Pothos care: watering, light and repotting
Also called devil's ivy, golden pothos, epipremnum · Epipremnum aureum · Araceae family
12 d in winter
How often to water the pothos?
Allow about 7 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 12 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
Copes with partial shade but loses its variegation. Let the top of the soil dry out between waterings.
What light does it need?
The pothos likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 2 years, ideally in April, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to September, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: Trailing stems 3–10 ft (1–3 m).
Toxic to pets and children. Keep this plant out of reach and, if it is eaten, contact a vet or a poison control centre.
Common problems
Drooping leaves
Cause: Thirst. What to do: Water thoroughly; it perks up within a few hours.
Bare stems
Cause: Not enough light. What to do: Trim the stems and root the cuttings in water to make it bushier.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the pothos?
About every 7 days in spring and summer, and every 12 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the pothos?
The pothos likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the pothos?
There's no need: indoor air suits it. Wetting its leaves for no reason can even encourage disease.
When should you repot the pothos?
Every 2 years, ideally in April, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the pothos safe?
The pothos is toxic to pets and to children if eaten. Keep the plant out of reach and, if it's eaten, call a vet or a poison control centre.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the pothos forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.