Pothos Care Overview

  • Sunlight

    Bright indirect

  • Soil

    Well-draining

  • Watering

    Allow soil to dry

  • Temperature

    60-85°F

  • Humidity

    Dry tolerant. High preferred

  • Toxic

    Toxic to people and pets
A large Hawaiian pothos vine with green and yellow variegated leaves climbing in a thick wall of vines. The plant basks in bright indirect sunlight, which illuminates the leaves, making them appear vibrant and lush.

The Devil's Ivy

Pothos is also referred to as "Devil's Ivy" due to its resilience and adaptability. It is capable of thriving in low light and can spread out of control in tropical climates such as Florida, where it is considered an invasive species (7).

They are often grown as trailing or hanging plants, and can grow up to 40 ft long (3)!

Pothos Care Requirements

Pothos plants are easy to care for making them a popular choice as an indoor plant. This guide will show you how to create the best conditions for your pothos plant.

A marble queen pothos hanging in a macramé hanger from the ceiling in front of an open window. The window is framed with sheer curtains and blue drapes, allowing bright indirect sunlight to filter into the room. In the background, another houseplant, a pilea, can be seen hanging from the ceiling. Both plants appear healthy and lush, thriving in the sunlight.

Lighting

Try to place your Pothos in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. Pothos are known for their ability to tolerate low light conditions. Some direct sunlight is also tolerable, but it's best to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for long periods of time as this can damage the leaves.

A jar of water containing a propagating pothos plant. The plant's roots can be seen curling around in the water. Droplets of water on the plant's leaves, which are lush and green, and shoot upward on thin stems. The plant is thriving in its watery environment, and the roots are visibly growing, indicating successful propagation. The water jar adds a unique decorative element.

Soil

Pothos need well-draining soil that is watered when the soil feels dry.

Standard potting soil mixes will suffice or a potting mix containing perliteor coco coir to improve drainage and aeration (1).

Pothos plants can be grown in water or soilless substrates. They also prefer to be somewhat pot-bound.

A wall covered in golden pothos, which waterfall downward, blocking their growing surface. The vines are visible and their leaves appear lush and healthy. The center of the wall is highlighted by bright sunlight, which adds depth and texture to the image. The golden pothos plants create a unique and natural wall décor, adding vibrancy and warmth to the space.

Watering

Allow the soil to dry between waterings. To check the moisture level, stick your finger 1" into the soil. If it's dry, water with room-temperature water until it's moist. Let any excess water drain away. Water more frequently during the growing season and in dry climates. Once you become familiar with your plant, you'll see it visibly droop when it needs water.

A close-up view of a pothos leaf as it is being rained on during a weather event. Droplets of water can be seen rolling down the leaf, with some of them falling off the tip. The backlit natural sunlight illuminates the leaf, highlighting its vibrant green color and creating a beautiful contrast with the gray and rainy background. The image also includes flickers of rain in the foreground.

Humidity

Pothos would prefer higher humidity levels because they are native to tropical regions (6). However, they can tolerate normal household humidity. If you live in a drier climate, your plants may benefit from additional humidity, which can be achieved with a humidifier.

A close-up view of a vining satin pothos, also known as EPIPREMNUM PINNATUM CEBU BLUE, against a purple background. The silvery-green triangular leaves of the plant are distinctly visible and stand out against the contrasting purple background.

Fertilization

Pothos plants can benefit from a standard fertilizer every other month during active growth (6).

Flush the soil with water every few months to remove excess mineral build-up and salts.

Toxicity

According to the ASPCA, pothos plants are toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and likely humans. Hanging plants can help keep them out of unwelcome reach.

Common Varieties of Pothos

  • A golden pothos plant in a white pot, placed on a white ledge with a white background. The pothos vines over the edge of its pot, creating a natural and flowing appearance. The vibrant green color of the pothos leaves stands out against the white background, creating a visually appealing display.

    Golden Pothos

    The Golden Pothos is the most common variety of Pothos and is known for its large glossy green leaves with yellow variegation.

  • Groundcover of heavily white variegated pothos leaves with speckles of green, creating contrast against the white leaves. The leaves appear lush and healthy, and the gentle sunlight illuminates them, highlighting their unique pattern. The darkness between the leaves adds depth and visual interest to the composition.

    Marble Queen

    The Marble Queen Pothos regally displays white variegation giving it a marbled appearance.

  • A vibrant neon pothos plant in a white pot, placed on a pine table against a white background. The leaves of the plant are bright and single-toned, but fade from a lime green color in the back of the plant to a citrus yellow in the front where new leaves vine down in front of the Epipremnum aureum plant.

    Neon Pothos

    The Neon Pothos is a vibrant, non-variegated variety with bright citrus-colored leaves.

  • A beautiful ground cover of a pearls and joy pothos plant, featuring unique green and white variegation and speckled leaves. The pothos leaves appear lush and healthy.

    Pearls and Jade Pothos

    The Pearl and Jade Pothos is a smaller variety with retro green and white variegations and compact growth habit.

  • A close-up photo of a Scindapsus pictus, also known as a satin pothos, in a nursery pot. The plant has a fresh new leaf unfurling and some dirt on its leaves. The sunlight highlights the texture and color of the leaves.

    Satin Pothos

    The Satin Pothos has dark green leaves with silver shimmery variegation giving it a satiny appearance.

  • A photo of a massive Hawaiian pothos with striking yellow variegations, climbing up a tree trunk. The sunlight illuminates the vibrant colors and patterns of the leaves.

    Hawaiian Pothos

    The Hawaiian Pothos has green leaves with striking yellow variations and is known for its rapid growth.
An image of a woman propagating a pothos plant. She holds a cutting in a jar of water, recently cut from a marble queen pothos to her right. A watering can and shears are visible in the photo.

Pothos Propagation

Propagating Pothos plants is easy and can be done in 6 steps:

  • 1. Gather Cuttings

    Gather stem cuttings from a healthy Pothos plant. The cuttings should be at least 4 inches long and should have at least 2-3 leaves on them.

  • 2. Remove Leaves

    Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving only a few leaves on the top.

  • 3. Rooting Hormone

    Dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone (optional).

  • 4. Plant in Soil

    Plant the cutting in potting soil, an inch and a half below the soil's surface.

  • 5. Keep in indirect light

    Keep the cutting in a warm bright spot out of direct sunlight.

  • 6. Allow Roots to Grow

    The cutting will develop roots in about 2-4+ weeks.

Golden pothos or Epipremnum aureum ground cover growing in a jungle with sunlight streaking across the leaves. Some leaves show signs of sunburn with yellow and brown spots.

Common Problems with Pothos

Yellowing leaves: This can be caused by a lack of light, overwatering, or a nutrient deficiency.

Wilting leaves: This can be caused by underwatering or a pest infestation.

Brown or black spots on leaves: This can be caused by a fungal or bacterial infection or exposure to too much direct sunlight.

Slow growth: This can be caused by a lack of light, a nutrient deficiency, or a pest infestation.

Pests: Pothos plants are prone to pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.

Root rot: Pothos plants can develop root rot if left in standing water for too long.

I hope this article helps you flourish! At Happy Roots, we offer double-lined and bottom watering compatible plant pots, which are ideal for snake plants. Wishing you a happy gardening experience!

- Rikki

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Works Cited

1. Almana - Pothos

2. ASPCA - Devils Ivy

3. NC State Extension - Epipremnum aureum

4. Missouri Botanical Garden - Epipremnum aureum

5. Royal Horticultural Society - Epipremnum aureum

6. Wisconsin Horticulture - Pothos, Epipremmum aureum

7. University of Florida - Keep it in the pot – control your pothos

Images Cited

  • All images are owned content or licensed.

    1. Golden pothos or Scindapsus aureus texture background By ArtBackground

    2. Moorea island jungle and mountains landscape By daboost

    3. closed up the golden pothos on a tree By pandara

    4. plants hanging in macrame hangers By Ranjani

    5. Pothos epipremnum aureum cuttings propagation in a jar against background plant leaves By Aybars

    6. Beautiful Scindapsus aureus Eagler or Epipremnum aureum wall background.Serenity nature background.Leaf texture background. By witsawat

    7. A droplet rolling off a leaf. Rainy day. ByYG PhotoArtWorks

    8. Leaf of tropical 'Epipremnum Pinnatum Cebu Blue' houseplant By Firn

  • 9. bright living room with houseplant on a cupboard in a white pot By dropStock

    10. beautiful pattern of marble queen leaves By aunyaluck

    11. bunting lime Golden Pothos green plant on wooden table with white wall By paladin1212

    12. Golden pothos leaves By misspin

    13. Scindapsus pictus, the satin pothos or silver vine By vadiml

    14. The variegated leaves of Giant Hawaiian Pothos climbing on top of a tree By K.A

    15. young woman places plant clipping for water propagation By Amanda

    16. Creeper plant growing in wild, jungle vines climbing on tree trunk isolated on white background, clipping path included. Devil's ivy or Golden pothos, the money plant. By ellinnur

    17. Golden Pothis in Charcoal Classic in Shower by Happy Roots
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1 comment

Judy E
Judy E

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WONDERFUL “FIRST” BLOG. Very informative. Now in your future blogs, would you put in your plant pot designs. I still want one of your larger curved pots in gold, if you have one. Just send me an e-mail and I will pick up at your shop.
Miss seeing you two so am glad for spring and the area’s wonderful outdoor markets.
Good luck on your new blog.

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