Unveiling the Beauty Growing Guide and Care of the Pothos Plant

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), a native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, is a steadfast favourite among novice and experienced green enthusiasts. It's one of the easiest indoor plants to care for and is known for trailing vining beauty. With thick, large, heart-shaped leaves and yellow or white striations, pothos are resilient and tolerant plants, a desirable choice for less-than-ideal conditions. The cascading vines of pothos add a touch of verdant charm to any space and come with the added benefit of air-purifying qualities, making home and office environments cleaner and appealing. Let's unravel the nitty-gritty of how to grow and care for the pothos houseplant that infuses instant beauty into the living space.

Pothos Plant: Quick Facts

Pothos Plant Care

Growing Pothos indoor plants is simple and rewarding. This low-maintenance plant is the best choice for beginners as it can thrive in bright, indirect light as well as low-light conditions. It's an excellent choice for offices and dorm rooms with minimal light.

Light

All pothos like sun or shade and can adapt to low-light conditions but prefer bright, indirect light that makes the plant happiest and vibrant. A spot with filtered, indirect sunlight leads the variegated leaves to shine. However, they sometimes lose their leaf pattern if they don’t receive enough light. Moving to direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so just take care not to place them too close to a sunny window.

Soil

Plant pothos thrive in ordinary and well-draining potting mixtures that can be rocky and slightly acidic. Pothos prefers soil pH ranging from 6.1 to 6.8 but can yield values slightly above or below. Though, it doesn't like to sit in waterlogged soil, as this can lead to root rot. If repotting the plant, avoid fertilising indoor pothos during cold months when growth is inactive.

Water

As much as overwatering is fascinating, it's a common pitfall that can harm the plant.  Let your pothos plant soil dry out before watering it again. The leaves will indicate when they require water, as they start to droop and need water to resume growth. Discard excess water from the saucer so the plant doesn’t rot. Reduce watering frequency in the winter months when this houseplant growth slows down.

Temperature and Humidity

Pothos plants love a warm and somewhat humid environment, temperatures above 50 degrees.  These plants nourish between 60-85°F (15-29°C). However, they are not frost-tolerant, so keep them away from drafty windows in the winter. While pothos plants or money plants can tolerate average indoor humidity, they benefit from supplemental air moisture through regular misting or a pebble tray with water placed beneath the pot.

Fertiliser

Feed your Pothos with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Ensure the fertiliser is diluted to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to salt buildup in the soil and potentially damage the plant. In fall and winter, you can reduce fertilising to once every other month or pause altogether.

Lifespan

With proper care, Pothos plants ( Epipremnum money plant) can be a long-lasting addition to your indoor space. These hardy plants can live for many years, growing long, trailing vines that can be pruned and propagated to refresh the plant’s vibrant appearance.

Types of Pothos Plants

While pothos plants are quite similar to other houseplants in the Araceae family, there are hybrid varieties of leaf variegation, reflected with a unique aesthetic. Some cultivars have solid light green leaves and others with light green, white or yellow patches, with lighting playing a factor in appearance. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

• Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Perhaps the most common type, it prefers medium to low light and features green leaves with golden-yellow variegation.
• Marble Queen Pothos: This variety stands out with its creamy white and green variegated pattern, offering a lighter, more refined look. It desires more light to sustain its unique colouring and marbled look.
• Neon Pothos: True to its name, a bright chartreuse variety, it can add a pop of colour to any space.
• Jade Pothos: With its solid green leaves and grey highlight on the outer edges, it offers a more subtle and elegant appearance at home than its variegated cousins.
• Satin Pothos (Scindapsus Pictus): This varietal has a silvery sheen on its green leaves, with spots and splashes that give it an eccentric texture. It survives better than other houseplants in drought and low-light conditions.

Potting and Repotting Pothos

The good news is that pothos aren’t too picky about their pots. A classic ceramic or terracotta pot can be a suitable choice with adequate drainage holes that allow the roots to breathe and excess water to escape the soil and prevent root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix, like perlite or vermiculite, to improve aeration and drainage.

Repotting Pothos

The signs of repotting indoor pothos include roots growing out of the drainage holes, slowed growth, and plants drying out more quickly than usual after watering. Repot in a new container that is one size or two sizes larger than the current one to give the roots room to grow. Fill the bottom with a fresh potting mix and water well to help the plant regrow.

Propagating Pothos

Trailing plants with vibrant leaves can be as wild or compact as you want. You can propagate pothos by choosing a healthy stem and removing the lowest leaf from the stem. Snip it to the 6-inch length and place it into a vessel of water in bright, indirect sunlight to watch it grow roots. When the new roots have formed, likely over a few weeks, transfer them into a container and keep the soil moist. Voilé¡: You have a new thriving plant.

Navigating Common Pothos Problems

Even the most low-maintenance and hardy plants have issues, including browning, dropping leaves, pests, and more. Although, your Pothos can survive in less-than-ideal conditions for quite some time without much fuss. But without proper care, they’ll eventually deteriorate. Here, are a few problems to look out for:-

Leaves Turning Yellow

The occasional yellow leaf is fine as long as the plant is sprouting out new growth, but sudden or widespread yellowing can be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage, leading to root rot.

Browning Leaves

Brown leaves mean a lack of water or low humidity. While Pothos are drought-tolerant, they like consistent moisture, try misting the plant regularly to increase humidity. Additionally, browning leaf tips can indicate your plant is having too much fun in the sun, so trim the affected leaves and place it in the other corner of your home.

Drooping Leaves

Drooping or wilting leaves are a sign of watering issues'either too much or too little. Check the soil moisture to determine the cause: if it’s dry, give your plant a deep watering; if it’s soggy, let it dry out more between waterings.

Pests

Pothos can occasionally become infested by pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. These pests can be identified by small spots on the leaves or the presence of sticky residue or cotton-like substances. Kick these pests away by dabbing with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol or using neem oil as a natural pesticide.

How to Revive Pothos?

Reviving a Pothos plant depends on the problem at hand. Let the soil dry out completely for overwatered plants and soggy soil before resuming a more moderate watering routine. If your pothos plant looks wilted or unhealthy, prune away any dead or damaged foliage to encourage new growth. For pest issues, treat the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Add rooted pothos cuttings to your plant to propagate into new plants when repotting.

Are Pothos Plants Poisonous?

Yes, Pothos plants are toxic to both humans and pets if ingested. The roots and leaves of the pothos plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the skin, mouth, throat, and stomach. Ensure to keep your plant out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion.

Leafy Luxe!

Pothos plants are sturdy and resilient and occasionally can experience problems like yellowing or browning leaves, drooping, or pest infestations. By understanding and catering to their simple needs, you can nurture pothos plants that thrive in the environment, becoming a beautiful leafy companion to your home garden and indoor spaces.

Looking for more guidance on plant care and selection? Connect with Interior Company. Our experts will provide comprehensive solutions and design proposals, catering to your needs and budget.

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