Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Care Guide
Easy, forgiving, and quietly doing the most.
At-a-Glance Care
Best for:
Beginners, busy households, and anyone who wants a plant that grows without a lot of fuss.
Light
Best: Bright, indirect light
Tolerates: Medium to low light
Avoid: Direct sun (fades leaves and causes scorch) Low light won’t kill pothos, it just slows things down.
Water
How often: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
Let soil dry: Slightly between waterings
Overwatering signs: Yellow leaves, soggy soil, limp stems Pothos prefers a miss over a soak.
Ideal Environment
Temperature: 18-29°C
Humidity: Average household is fine
Draft sensitive: Mildly, avoid cold windows in winter
Pet Friendly?
Pet-safe: ❌ No
Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or ingested. Best kept out of reach of pets that like to nibble.
Difficulty Level
Beginner
This is one of the easiest houseplants to succeed with.
How to Care for Pothos
Pot & Soil
- Soil: Standard well-draining indoor potting mix
- Drainage: Always use a pot with drainage holes
- Pot size: Happy slightly snug; doesn’t need frequent repotting
Fertilizing
- Fertilize every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer
- Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer
- Skip fertilizing in fall and winter
Too much fertilizer leads to lots of leaves… and less colour.
Pruning & General Maintenance
- Trim long vines to encourage fuller growth
- Pruning keeps plants bushy instead of leggy
- Cuttings root easily in water or soil If it’s getting wild, that’s your cue to prune.
Common Problems & What They Mean
| Symptom | Likely Cause |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering |
| Long, leggy vines | Not enough light |
| Small or pale leaves | Low light or low nutrients |
| Brown leaf edges | Inconsistent watering or dry air |
Pothos’ Claim to Fame
Pothos is famous for being almost impossible to mess up. Its trailing vines, heart-shaped leaves, and fast growth make it a go-to for shelves, hanging baskets, and plant stands. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and one of the best plants for building confidence, especially if you’re just getting started.
A Brief History of Pothos
Native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, pothos grows as a climbing and trailing plant in the wild. Indoors, it quickly earned a reputation as a reliable houseplant that could tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Over the years, new varieties have brought different colours and patterns to this classic plant, keeping it firmly in rotation despite ever-changing houseplant trends.
Is Pothos Right for You?
Great choice if you:
- Want an easy, fast-growing plant
- Like trailing plants for shelves or hanging baskets
- Are new to houseplants
Maybe skip it if you:
- Have pets that chew plants
- Want a plant that stays compact
- Prefer slow, controlled growth
Where This Plant Shines at Home
- Shelves and bookcases
- Hanging baskets
- Kitchens, offices, and living rooms
Pothos is happiest when it can trail or climb.
Final Thoughts
Pothos has earned its reputation as a classic for a reason. It’s adaptable, forgiving, and grows with you as your confidence builds. Give it decent light, let the soil dry slightly between waterings, and don’t be afraid to prune, it’ll take it in stride and keep going.
Happy gardening!