How to Care for Pothos: A Guide for Pothos Plant Care

This low-maintenance houseplant is easy to grow and propagate

Potted Pothos or Devils Ivy plant inside a beautiful new flat or apartment, Pothos or money plants are also known as Devil's Ivy is a popular houseplants known for their easy care and versatility.
Potted Pothos or Devils Ivy plant inside a beautiful new flat or apartment

Pothos or money plants are also known as Devil’s Ivy is a popular houseplants known for their easy care and versatility. Pothos is a popular indoor plant known for its trailing vines and lush green leaves. This plant is easy to care for and can be a great addition to any home. In this guide, we will cover all the basics of pothos care, including watering, soil, light, and propagation.


Common NamePothos, Golden Pothos, Devil’s Vine, Devil’s Ivy
Botanical NameEpipremnum aureum
FamilyAraceae
Plant TypeVine
Mature Size20–40 ft. long, 3–6 ft. wide
Sun ExposureFull sun, partial shade
Soil TypeMoist but well-drained
Soil pHNeutral to slightly acidic
Bloom TimeRarely flowers
Flower ColorGold/Yellow, Purple/Lavender
Hardiness Zones10–12 (USDA)
Native AreasSouth Pacific
ToxicityAll parts of this plant are toxic to dogs and cats1


Pothos Varieties: A Closer Look

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a very popular houseplant that is known for its ease of care and variety of leaf shapes and colors. Here in this article, we will explore some of the most popular types of Pothos available and their unique characteristics, and why it is so loved worldwide.

Close-up of Golden Pothos, white and green leaves texture. money plant close up
Close-up of Golden Pothos, white and green leaves texture

Golden Pothos

  • Golden Pothos, which is also known botanically as Epipremnum aureum, is very classic and a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
  • Its name comes from its very beautiful golden-yellow variegated leaves that add a touch of color to any room or garden.
  • Golden Pothos is a very fast-growing and hardy plant, which makes it an excellent choice for beginners or new plant parents.
  • It can also be grown in various lighting conditions, varying from low to bright indirect light is much preferable, and can very easily tolerate a wide range of temperatures from indoors to outdoors.

closeup look of Marble Queen Pothos / Money Plant
Marble Queen Pothos / Money Plant

Marble Queen Pothos

  • Marble Queen Pothos, it is also known botanically as Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’, is a very beautiful variety with white and green variegated leaves that give it a marble-like appearance.
  • It is a slow-growing plant known for its tolerance to low light conditions. Marble Queen Pothos is also a very hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from indoor to outdoor.

Neon Pothos close-up look
Neon Pothos close-up look

Neon Pothos

  • Neon Pothos, It is also known botanically as Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’, is a vibrant variety with very bright neon-green leaves that stand out in any room and looks beautiful.
  • It is a very fast-growing plant and mostly prefers bright, indirect light. Neon Pothos is also a quite hardy plant and can easily tolerate a wide range of temperatures from indoors to outdoors.

Tropical 'Epipremnum Aureum N'Joy' pothos houseplant with white and green variegated leaves on white background
Tropical ‘Epipremnum Aureum N’Joy’ pothos houseplant

N’Joy Pothos

  • Its botanical name is Epipremnum aureum ‘N’Joy’, and it is also known as N’Joy Pothos. This extremely rare cultivar has glossy green leaves and a modest growth rate.
  • It is also renowned for its ability to grow well in a range of lighting settings, from low to brilliant indirect light, and for tolerating very low light levels.
  • Additionally, N’Joy Pothos is a resilient plant that can thrive in a variety of environments, including indoor and outdoor settings with ease.

Epipremnum aureum Pearls and Jade Pothos on wooden table
Epipremnum aureum Pearls and Jade Pothos houseplant 

Pearls and Jade Pothos

  • The Golden Pothos and Marble Queen Pothos are combined to create Pearls and Jade Pothos/money plant. This particular type has distinctive yellow and white variegation.
  • It is a slow-growing plant that excels in low-light environments.
  • It is a hardy plant that can withstand a broad range of temperatures the pearls and jade pothos.

In conclusion, Pothos is a well-liked indoor plant that comes in a range of leaf sizes and hues. Each type is simple to maintain and can withstand a variety of temperatures and lighting levels. There is a Pothos variety to suit every preference, whether you favor the traditional golden-yellow leaves of Golden Pothos or the distinctive marble-like appearance of Marble Queen Pothos.

Leaf of tropical 'Epipremnum Pinnatum Cebu Blue' houseplant
Leaf of tropical ‘Epipremnum Pinnatum Cebu Blue’ houseplant

Cebu Blue Pothos

  • Cebu Blue Pothos is a popular species of trailing houseplant known for its distinctive blue-green leaves with silver variegation.
  • It is easy to care for and can thrive in a range of environments, making it a great option for beginners and experienced plant owners alike.
  • The plant is a type of epipremnum aureum, also known as Devil’s Ivy, and is native to Southeast Asia.
  • Cebu Blue Pothos is a low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent watering, making it ideal for busy individuals.
  • It is also known for its air-purifying properties, helping to remove toxins from the air and improve indoor air quality.
  • The plant is well-suited for a variety of spaces, including office and home environments, and can be displayed in hanging baskets or on shelves or desks.
  • When it comes to lighting, Cebu Blue Pothos prefers bright, indirect light, but can also tolerate low light conditions.
  • It is also easy to propagate, making it an economical option for plant enthusiasts who want to expand their collection.

Cebu Blue Pothos is a versatile plant that adds color, texture, and life to any indoor space, making it a popular choice among plant lovers.

Discover How to Care For Neon Pothos here


Pothos Care

Pothos is a hardy plant that is relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your Pothos healthy:

Light: 

  • Pothos is an adaptable plant and can tolerate a range of light conditions, but it prefers bright, indirect light.
  • Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while low light conditions can cause the plant to grow slowly or stop growing altogether.
  • If you notice your pothos leaves turning yellow, it may be getting too much light.
  • On the other hand, if the leaves are small and the stems are long, it may not be getting enough light.

Soil:

  • Pothos is a plant that can tolerate a wide range of soils, but it prefers a well-draining potting mix.
  • A good potting mix for pothos should contain peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
  • These materials will provide good drainage and help prevent overwatering.

Watering: 

  • The most common mistake people make when caring for pothos is overwatering.
  • Pothos likes to dry out between waterings, so it’s essential to check the soil’s moisture level before watering.
  • A good rule of thumb is to water your pothos when the top inch of soil is dry.
  • When you water your pothos, be sure to saturate the soil completely, and allow the excess water to drain out of the pot.

Temperature: 

  • Pothos mostly prefers temperatures between 60-75°F.
  • Always avoid drafts and cold temperatures. As the growth is slow in the winter season.
  • It prefers humidity the most.

Humidity: 

  • Pothos or money plants prefer a moderate humidity level but they can also tolerate low humidity too.
  • As it thrives in humidity, one can use a humidifier too for its better growth.

Fertilizer: 

  • Once each month during the growing season of pothos, feed your Pothos a well-balanced fertilizer.
  • By using a balanced, water-soluble good fertilizer, pothos or money plant can be fertilized every 4-6 weeks while it is growing.
  • it really helps in the growth of the plant.

Learn Why Are My Poinsettia Leaves Falling Off here


Common Issues

Despite its easy care, Pothos can sometimes experience issues. Here are some common problems to look out for:

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

Curling leaves: This can be caused by a lack of humidity, drafts, or pests.

Brown leaf tips: This can generally be caused by low humidity or fluoride in the water.

One of the best ways to grow Pothos is to allow it to climb a trellis or a pole. This will give the plant a natural and attractive look and encourage it to grow fuller and lusher. Pothos can also be trained to grow as a hanging plant or as a ground cover. It can also propagate the plant easily by taking stem cuttings and placing them in water until roots form.

Pothos Propagation

Pothos is very easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Here’s how:

  • Pothos is a plant that is easy to propagate, making it an excellent choice for beginners. The easiest way to propagate pothos is through stem cuttings.
  • To do this, take a cutting from the stem of the plant just below a node, and place it in water.
  • Change the water every few days, and roots should begin to form within a few weeks. Once the roots are a few inches long, the cutting can be planted in soil.

Pothos in Aquariums

Although Pothos is quite toxic to cats and dogs, it is a very great addition to an aquarium. It can also help in removing nitrates and other toxins from the water dissolved, making it a very beneficial addition to any aquatic setup for fish. You can Place the Pothos or Money Plant in a mesh pot and submerge it in the aquarium. Now Be sure to keep an eye on the water level, as Pothos will absorb water through its leaves and can cause water levels to drop.

Pothos is a great option for those looking for a hardy, easy-to-grow houseplant. Its ability to thrive in low light conditions and purify the air makes it a great addition to any home or office. Its easy care requirements make it a great choice for novice and experienced gardeners.

Conclusion

Caring for your pothos is easy, as long as you follow a few basic guidelines. Remember to water your pothos only when the top inch of soil is dry, use a well-draining potting mix, provide it with bright, indirect light, and propagate it by taking stem cuttings. With these simple tips, you can keep your pothos healthy and thriving.

FAQs

Is pothos a good indoor plant?

Nearly foolproof even for beginners, pothos is forgiving of neglect, virtually pest- and disease-free, and is a great low-light indoor plant perfect for darker rooms and offices.

Why is pothos called Devil’s Ivy?

: It is also called devil’s vine or ivy because it is almost impossible to kill and remains green even when kept in the dark. It is sometimes mislabeled in plant shops such as Philodendron, Pothos, or Scindapsus. It is widely known as a money plant in many parts of the Indian subcontinent.

Does pothos need a lot of sunlight?

How Much Sunlight Does Pothos Need or require? Pothos or money plant plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low to moderate levels of indirect light, such as in north-facing homes or cooler seasons with shorter days. This plant is unsuitable for intense and direct sun, which burns and browns the leaves.

Why is pothos called a money plant?

It is called the money plant simply because it has round, thick, flat leaves that, with a little imagination, can look like a coin! This plant is usually considered a dwarf indoors but can also be grown in the garden. It is believed that as long as it thrives, there will never be a shortage of money.