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Houseplant Catalog
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The Unstoppable Pothos
The Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), often called "Devil's Ivy," earns its nickname by being nearly impossible to kill. With its beautiful, heart-shaped trailing vines, it is the ultimate beginner plant. Whether cascaded from a hanging basket or trained up a moss pole, the Pothos is incredibly forgiving, highly adaptable, and a vigorous grower.
The "Slightly Soft" Watering Method
Pothos plants strike a middle ground in their hydration needs. They do not want to be perpetually wet, nor do they want to dry out into dust. The ideal time to water a Pothos is when the top 2 to 3 inches of the soil are dry. A great physical indicator is the firmness of the leaves. When perfectly hydrated, the leaves feel stiff and waxy. When it's time to water, the leaves will feel slightly softer and may exhibit a very subtle droop.
It is far better to slightly underwater a Pothos than to overwater it. Constant wet feet will quickly lead to yellowing leaves, mushy black stems, and root rot. When you water, provide a thorough drench until water escapes the drainage holes, then leave it alone until the topsoil dries out again.
Light and Variegation
Pothos come in many stunning varieties (Golden, Marble Queen, Neon, Snow Queen). Their watering needs scale directly with light. A Pothos in bright indirect light will drink quickly and produce vivid, highly variegated leaves. A Pothos in a dark corner will survive but drink very slowly, and its leaves will revert to solid green to maximize chlorophyll production.
Propagation and Growth
Because Pothos are so vigorous, they are incredibly easy to propagate in water. Simply snip a vine just below a root node and place it in a glass of water. For mature potted plants, maintaining a consistent dry-then-drench cycle using our calculated intervals ensures healthy roots and rapid vine extension. A well-hydrated Pothos can easily grow several feet in a single season.
Pothos FAQ
Pothos Watering Questions
How often should I water Pothos?
Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, typically every 1-2 weeks depending on light. Leaves that feel slightly soft rather than stiff and waxy are a reliable physical cue that it's time.
Can Pothos grow in water indefinitely instead of soil?
Yes. Pothos cuttings root and grow well in a jar of water for years, though growth is usually slower than in soil. Change the water every couple of weeks to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
Why are my Pothos leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves on Pothos are the plant's most common overwatering signal. Let the soil dry out further between waterings and check that the pot drains freely; an occasional old lower leaf yellowing naturally is not a concern.
Does Pothos need less water in low light?
Yes. In low light Pothos grows slowly and its leaves tend to revert to solid green, and it will need water noticeably less often than the same plant in bright indirect light.