How to Grow Small-leafed Pothos
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Small-leafed Pothos
Epipremnum pinnatum
vineSmall-leafed pothos is a trailing or climbing houseplant with compact, heart-shaped leaves smaller than standard pothos. It thrives as an indoor ornamental plant, producing aerial roots that allow it to climb surfaces or trail gracefully from hanging baskets. This low-maintenance plant is valued for its air-purifying qualities and attractive foliage.
When should you plant Small-leafed Pothos in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Small-leafed Pothos timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Small-leafed Pothos
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Small-leafed Pothos
Around Apr 19≈ 2 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Small-leafed Pothos dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-12 as an outdoor plant; excellent as indoor houseplant in all zones
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Get my Small-leafed Pothos timeline →Growth Stages
Rooting (Propagation)
2-4 weeksNew stem cuttings develop white root nodes and initial fine roots in water or moist soil
Keep in bright, indirect light and maintain warm temperatures (70-80°F). Change water every 2-3 days if water-rooting. Roots typically appear within 1-2 weeks.
Establishment
3-6 weeksRooted cuttings transition to soil and develop a small root system; 1-3 new leaves emerge
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid fertilizing until roots are well-established.
Vegetative Growth
OngoingPlant produces new leaves regularly, stems lengthen, and aerial roots develop along nodes
Fertilize monthly during growing season (spring/summer) with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. Provide support structure if desired for climbing growth.
Mature/Trailing
Ongoing maintenancePlant reaches desired size with full, trailing or climbing growth habit; can extend several feet
Prune occasionally to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Repot every 12-18 months into slightly larger container. Pinch tips to promote branching.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
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Allow soil surface to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)
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Spray with strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plant
Uses
Air Purification
HouseholdSmall-leafed pothos removes toxins like formaldehyde and xylene from indoor air according to NASA research. It's an excellent choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices to improve air quality naturally. [source]
Inedible (Toxicity Warning)
CulinaryWhile not for consumption, small-leafed pothos is non-toxic to cats and dogs in small quantities but causes mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep away from pets and children. [source]
Living Wall and Terrarium Décor
CraftIts trailing habit and small leaves make it perfect for living walls, moss poles, and vertical garden installations. The plant's air roots naturally adhere to surfaces, creating attractive green displays. [source]
Low-Maintenance Indoor Decoration
HouseholdIdeal for beginners and busy plant parents due to tolerance of irregular watering and low-light conditions. Grows well in offices, dorm rooms, and homes with varying light availability. [source]
Harvest Tips
Propagate by taking 4-6 inch stem cuttings just below a node. Root in water or moist soil. For mature plants, prune stems as desired for shape maintenance; pruned stems can be propagated. Harvest or pinch tips year-round to encourage fuller growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Small-leafed pothos develops aerial roots along its stems that naturally cling to surfaces like tree bark or moss poles, making it a natural climber in tropical rainforests.
- 🌱 The plant is part of the Araceae family and is sometimes called 'Devil's Ivy' because it's nearly impossible to kill and stays green even in dark conditions.
- 🌱 In its natural habitat, small-leafed pothos grows as an epiphyte on large tropical trees, reaching heights of over 40 feet with mature leaves that can be significantly larger than the juvenile leaves grown indoors.
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