How to Grow and Take Care of a Pothos Houseplant

The pothos is a very easy-going plant and can be potted in any type of soil. It thrives in nutrient-rich soil but will do just fine in nutrient-poor mixes. This indoor or outdoor plant does well in a hanging basket or a regular pot. No matter what pot you choose, make sure that it has a drainage hole — pothos plants do not like to sit in wet soil.

The pothos is a vining plant, so it can expand quite quickly. A mature plant can be between twenty and forty feet long and approximately three to six feet wide. Some varieties of this plant can grow leaves up to a foot in length. If you find that your pothos plant is growing too large, make more separate plants: snip some leaves at the stem and place them in water until they grow new roots.

The pothos plant can survive in a variety of light conditions. They grow the best in moderate indoor light, but can also survive in low light. Outdoors, the pothos plant will thrive in either shade or partial shade. Almost the only type of light the plants can't abide is direct sunlight. Too much sun will scorch the leaves, which may cause them to fall off.

As a general rule, pothos plants should be watered every one to two weeks in warmer months and every two to three weeks in colder months. The soil should be kept moist, but be careful not to overwater. They do best when their soil is allowed to completely dry out in between waterings. Frequent misting will encourage healthy growth, and the humidity will keep the foliage bright.

The most common pest to pothos plants is the mealybugs. If the leaves of your plant begin to turn yellow, a mealybug infestation may be the cause. These bugs will live and feed on your plant, eventually killing it if not taken care of promptly. If your pothos is growing outdoors, you may consider using ladybugs to help control the mealybug population. A solution of alcohol and a few drops of dish soap is a good, nontoxic remedy for indoor plants.

The two most common diseases for pothos are bacterial leaf spot and pythium root rot. Bacterial leaf spots are water-soaked spots on the leaves that appear like yellow-colored halos. This can easily be managed by not overhead watering and ensuring you only water the soil, not the leaves.

Root rot causes brown mushy flesh at the root of the plant. This is caused by overwatering or poor drainage, leaving the plant to sit in water. These infected roots can be cut off and the remaining healthy plant can be repotted.

Pothos plants do not have any special care requirements, but there are a variety of things you can to ensure your plant flourishes. Pothos are light feeders but can benefit from a balanced fertilizer once a month. You may also consider repotting your pothos if the roots begin to take the shape of the pot. You can then select a container one size up and replant it with fresh potting soil.

Keep in mind that the pothos plant is not pet-friendly. If you have one in a house with pets, ensure it is out of their reach.

Pothos plants are easy to propagate, needing only a haircut and some water. When your plant grows too long, simply cut the stem right below a root node. This leaf cutting can then be placed in a jar of water, and roots will begin to grow from the node. The jar should be placed where it can get lots of sunlight, but not direct light. Approximately a month after roots begin to show, the cutting can be placed into fresh soil.

The pothos plant has many benefits. Not only is it an easy plant to take care of, but it is also good for your health as it helps clean the air around you. Pothos also increase humidity, which can help prevent colds and the flu. Some ancient cultures also believe the pothos plant bestows positive energy in the rooms in which it is placed.

There is a plethora of pothos varieties. The most common are golden pothos, marble queen pothos, neon pothos, and pearls and jade pothos. These varieties get their names from the appearance of their leaves.

• The golden pothos has emerald green leaves with dashes of yellow.
• The marble queen pothos has marble-like patches of white on its green lives.
• The neon pothos has heart-shaped leaves and are neon green in color.
• The pearl and jade pothos has different shades of green and cream on its leaves.