If you’re nervous about keeping a plant alive, pothos is the one to start with. It is reliable, low-maintenance, and very forgiving. Even if you forget about it for a week, chances are it will be just fine.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, with no confusing jargon or overcomplicated routines. Just the essentials, explained clearly.
Quick Reference: Pothos Care Summary
| Care Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Water | When top inch of soil is dry |
| Light | Bright, indirect light preferred |
| Temperature | 65°F to 85°F |
| Humidity | Average indoor is fine |
| Feeding | Monthly in spring and summer |
| Repotting | Every 1 to 2 years |
| Propagation | Easy, via cuttings in water or soil |
| Common Issues | Yellowing (overwatering), brown tips (dry air or harsh water) |
Why You Should Definitely Try Growing One Pothos
Pothos is one of those plants that rewards you without demanding much in return. It grows steadily, fills your space with color, and bounces back from most mistakes.
It fits anywhere—on a desk, shelf, hanging basket, or climbing a wall. And if you want more plants later, you can make new ones from cuttings without spending any money.
Whether you live in a small apartment, a dorm room, or a house with lots of windows, a pothos plant is a great companion.
Choosing a Variety: They All Need the Same Care
There are several types of pothos, but they all follow the same care routine.
Popular varieties:
- Golden Pothos: Classic green and yellow mix, fast-growing.
- Marble Queen: Creamy-white variegation, a bit slower to grow.
- Neon Pothos: Bright chartreuse leaves, stands out in darker rooms.
- Jade Pothos: Solid deep green, great for lower light.
If you’re new to plants, start with a Golden Pothos. It is widely available, affordable, and extremely easy to grow.
Watering Your Pothos: How and When to Do It
One of the most common mistakes people make is watering too often or not enough. You don’t need a moisture meter or a calendar app. You just need your finger.
Here’s the simple rule:
- Stick your finger into the soil about one inch deep.
- If it feels dry, water the plant.
- If it still feels damp, wait a few more days.
Pothos can tolerate being dry better than being soaked. In fact, too much water is more dangerous than too little. Overwatering leads to root rot, which can destroy the plant if it goes unnoticed.
How to water properly:
- Water the soil evenly until you see water drain out of the bottom.
- Empty the saucer or tray underneath the pot to prevent standing water.
- Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watch for drooping leaves. This is usually a sign that the plant is thirsty. Once you water it, the leaves will perk up again within a day.
Light Requirements: What Works Best
Pothos can adapt to many different light levels, but there is an ideal range that helps it grow faster and healthier.
Best light conditions:
- Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal.
- A few feet away from a sunny window is perfect.
- Fluorescent office lighting can work too.
- Low light is acceptable, but growth will slow down.
Avoid this:
- Direct sun for long periods can burn the leaves.
- Very dark corners may lead to weak, leggy vines.
If you notice long spaces between the leaves on a vine, the plant is probably not getting enough light. Another sign is when the leaves lose their vibrant color or variegation. Move it closer to a light source and it should improve.
Feeding and Fertilizing: When and What to Use
Fertilizer helps pothos grow faster, especially during warmer months. However, too much can do more harm than good.
When to feed:
- Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
- In fall and winter, skip the fertilizer. The plant slows down its growth and does not need extra nutrients.
How to apply:
- Dilute the fertilizer to half strength. Pothos does not need a full dose.
- Apply after watering, not when the soil is dry.
Avoid overfeeding. Too much fertilizer can cause brown leaf edges or salt buildup in the soil.
Humidity and Temperature: What Pothos Prefers
Pothos are native to tropical environments, but they adapt well to typical indoor conditions.
Ideal conditions:
- Room temperature between 65°F and 85°F.
- Humidity around 40 to 60 percent is good.
What to avoid:
- Cold drafts near windows or doors.
- Sudden drops in temperature.
- Very dry air for long periods.
Simple ways to increase humidity:
- Place multiple plants near each other.
- Set the pot on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water (make sure the pot is above the water line).
- Mist the leaves occasionally with water.
These steps are optional. Most pothos plants do fine without special humidity treatment.
Pruning and Propagation: Keep It Neat or Make More
Pothos grows quickly and benefits from regular trimming. You can also grow new plants from the cuttings.
How to prune:
- Use clean scissors or pruning shears.
- Cut just below a node (a small bump where a leaf grows out).
- Trim back long vines to encourage bushier growth.
How to propagate:
- Cut a vine segment with 3 to 4 leaves.
- Remove the leaf closest to the cut end.
- Place the cutting in a jar of water or directly in moist soil.
- If using water, change it every few days to keep it clean.
- Roots usually develop within 2 to 4 weeks.
Once roots are a few inches long, you can plant the cutting in soil. You can keep growing it in water, but it will grow more steadily in potting mix.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Pothos is tough, but even the toughest plant has its moments. Here’s how to handle the most common issues.
Yellow Leaves:
- Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
- Check the soil and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
Brown Leaf Tips:
- Often caused by dry air or water with too many chemicals.
- Let tap water sit out overnight before using, or use filtered water.
Droopy Leaves:
- A sign of underwatering. The plant should perk up after a thorough drink.
Pests:
- Rare, but spider mites or mealybugs may appear in dry environments.
- Rinse the plant with lukewarm water or wipe leaves with a damp cloth and a little dish soap.
Final Thoughts
If you take care of the basics like light, water, and the occasional trim, your pothos will thrive with very little effort. It is the perfect plant for learning how to notice small changes and respond with simple fixes.
Over time, your confidence will grow along with the plant. You’ll not only have a greener space but also a better sense of how to care for other plants too.
Start with one pothos and you might be surprised how quickly it turns into many.