Pothos plants have surged in popularity as one of the easiest indoor plants to care for. They are known for their resilience, thriving in a variety of conditions.
However, even the hardiest plants can fall victim to improper watering. Surprisingly, the simplest mistake of watering too much or too little is often the downfall of these green gems.
| Scientific name | Epipremnum aureum |
| Common name | Pothos |
| Family | Araceae |
| Growth habit | Vine, trailing/climbing |
| Leaf shape | Heart-shaped |
| Light requirements | Low to bright indirect light |
| Watering needs | Moderate |
| Soil type | Well-draining potting mix |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets and humans |
| Origin | Southeast Asia, Solomon Islands |
The first sign your Pothos needs water is wilting leaves. If your plant looks droopy, it’s likely thirsty. Another clear indicator is dry soil.
To check, simply stick your finger 3-4 inches into the soil near the base. If your finger comes out clean and dry, it’s time to water. If it comes out dirty or muddy, there's enough moisture, or it's overwatered.
The ideal time to water Pothos is when the top 1-3 inches of soil is almost completely dry. The plant may even wilt a bit to show it's thirsty-but don’t worry, it is normal. This plant mimics its native tropical weather patterns, so it prefers to dry out between waterings.
In my experience, the best time to water your pothos is in the morning, so it can absorb moisture throughout the day and reduce the risk of root rot.
Tap water can be a convenient option, but it often contains chlorine and fluoride accumulating in the soil and potentially harms your Pothos over time. If you notice brown tips on the leaves, your tap water might be the culprit. To mitigate this, I sometimes let tap water sit out overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate.
Distilled water is a great alternative as it's free from impurities and chemicals ensuring that your plant only gets pure hydration. However, it can be a bit costly if you have many plants.
Besides, you can consider rainwater because it is naturally soft and free of chemicals. Whenever it rains, I set out containers to collect it. Filtered water is also beneficial as it removes most harmful substances present in tap water.
Both top watering and bottom watering are effective methods for keeping your pothos healthy. Top watering is great for flushing out salts and ensuring all soil layers get moisture.
On the other hand, bottom watering is ideal for extremely dry or rootbound plants, as it helps water penetrate the soil evenly. This method prevents the soil from becoming hydrophobic and ensures that even the deepest roots get moisture.
If your container lacks drainage holes, it’s difficult to manage moisture levels. I recommend using pots with drainage holes, such as hanging baskets or clay pots. Transplanting into a container with proper drainage can make watering easier.
Watering Pothos plants isn't about a strict schedule. Generally, watering once a week or every two weeks works, but it really depends on the soil, sunlight, humidity, and season.
I've noticed that larger pots hold moisture longer, so you won't need to water as frequently. Smaller pots dry out more quickly, requiring more frequent watering.
The material of the pot also makes a difference. Clay pots are porous, allowing water to evaporate faster, which means you'll need to water more often. In contrast, plastic pots retain moisture longer, reducing the frequency.
I often make DIY mixtures of 60% potting soil, 20% perlite, and 20% compost to retain the right amount of moisture without becoming waterlogged.
If your soil is too dense, it can hold water too long leading to root rot. On the other hand, very sandy soil drains too quickly, requiring more frequent watering. By creating a well-balanced DIY compost with this ratio, you ensure your pothos receive consistent moisture and good drainage.
When the air is dry and the temperature is high, the soil often dries out faster and requires more frequent watering. Conversely, in cooler, more humid conditions, the soil retains moisture longer, so you can water less often.
I keep my Pothos in a room with moderate humidity and temperature, around 65-75°F, and find that a weekly watering schedule works well. However, during winter when indoor heating dries the air, I check the soil more often to ensure it doesn’t dry out too quickly.
Younger plants with small root systems tend to dry out faster and thus need more frequent watering. On the other hand, larger, more mature Pothos with extensive root systems can store water more efficiently, allowing for less frequent watering.
For example, my older, bigger Pothos requires watering roughly every two weeks, while the younger ones need attention every week.
Pothos plants enter a more active growth phase during spring and summer. During these warmer months, increased sunlight during these months also means the soil dries out faster, so your pothos needs more frequent watering as it uses more water to support its growth.
As fall approaches and temperatures drop, the plant’s growth slows down. During the winter months, Pothos enters a more dormant stage, requiring less frequent watering. I usually water my Pothos every two to three weeks in winter, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
There’s no exact answer for how much to water pothos plants, as it depends on the above factors like pot size, soil type, and plant size... For medium-sized pothos, I usually use about half a gallon of water per session.
It is important that you use enough water to thoroughly moisten the soil, ensuring it reaches the roots without flooding the pot.
Is it worth buying a soil moisture meter?
No. You can gauge the moisture level effectively by simply sticking your finger into the soil. If the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Over time, you'll develop a sense of your plant's needs without needing extra gadgets.
How long can Pothos live without being watered?
Pothos are quite resilient and can survive without water for about two weeks, sometimes longer. However, the leaves may start to wilt and the plant’s overall health can decline if left dry for too long. It’s best to water them regularly to keep them thriving.
Do all Pothos varieties have the same watering needs?
No, some varieties have different watering needs. For example, varieties with thicker leaves, like the Jade Pothos, might tolerate dry conditions slightly better than those with thinner leaves. However, the general rule of letting the 3 inch of top soil dry out before watering applies to all.
How do you water Pothos plants when you go on vacation?
When I go on vacation, I prepare my Pothos by giving them a good soak before I leave. For longer trips, I use self-watering spikes or place the pots on a water-filled tray with pebbles to ensure they receive consistent moisture.
Should I mist my Pothos?
Misting can help increase humidity around your Pothos, which is beneficial, especially in dry indoor environments. I mist my Pothos a few times a week, but it's not a substitute for proper watering.
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