How to Not Kill Your Pothos Plant
We often have customers visit us with concerns about their Pothos plant, particularly regarding brown tips on the leaves. It’s a very common issue, and I’m happy to share some insights to help you cultivate a thriving Pothos.
Pothos, aka, Devil's Ivy, aka Epipremnum aureum has these amazing cascading vines and big leaves.
It's originally from an island in French Polynesia, but has spread around the world!
It is relatively easy to care for but, like all living us, Pothos have specific needs, and understanding these is key to their well-being. I like coffee, not tea, and only a splash of dairy-free milk!
Your Pothos has specific needs too!
It has unfairly been called a "Goldilocks Plant," as people think it's very fussy and likes things "just right," but I've had them in my kitchen for years and think that they're pretty easy to care for...as long as you remember this one key thing...
Be careful about watering them.
Be consistent when watering your Pothos Plant
Pothos love consistently moist soil, but they are highly susceptible to the detrimental effects of overwatering.
Imagine a sponge that is damp but not saturated; this is the ideal soil condition.
I recommend checking the soil moisture every one to two weeks. Gently insert your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, it is time to water. If it retains moisture, it is best to postpone watering.
Ig you have yellow leaves or brown tips - you haven't got the watering quite right.
Check the environment
The surrounding environment plays a significant role in how quickly the soil dries. If your pothos is living in a dry environment, like near a radiator or in a room with low humidity, then it's going to need much more watering. if its in a humid kitchen then you might not have to water it as much.
The one-to-two-week guideline is merely a starting point; regular soil checks remain essential.
Let it dry out...a bit
You need it to dry out a bit before re-watering. This prevents the development of root rot. This is what I think the DEATH blow to a poor Pothos. If you've left it TOO long, it will start to wilt however.
Let it drain...a lot
When watering, I like to take it out of its decorative pot and water the inside pot over the sink. I can check that the water thoroughly saturates the soil and also that it is draining freely from the drainage holes at the base of the pot.
I'll let this totally drain out before putting it back in a saucer or decorative pot.
Avoid bright light
It's only cacti and succulents that are going to like the sun's rays beating down on it, others want indirect light.
Pothos will actually tolerate a lower light level, but don't expect it to grow too fast if its in a dark corner.
If you love Pothos, look out for other varieties, like 'Satin Pothos,' Marble Queen and Neon.
We always have a lot of varieties in stock, and use them in our plant designs for offices, event spaces and home interior design projects. We love them trailing downwards or climbing upwards to make a big impact.
So ignore the claims that this is a difficult plant. This is one of the best houseplants because they are actually hard to kill...hence the name 'Devil's Ivy.'
Just remember to remember your watering rules.