Best Pothos: Ultimate Guide to Healthy, Thriving Plants

Looking for a houseplant that’s easy to care for and looks great in any space? Look no further than the Pothos! With its variegated leaves and trailing vines, the Pothos is a popular choice for indoor gardens. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your Pothos healthy and thriving.

Best Pothos Varieties

In this section, we will explore some of the top pothos varieties that are loved by plant enthusiasts for their beauty and ease of care.

Golden Pothos

The Golden Pothos is one of the most popular types of pothos plants. Its heart-shaped leaves feature an attractive golden-yellow variegation, making it visually appealing. This variety is a vigorous grower and adapts well to various growing conditions.

Golden Pothos is excellent for beginners due to its low-maintenance nature. It prefers:

• Medium to bright, indirect light
• Well-drained soil
• Occasional watering, allowing the soil to dry between waterings

Marble Queen Pothos

Marble Queen Pothos is another popular variety known for its large, glossy leaves with white and green variegation. It looks similar to Golden Pothos but has unique and subtle colorations.

Marble Queen Pothos prefers:

• Bright, indirect light to maintain its striking variegation
• Well-drained soil
• Regular waterings, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings

Neon Pothos

For those who love vibrant hues, the Neon Pothos might be the perfect choice. Its new growth emerges as a stunning chartreuse shade before maturing to a soft green color. In high-light environments, the neon tone may last for a couple of months.

Ideal conditions for Neon Pothos include:

• High, indirect light for maintaining its striking colors
• Well-drained soil
• Consistent watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings

Silver Pothos

Silver Pothos, also known as Satin Pothos, produces beautiful silvery-green leaves with a velvety texture. The intriguing leaf patterns work well in any indoor space.

To keep Silver Pothos thriving, provide:

• Medium to bright, indirect light
• Well-draining, peat-based soil mix
• Watering when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry

Pearls and Jade Pothos

The Pearls and Jade Pothos boasts an elegant appearance with its white and green variegated leaves, which feature occasional touches of silver. This variety has a compact growth habit, making it ideal for smaller spaces.

For the best results with Pearls and Jade Pothos, offer:

• Medium to bright, indirect light for sustaining its variegation
• A well-draining soil mix
• Watering when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch

By selecting one or more of these delightful pothos varieties, you can easily bring a touch of nature and beauty to your living space. Remember to meet each variety’s specific care requirements to ensure their health and happiness.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Light Requirements

Pothos plants thrive in bright indirect light, preferably near a window but not directly exposed to harsh sunlight (source). Good lighting helps these plants maintain their vibrant colors and variegation while promoting steady growth. To ensure even development, it’s essential to periodically rotate the plant, preventing it from leaning towards the light source.

Temperature and Humidity

These tropical plants prefer temperatures between 65 and 85°F (18-29°C) for optimal growth (source). It’s crucial to keep the temperature consistently above 50 degrees, as cooler environments can slow growth and potentially harm the plant. Pothos plants also grow well in high humidity; however, they are quite adaptable and can tolerate low-humidity conditions too (source).

Watering Needs

When caring for a pothos plant, it’s essential to consider its watering needs carefully. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering may cause the leaves to droop or yellow. To strike the right balance, follow these guidelines:

• Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Water the plant thoroughly, ensuring the soil is damp but not waterlogged.
• Empty any excess water that collects in the saucer to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water.

Soil and Fertilizer

A well-draining potting mix is crucial for pothos plant health, as it helps prevent common issues like root rot. Select a high-quality mix with a slightly acidic pH of 6.1 to 6.5, although the plant can tolerate slightly higher or lower levels (source). When repotting, choose a container 1-2 inches wider than the root ball and ensure it has adequate drainage holes.

In terms of fertilization, pothos plants typically require feeding every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, following the package instructions for the correct application amount. During the winter months, when growth is slower, reduce fertilization frequency to approximately once every 8-10 weeks.

Propagation Methods

Pothos plants are popular houseplants due to their low maintenance and easy propagation process. There are two main methods for propagating pothos: cuttings in water and cuttings in soil.

Cuttings in Water

One of the simplest ways to propagate pothos is through water cuttings. Follow these steps for water propagation:

1. Choose a healthy parent plant and disinfect your cutting tools.
2. Take 4-6″ length cuttings below the nodes. Ensure the cuttings have at least one leaf attached.
3. Place the cuttings in a jar or vase filled with water, making sure to keep the bottom nodes submerged in water.
4. Keep the container in bright, indirect sunlight.
5. Replace the water every week to prevent bacterial growth.
6. Observe root growth within 3-8 weeks. Once the roots reach 1-2 inches long, it’s time to transplant the cuttings into pots with suitable potting mix.

Water propagation is a great option for beginners as it allows you to visibly monitor root development and requires minimal setup.

Cuttings in Soil

Soil propagation is another effective method to propagate pothos plants. Try these steps for successful soil propagation:

1. Select a healthy parent plant and sterilize your cutting tools.
2. Take 4-6″ length cuttings below the nodes and remove the first leaf above the cut end.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, covering the first set of root nodes.
4. Use a potting mixture of half peat moss and half perlite or sand in a small pot or planter.
5. Set the cuttings in the prepared potting mixture and keep the pot in bright, indirect sunlight.
6. Maintain consistent moisture in the soil while also allowing for proper drainage.

Soil propagation is a viable option for more experienced gardeners seeking to directly establish pothos plants in their desired growing medium.

Common Pothos Problems and Solutions

Yellow Leaves

Yellowing leaves are a frequent issue with pothos plants, and can have multiple causes. In many cases, this is due to improper moisture and watering. Overwatering is a common culprit, as pothos plants don’t like sitting in soggy soil ¹. To address this, only water the plant when the top quarter of the soil is dry, ensuring it’s evenly damp after watering. If yellow leaves persist, it may be necessary to re-evaluate the plant’s environment, including lighting and temperature.

Root Rot

Root rot is a potential problem for pothos plants, often resulting from overwatering or poorly-draining soil ². Signs of root rot include wilting leaves, a musty smell, and black or brown roots. To treat and prevent root rot:

• Ensure your plant is in well-draining soil
• Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings
• Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water
• Provide adequate air circulation around the plant

Pests

Pothos plants can be affected by various pests, such as spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies, and fungus gnats ³. These pests can cause damage to the plant, apparent through visible signs such as discoloration, curling leaves, or a weakened plant. To control and prevent pest infestations:

• Inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests
• Remove affected leaves and isolate the plant from other houseplants
• Utilize natural pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap
• Provide a balanced, healthy environment by meeting the plant’s care requirements

By being proactive in monitoring and addressing these common pothos problems, you can help ensure the continued health and beauty of your plant.

Decorating with Pothos

Pothos plants are popular indoor plants known for their versatility in decorating styles. They can adapt well to various lighting conditions and require minimal care. This section covers ideas for arranging pothos plants in hanging baskets, climbing pothos, and tabletop displays.

Hanging Baskets

One of the most common ways to display pothos plants is in hanging baskets. The trailing vines create an elegant and natural look. Some ideas for hanging pothos plants include:

• Using a ceramic, plastic, or terracotta pot with an attached drip tray to ensure proper drainage and humidity control for your plant (source).
• Placing the hanging basket in a bright corner, allowing the vines to grow and cascade along the walls or nearby furniture for added visual interest (source).
• Incorporating different varieties of pothos, such as the Silver Satin Pothos or Cebu Blue Pothos, for added texture and color (source).

Climbing Pothos

Pothos plants have the ability to climb walls and other vertical surfaces when given proper support. Here are some ideas for decorating with climbing pothos plants:

• Creating a living curtain by attaching pothos vines to a curtain rod or similar support, allowing the leaves to form a natural, green curtain (source).
• Installing a trellis or wall grid for the pothos to climb and create a green, patterned backdrop in any room.

Tabletop Display

Pothos plants can also be used in tabletop displays, either as standalone centerpieces or as part of a larger arrangement. Ideas for showcasing pothos plants on tabletops include:

• Utilizing small, decorative pots or planters that complement the style and color scheme of the space.
• Pairing pothos with other low-maintenance indoor plants, such as snake plants or succulents, to create a visually appealing, easy-to-care-for display.
• Incorporating the pothos plant into a multi-level display with varying heights, using plant stands or other decor elements to elevate some plants and create visual interest.

Helpful Video

Daniel Elrod

My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17.  I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.