Pothos Care Guide
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum and its cultivars
Pothos is an adaptable tropical vine known for its heart-shaped leaves and easygoing nature. This general guide applies to Golden, Marble Queen, Pearls and Jade, N’Joy, Manjula, Neon, Jade and other Epipremnum aureum varieties.
Quick Care
Light: Medium to bright indirect light
Water: Water when the top 1–2 inches feel dry
Humidity: Average to moderately high
Temperature: Approximately 65–85°F
Difficulty: Easy
Pet friendly: No
Growth habit: Trailing or climbing vine
Light
Pothos grows best in bright, indirect light but can tolerate medium and lower-light locations. Growth will be slower and less compact in low light.
Variegated varieties such as Marble Queen, Pearls and Jade, N’Joy and Manjula need brighter indirect light to preserve their white or cream coloring. In insufficient light, new leaves may become increasingly green.
Avoid intense direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch or bleach the leaves.
Water
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Saturate the potting mix thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the container.
Empty any water remaining in the saucer or decorative pot. Pothos tolerates occasional dryness better than constantly wet soil.
Water less frequently during winter or when the plant is growing in lower light. Always check the soil before watering instead of following a fixed schedule.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintain temperatures between approximately 65°F and 85°F. Protect the plant from cold drafts, exterior doors and temperatures below 55°F.
Pothos adapts well to average household humidity. Moderate humidity can encourage larger, healthier leaves, but misting is not required.
Soil and Repotting
Use a loose, well-draining indoor potting mix. Perlite or orchid bark can be added to improve drainage and airflow around the roots.
Repot when roots begin circling the container, growing through its drainage holes or causing the soil to dry unusually quickly. Choose a new pot only 1–2 inches wider than the existing container.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half strength approximately every four to eight weeks during spring and summer.
Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when growth slows. Excess fertilizer can produce brown leaf tips and mineral buildup.
Pruning and Training
Trim long or sparse vines just above a leaf node to encourage branching and fuller growth.
Pothos can trail from a hanging basket or shelf, or it can climb a trellis, plank or moss pole. When allowed to climb with good light, mature plants can produce significantly larger leaves.
Clean dusty foliage periodically with a soft, damp cloth.
Propagation
Cut a healthy section of vine immediately below a node—the raised point where a leaf and aerial root emerge.
Place at least one node in water or moist propagation mix while keeping the leaves above the surface. Once a healthy root system develops, plant the cutting in a small container of potting mix.
Several rooted cuttings can be planted together for a fuller plant.
Common Problems
Yellow leaves and wet soil: Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
Wilted or curling leaves with dry soil: The plant likely needs water.
Long stems with small or widely spaced leaves: The plant needs brighter light or pruning.
Loss of variegation: Move the plant to brighter indirect light.
Brown, crispy tips: May result from inconsistent watering, dry air, mineral buildup or excess fertilizer.
Black or mushy stems: Possible root or stem rot caused by excessive moisture.
White cottony patches, webbing or sticky leaves: Inspect for mealybugs, spider mites or scale.
Pet Safety
All Epipremnum aureum pothos varieties are not considered pet-safe. Their tissues contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral burning, swelling, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
Keep the plant out of reach and contact a veterinarian or pet-poison service if it is chewed or eaten. ASPCA Pothos profile
Variety Notes
Marble Queen: Needs bright indirect light to maintain its heavy cream-and-green marbling. It generally grows more slowly because its pale leaf sections contain less chlorophyll.
Pearls and Jade: Its compact leaves and white, cream and green patterning are best maintained in bright indirect light.
Golden and Jade: More tolerant of medium or lower light, although they still grow best in brighter indirect light.
Neon: Brighter indirect light helps maintain its vivid chartreuse coloring.
Mary Mae’s Best Advice
Pothos is forgiving, but it still needs drainage. Let the upper soil dry before watering, and provide variegated varieties with bright indirect light. Prune long vines regularly if you want a dense, full plant rather than a few extremely long strands.
