Pothos Plant Care Tips

Last updated on January 7th, 2025 at 06:59 pm

Pothos Plant Care tips – (Epipremnum aureum or Aureum). It is a beautiful indoor plant that goes by many names—hanging Ivy, Hunter’s Robe, Devil’s Ivy, and Gold Pothos. It can tolerate lots of shade and indoor light. It is native to the Pacific Islands

Additionally, it is well stocked in most garden stores throughout the USA. It is a member of the Araceae family. A plant that cleans the air indoors. The foliage is glossy green and has a heart shape leaf. Additionally, it is an easy-care hardy plant to use for indoor decoration.

Pothos Plant Care Tips

One issue that this plant has is the curling of its leaves. This occurs from too much water. From my own experience, it only needs water about two times per week more often if it is facing west or south facing window. If you are not sure use the “finger method” to check for water. Place your finger in the soil if it is dry water it, if it is moist skip the watering.

Aphids will also suck on the foliage causing the leaves to curl. It is best to check your Photos plant for insects at least once per week—Spray Neem oil on the foliage to keep insects at bay. Neem oil is an organic substitute for harsh insecticides.

What to feed Pothos Plants?

An all-purpose liquid fertilizer works best and there are plenty on the market. You can also use Grow-More’s 20-20-20 fertilizer. It comes in powder form but mixes with water for a perfect liquid fertilizer. Ask for it at your local Nursery. How often? Once a month works best.

Is the Pothos a Betta Plant?

Yes, it is. You can remove the soil from the root system and place it in water and it will thrive. However, you will need to add fish, mainly Goldfish, to help the plant receive food from the Goldfish poop. Or fertilize it about twice per month to keep it looking healthy and growing. Ensure you do not submerge the foliage in water, only the root system.

What about propagation? You can also cut one of the stems and place it in water; it will grow and thrive provided you take care of it as noted above.

The Marble Queen Pothos

The care of the Pothos is the same as the “Epipremnum aureum”.

Common Pothos Plant Problems

Even though pothos plants are known for being hardy and low-maintenance, they’re not immune to a few common problems. From pests to discolored leaves and root issues, these challenges can pop up if conditions aren’t right. Knowing what to look out for and how to fix issues will help keep your plant thriving.

Diseases are less common but can happen under the wrong conditions. Overwatering can lead to fungal infections, which can show up as dark spots on leaves or a wilting plant. To prevent this, avoid letting your plant sit in soggy soil and ensure proper drainage.

Learn How to Propagate Pothos Plants.

Pests and Diseases

Insects are a big problem, particularly mealybugs, and aphids. At the first sign of insects spray with Neem Oil or insecticidal soaps to kill these bugs.

Pests are one of the most frequent annoyances for pothos owners. While these plants aren’t a magnet for pests, certain critters can make themselves at home if you’re not careful. Here are the main ones to watch for:

Mealybugs: These cotton-like pests cling to leaves and stems, sucking out nutrients. Wipe them off with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs.
Spider Mites: Tiny and hard to spot, they spin webbing on leaves and cause speckled discoloration. Rinse your plant under lukewarm water and keep humidity levels up to deter them.
Scale Insects: These appear as small, brown bumps on stems and leaves. Gently scrape them off, then treat the plant with insecticidal soap.

Root Rot Prevention

Root rot is one of the most serious issues a pothos plant can face. It’s usually caused by overly wet conditions, and once it sets in, it can spread quickly. Here’s how to prevent and address it:

Avoid Overwatering: Always let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering. Use a well-draining potting mix and pots with drainage holes.
Watch for Symptoms: If your pothos suddenly wilts or has a foul smell coming from the soil, check the roots. Healthy roots are white and firm; rotting roots appear brown, mushy, and smell bad.
Act Fast: If you suspect root rot, remove the plant from its pot and trim off affected roots with sterilized scissors. Repot in fresh, dry soil, and adjust your watering routine to prevent future problems.
Use Proper Soil: A mix with perlite or sand will improve drainage and reduce water retention, which is key to avoiding rot.

Leaf Discoloration Issues

When your pothos plant’s leaves start yellowing or browning, it’s usually a sign something’s wrong. Here’s how to identify and fix those issues:

Yellow Leaves: This often points to overwatering. If the leaves feel soft or the soil smells earthy, cut back on watering. Make sure the pot drains well and let the soil dry out before the next watering.
Brown Leaf Tips: Dry air or inconsistent watering is often to blame. Check your watering practices and consider adding a humidifier nearby.
Entirely Brown Leaves: This happens when the plant is neglected for too long. It could be under-watering, severe sunlight exposure, or poor soil quality. Trim the damaged leaves and address the underlying care issue.

A quick tip: if a plant’s variegation fades and leaves turn plain green, it’s likely due to low light. Move your pothos closer to a bright window, but avoid direct sunlight.

By addressing these issues quickly and tweaking your care practices, you can keep your pothos plant thriving for years. These solutions are simple yet highly effective—perfect for plant owners of any experience level.

Learn more about Insects and Diseases in Plants.

There are over 50 types of Pothos plants. Find out more here. Wikipedia Pothos.