handling cut stems and sap.

Do’s and Don’ts for Pothos Care

Do

• Place Pothos in bright, indirect light for fastest growth.
• Use a well draining houseplant or aroid mix.
• Let the top of the soil dry before watering again.
• Prune vines regularly to keep the plant full and bushy.
• Propagate cuttings to create new plants or fill out existing pots.

Do Not

• Do not keep the soil constantly wet.
• Do not leave the pot sitting in a saucer of water.
• Do not expose the plant to cold drafts or near freezing temperatures.
• Do not allow pets or children to chew the leaves or stems.

Seasonal Care Tips

• Spring: Resume monthly feeding, repot or refresh soil if roots are crowded and start propagation projects.
• Summer: Provide bright, indirect light, water when the top of the soil is dry and monitor for pests in hot, dry conditions.
• Autumn: Reduce fertilizer as days shorten and gradually increase the time between waterings.
• Winter: Keep away from cold windows and drafts, water less often and avoid overfeeding during low light months.

Styling and Placement Ideas

Pothos is extremely versatile and easy to style in many rooms.

• Hanging baskets: Let vines cascade from macrame hangers or ceiling hooks.
• Shelf or cabinet edge: Place pots on shelves and allow vines to trail down for a lush look.
• Climbing display: Train Pothos up a moss pole, trellis or along a bookcase for a vertical, jungle inspired effect.

Styling tips:

• Mix different Pothos varieties in one pot for contrast in color and pattern.
• Pair with simple white or neutral pots to highlight the foliage.
• Place in kitchens or bathrooms where humidity tends to be slightly higher.

Growth Expectations

• Pothos is a fast grower in good light and warmth, often adding noticeable length to vines during spring and summer.
• In low light, growth slows but the plant usually remains attractive.
• With consistent Pothos plant care, a small starter plant can become a full, trailing feature over a couple of years.

FAQs About Pothos Plant Care

1. Is Pothos easy to care for?

Yes. Pothos is one of the easiest indoor vines. It tolerates some neglect, low light and occasional missed waterings, as long as you avoid chronic overwatering.

2. What are the key Pothos light requirements?

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Pothos can survive in low light, but variegation may fade and growth slows. Avoid strong midday sun directly on the leaves.

3. How do I know when to water my Pothos?

Check the top few centimeters of soil. If it feels dry and the pot feels lighter, water thoroughly. If it is still cool and moist, wait a few days.

4. Why are my Pothos leaves turning yellow?

Most often this is due to overwatering or poor drainage, though older leaves do yellow naturally over time. Let the soil dry more and check the roots if many leaves yellow at once.

5. How can I make my Pothos bushier?

Prune long vines by cutting just above a node to encourage branching. You can also root cuttings and replant them back into the same pot to fill it out.

6. Is Pothos safe for pets?

No. Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested and can cause oral irritation and vomiting. Keep it away from pets that chew on plants.

7. Can Pothos grow in water permanently?

Yes, Pothos can live in water long term if you change the water regularly and add a small amount of hydroponic nutrients. Growth is often slower than in soil, but it can be a very attractive option.