How to Care for a Pothos Plant? (Complete Indoor Care Guide)

One of the easiest and most gratifying houseplants to grow is pothos. Pothos is a great plant for beginners or anyone who wants a plant that doesn’t need a lot of care, yet looks full and healthy. This article shows you how to care for a pothos plant step by step, using simple language and real-life examples so that both new and seasoned plant enthusiasts can do it right.
We at Robert’s Complete Care think that having plants inside should be fun, not a job. This article will show you everything from how much light your pothos need to how to fix those annoying yellow leaves.

Table of Contents

What Is a Pothos Plant?

The Pothos is a tropical houseplant that comes from the French Polynesian islands. This trailing vine plant grows in trees in its natural habitat, using aerial roots. Its leaves can get bigger than a dinner plate! Indoors, it stays a manageable and gorgeous pothos houseplant care favourite because of its famous heart-shaped leaves.
Because it is so hard to kill, it is called “Devil’s Ivy.” It stays green even when kept in almost complete darkness. People also praise it as a plant that cleans the air, helping to get rid of typical household contaminants from the air you breathe.

Types of Pothos

The green pothos is usually the first thing that comes to mind, but there are actually many beautiful types to pick from. The colours and patterns on the leaves of each variety are different.

Golden Pothos is the most common type and the one that most retailers have. Golden pothos plants are very easy to grow. Their leaves are brilliant green with yellow spots on them. It looks like someone painted the yellow marks using a brush.
The white variegation on Marble Queen Pothos is more than the green, which makes a beautiful marbled impression. Because it has less chlorophyll, this type grows a little slower than others. But the wait is worth it for how lovely it looks.
The brilliant lime-green foliage of Neon Pothos makes it a showstopper. This kind doesn’t have any variegation; it basically has a solid, bright hue that almost glows in the right light.
Jade Pothos has leaves that are a deep, uniform green colour with no stripes or spots. If you like a more classic look, this is great.
The leaves of Manjula Pothos are wavy and have a mix of green, white, and cream colours. This kind is really special because each leaf is different.

The Basics of Pothos Plant Care

Let’s examine the fundamentals of pothos plant maintenance. Although pothos houseplants are surprisingly forgiving, knowing a few fundamentals will help your plant flourish.

Requirements for Pothos Light

Is direct sunlight necessary for pothos? This is one of the most often asked topics. The good news is that the answer is no. In actuality, pothos plants favor bright, indirect light. In their native tropical setting, imagine the dappled sunshine that comes through a tree canopy.
Your pothos will thrive next to a window that provides it with ample light without harsh, direct rays. The best windows are those that face east or north. Can pothos endure in dimly lit environments? Of course! They are so well-liked in part because of this. They may lose some variegation and grow more slowly in darker environments, but they will still live.
Your pothos needs additional light if you see that the leaves are getting smaller or the tendrils are getting sparser. Conversely, you are exposing it to too much direct sunlight if the leaves begin to appear scorched or withered. It should bounce back if you move it a few feet away from the window.

Needs for Humidity and Temperature

Pothos likes warmth and humidity because it is a tropical houseplant. 65°F to 85°F is the optimal temperature range. Pothos, however, can withstand temperatures as low as 50°F. Anything less than that could harm your plant. Your pothos most likely feel at ease in your house if you do.
Does humidity appeal to pothos? Indeed, it does! Although pothos can tolerate typical home humidity levels, additional moisture in the air will help them grow even more. If your house is extremely dry, especially in the winter, think about misting your plant from time to time or putting it close to other plants to create a little humid environment. If you want to go above and beyond, you can also use a humidifier or a pebble tray filled with water.

The Ideal Soil for Pothos Plants

The ideal soil for pothos plants retains some moisture while draining efficiently. Although regular potting mix is perfect, you can improve it by adding a little amount of perlite or orchid bark to provide additional drainage.
Avoiding wet soil is crucial. Waterlogged soil can cause root rot, which is one of the few ways you can really damage these hardy plants. Pothos roots require air. Choose a potting mix that is labeled “houseplant” or “indoor plant” if you’re using one that has already been prepared. Usually, the proper balance is used in their formulation.

Pothos Lowest Temperature

Pothos is a tropical plant that likes warmth.

65–85°F (18–29°C) is the ideal temperature.
Pothos’s lowest temperature is approximately 50°F (10°C).
Frost and cold drafts can harm leaves.

It is better to place indoors if you reside in a colder environment. Check out our guide, How to Protect Your Plants from Frost, for seasonal protection advice.

How Often to Water a Pothos Plant

Overwatering is one of the most common errors made by new owners. The best general guideline for determining how often to water a pothos plant is to pay attention to the soil.

The Finger Examination: Put a finger into the ground about an inch deep. It’s time to water if it seems dry. Wait a few days if it looks wet.
The Droop: Their leaves will begin to wilt or droop somewhat when they are thirsty. They typically wake up a few hours after you give them a drink.

In the summer, you will typically water once or twice a week, and in the winter, less frequently. For additional advice on protecting your plants over the winter.

Best Soil for Pothos Plant

The quality of your pothos houseplant care regimen depends on the foundation you give it.

Soil Type: The best soil for pothos plants is a well-draining, high-quality potting mix. Look for blends that include perlite or peat moss. This prevents water from pooling around the roots, which can lead to rot.
Potting: Make sure the pot has holes for drainage. Keep the pothos in a plastic “nursery liner” inside the elegant ceramic pot if you adore one without holes.

Replacing Your Pothos

When roots start to emerge from the drainage holes or when the plant appears to require watering more frequently than normal, you’ll know it’s time to repot. Increase the pot size by only one (for example, from a 6-inch to an 8-inch pot).

Potting and Repotting Pothos

You don’t have to repot pothos plants very often because they don’t mind being a little root-bound. Every two to three years is typically plenty. When you carefully pull the plant up and notice roots sprouting out of the drainage holes or circling around the inside of the container, you’ll know it’s time.
When you report, pick a pot that is only 1 to 2 inches bigger in diameter than the one you already have. If you go too big, the soil may stay damp for too long, which makes root rot more likely. Your new pot must include drainage holes for your pothos to grow well.
The greatest time to repot a plant is in the spring or early summer when it is growing quickly. Take the plant out of its present pot carefully, loosen the roots a little if they are tightly wound, and put it in the new pot with fresh soil. After you report it, give it a good drink and watch it for the next few weeks while it gets used to its new home.

Propagating Pothos

One of the best things about pothos is how easy they are to grow more of. Propagation is quite easy if you want to make new plants for yourself or offer them as presents.

How to Propagate Pothos in Water

Water propagation is the easiest way for beginners to do it. This is how you do it:

Cut a 4- to 6-inch piece of vine immediately below a node (the little brown bump where leaves originate from) with clean scissors or pruning shears.
Take off the bottom 1-2 leaves to show the node.
Put the cutting in a glass of water, making sure that at least one node is below the surface.
Put the glass in a place where there is bright, indirect light.
To keep the water fresh, change it every few days.
In one to three weeks, you’ll see roots coming out of the nodes.
You can plant the cutting in soil once the roots are 2 to 3 inches long.

Is it possible for a pothos to live in water forever? Yes! A lot of people keep their pothos in water for a long time. Just remember to change the water often and add a few drops of liquid fertilizer every month or so to give the plants the nutrition they need.

Common Problems With Pothos

Even though pothos is a low maintenance plant, you might encounter a few issues. Let’s troubleshoot the most common problems.

Pothos Plant Yellow Leaves Causes

What makes the leaves on my pothos turn yellow?
This is one of the most common queries, and there are a few different things that could be going on:
Most of the time, overwatering is to blame. Roots can’t breathe if the soil gets too wet, which makes the leaves turn yellow. Check your watering schedule and make sure the soil is drying out between waterings.
It’s less common, but not watering enough can also make things turn yellow. It needs a drink if the soil is dry as a bone and the plant looks droopy.
As leaves get older, they naturally turn yellow and fall off from time to time. It’s quite normal if it’s just one or two leaves.

Brown or Crispy Leaf Tips

If the tops of your pothos leaves are turning brown and crispy, it usually implies that the air is too dry or that the plant is getting too much fertilizer. Make the air around the plant more humid, and don’t give it too much fertilizer. If your tap water has a lot of fluoride or chlorine in it, you should convert to filtered or distilled water.

Leggy or Sparse Growth

Is your pothos looking a little melancholy since its stems are lengthy and stretched out, and its leaves are small and far apart? This means that it isn’t getting enough light. What can you do to help pothos grow faster and fuller? Put it in a place with more light (but still indirect light), and think about cutting it back to make it grow bushier.
When you prune, cut slightly above a node. The plant will then send forth new growth from that spot. You can use those cuttings to make the parent plant look fuller or to establish additional plants.

Pests

Pothos plants don’t get pests very often; they can sometimes attract mealybugs, spider mites, or scale insects. If you see these unwanted guests, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them off, or spray the plant with insecticidal detergent. To stop the spread, keep the infected plant away from other plants.
Just like you have to pay attention to how to protect your outdoor plants from frost, you also have to pay attention to how to maintain your indoor pothos healthy.

Health Benefits of Having Pothos Indoors

Are pothos healthy for the air inside? Yes! Studies, including well-known ones by NASA, demonstrate that Pothos can assist in getting rid of formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide in the air. Having plants in your office has been shown to lower stress and increase productivity, according to science.
For people who take care of big buildings or businesses, it’s quite important to preserve the plants inside and outside in good condition.

Pothos Houseplant Care for Busy Homeowners

If you want plants that don’t need a lot of care, pothos is a good choice.

Can handle missed watering
Grows in a wide range of light intensities
Simple to spread and replace

Many homeowners in Landscaping Maintenance in Whittier also select pothos as an easy way to bring their outdoor plants inside.

Why Choose Us

We at Robert’s Complete Care know that having a beautiful, healthy indoor plant collection is only one part of keeping the atmosphere green and healthy. We are experts in Landscaping Maintenance in Whittier, which means we can help you take care of your outdoor spaces. But it’s important to bring nature inside.
Our staff of plant care professionals is dedicated to making sure that all of your gardening initiatives, whether they’re indoors or outside, go well. We’ve seen how taking care of plants properly, both inside and outside, can change a room and make life better. We’re here to give your landscape the same level of care and attention that we would give our own plants, should you need professional guidance or aid.

Conclusion

Learning how to care for a pothos plant is simple when you understand its basic needs. Pothos may live indoors for years if they get the perfect amount of light, water, and soil that drains effectively, and if you prune them every now and again. This plant doesn’t need much care, so it’s great for novices, busy homeowners, and anyone who wants to enjoy healthy plants without worry. Your pothos will keep growing strong and attractive as long as you keep an eye out for frequent issues like yellow leaves and change how you care for them as needed.
For professional help with plant care, seasonal protection, or complete indoor and outdoor maintenance, get in touch with Robert’s Complete Care. Our staff is always available to help you maintain your plants healthy, colorful, and growing all year long. Contact us today to obtain reliable help from an expert.