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Pothos are one of the most popular house plants. We love them at Carter + Rose, and have actually dedicated a whole wall to pothos and our ceramic snakes!! Why do we love them? They are super low maintenance, and these vigorous growers are able to create gorgeous cascading foliage in no time! Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent, or a newbie to the world of indoor gardening, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) are pretty much guaranteed to thrive with very little effort.
Before delving into pothos care, it’s important to choose the right pothos variety for your home. The most common varieties include the classic Golden Pothos, Marble Queen Pothos, and Jade Pothos. Each pothos variety has unique leaf patterns and color variations. Some leaves are more smooth, and some are more satin. You should select a variety with a color that you are drawn to and that complements your interior décor. For our C+R pothos wall, we chose a variety of pothos because we wanted to create a wall of visual texture and variety. We especially love planting pothos in our Halo planters.
Pothos are so low maintenance partially because of their adaptability to various light conditions. This makes pothos suitable for both low-light and bright, indirect light environments. However, for healthy growth and variegation, you should make sure your pothos plant is in a spot with moderate to bright, indirect sunlight. If possible, try to avoid direct sunlight so the leaves don't get burned. Sometimes, the leaves of pothos in direct light will lighten or pale as well.
One of the biggest mistakes in pothos care is overwatering. Pothos prefer slightly moist soil but are prone to root rot if left sitting in waterlogged soil. You should allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and then thoroughly water the plant until water drains from the bottom of the pot. At the shop, we can tell our pothos are ready for a drink when the leaves look a tad bit droopy or wrinkled. I am always amazed that within an hour of watering, our pothos pop back to life and look super happy and healthy again. Remember that during the winter months, you should reduce watering frequency because the plant’s growth slows down.
A well-draining potting mix helps pothos plants stay the healthiest. Ideally, this would be a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil to ensure adequate drainage to avoid waterlogged soil and root rot. And don't forget to choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil. Repotting your pothos is typically necessary every 1-2 years, or when the plant outgrows its container. Remember that pothos are vigorous growers, so you may need to repot sooner than you think! We also love cutting starters from our shop pothos. Giving your pothos a snip is a nice way to control the long vining sections. And when you give your plant a "hair cut," the starters make great gifts for friends!
Pothos thrives in average room temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C). Exposing pothos to drastic temperature fluctuations or drafts can lead to stress and leaves dropping off. While pothos can tolerate low humidity, occasional misting or placing the plant on a tray filled with water can increase humidity levels and promote lush growth.
You can nourish your pothos plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can cause salt buildup in the soil and damage the roots. During the dormant season (fall and winter) when the plant’s growth slows down, you don't need to fertilize, and you may not need to water as frequently as well.
Regular pruning helps maintain the shape and fullness of your pothos plant. Trim leggy stems and remove yellowing or damaged leaves to encourage new growth. Pothos are incredibly easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply snip a healthy stem with several leaves and place it in water or directly into moist soil until roots develop. Once the roots develop, these starters will thrive and take off. We love using pothos cuttings in the shop in our glass vases and wall snake propagation stations.
Pothos are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but occasional pest issues may arise, such as spider mites, mealybugs, or fungal infections. Inspect your houseplants regularly for any signs of pests or disease, and treat them promptly with natural or chemical solutions to prevent spreading.
Basically, at Carter + Rose, we truly believe that pothos is the most easy peasy house plant with its low-maintenance nature. Pothos are a perfect choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts alike and can add dynamic greenery to any room. So, bring home a pothos and watch it thrive, brightening up your living space with its vibrant foliage.