Pothos Plant

Pothos plants are one of the most delightful, vibrant, and easy to care for plants you could ever find! If there's anything this plant can do that's raise your spirits, it's how it brings life and color into any setting! Even if you're new to plant parenting or unsure about which plant to get to make your space just a tad bit more lively, the pothos plant is the perfect choice for you, and here's why...

Common Names:

• Golden Pothos
• Devil's Ivy
• Ceylon Creeper
• Money Plant

The Pothos Plant - A Brief Overview

Pothos plants are native to the humid tropical forests of Southeast Asia. This plant is best known for its beautiful foliage that varies in color, leaf shape, and size. Pothos plants can be found with leaves that range from light green to golden yellow and even neon green. In addition to its aesthetics, the pothos plant is a well-loved houseplant because of its incredible hardiness and ease in care.

As an epiphytic vine, the pothos plant loves to climb. This plant has aerial roots that can attach to surfaces as it climbs, making it a great way to add some greenery to your home decor. The pothos plant can grow to be quite large, so it's best planted in a larger pot to give it space to spread.

Using Pothos Plants In Interiors and Outdoors in Tropical Climates

From its rugged structures to its vibrant green leaves, pothos plants always make a great addition to any space. These plants can fill any void, and they add a natural aesthetic appeal to any home, office or public space. One good reason why people love the pothos plant is because of its versatility. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor areas, particularly in tropical climates. Where the air is humid and warm, the pothos plant can thrive – and that’s exactly where it feels most at home!

Not only does its versatility add to its appeal, but the pothos plant is often a favorite among plant enthusiasts and novices alike because of its hardiness and ease of growth. It’s nigh unkillable and can adapt to a range of light and water conditions, making it perfect for those who are new to plant parenting or who don’t have a lot of time to spend tending to their plants.

Pothos Plant Care

Compared to other houseplants, pothos plants are some of the easiest plants to care for. However, there are still things that you need to keep in mind if you want to make sure your pothos plant stays healthy and beautiful. The key to ensuring your pothos plant thrives is to make sure it has the right care.

Sunlight

Pothos plants prefer bright, indirect light, but can also thrive in low-light environments. However, too much direct sunlight can harm the plant. If the leaves start to curl or turn yellow, then it may be receiving too much sunlight. If you notice that your pothos plant isn’t growing well or its leaves are brown or crispy, move it to a brighter location, but not direct sunlight.

Water

One mistake that people often make when caring for pothos plants is overwatering them. Pothos plants don’t like to be too wet, so it’s crucial to let the soil dry out completely before watering it again. Turgidity is important; it's better to let the plant be dry for a day or two before watering it again rather than constantly water it. Make sure you check the soil's moisture level by inserting your finger about 1 inch into the soil to see if it’s dry.

Humidity

Pothos plants don't require a lot of additional humidity, but they do thrive in more humid environments. If the air in your home is very dry, you might want to consider adding a humidifier or keeping your plant in the bathroom where it can benefit from the additional humidity.

Temperature

Pothos plants prefer a warmer, more humid environment. They prefer temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The majority of indoor settings will be fine for pothos plants, especially if they’re away from doors and windows that might get drafty. Even though pothos plants are relatively hardy, they can become stressed if they are kept in a spot that is too cold.

Soil

The pothos plant does not require a specific type of soil, but it does need well-draining soil. A basic potting mix that includes a good amount of perlite or peat moss will suffice. It's also important to note that because pothos plants like to climb, they often need a support stake or trellis in their pot.

Propagation

Pothos plants are incredibly easy to propagate, which makes them excellent plants for beginners. One way to do this is by taking a tip cutting from your existing plant and replanting it in a separate pot. After that, it’s important to cut back the leaves and frequent watering to make sure it regrows.

Common Problems and Pests

Pothos plants are incredibly hardy and relatively free of pests and diseases. One common issue that you can encounter with pothos plants is yellow leaves, which can be a sign of overwatering, underwatering, or soil that doesn’t drain well. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects can also infect pothos plants. However, keeping your plants clean and healthy, and checking the underside of leaves regularly, will prevent most of these diseases and pests from affecting your plants.

Don't shy away from investing in and raising a lovely pothos plant. It's the perfect starter plant for people who want to find out how green their thumb is. So go ahead, give it a try!

Header image by @perkici.garden, featured image by @dezplants, and profile picture by @pothospotato