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Pothos

Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

vine

Pothos is a tropical vining houseplant known for its heart-shaped leaves and impressive ability to tolerate low light and irregular watering. It grows vigorously as a trailing or climbing plant and is one of the most forgiving and popular indoor plants for beginners. Often called Devil's Ivy, it can thrive in various environments from offices to homes.

Looking for a specific variety?

Golden Pothos Marble Queen Neon Pothos Jade Pothos Satin Pothos Manjula

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Moderate to bright indirect light; tolerates low light but grows best with 10-12 hours of indirect light daily
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Water: Allow top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering is the primary cause of problems; ensure pot has drainage holes.
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Spacing: Not applicable for single plant; provide 12-18 inches from other plants if trailing inches
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Days to maturity: Not applicable; established growth visible within 4-6 weeks under good conditions
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Planting depth: Plant stem cuttings with at least one node just below soil surface; top of soil should be at base of lowest leaf

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting soil
pH: 6.1-6.5
Amendments:
Perlite for drainage Bark chips Coco coir for moisture retention

Growing Zones

Find your zone β†’

Thrives in zones 10b-11; grown indoors as houseplant in cooler zones

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Propagation/Rooting

1-3 weeks

Stem cuttings with 2-3 leaves begin developing roots in water or soil

Keep soil lightly moist or change water every 2-3 days if propagating in water. Provide bright indirect light. Roots typically emerge within 7-14 days.

2

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Young plant develops a root system and begins producing new leaves from nodes along the stem

Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Begin fertilizing with diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Provide bright indirect light.

3

Vegetative Growth

Ongoing, 3-6+ months

Plant rapidly produces new vines and heart-shaped leaves; stems elongate and spread outward or upward

Support growth with moss poles or trellises if desired for vertical growth. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness. Fertilize monthly during growing season.

4

Mature Growth

Indefinite with proper care

Plant reaches desired size with thick vines and abundant foliage; may develop mature leaf forms (larger, more deeply lobed leaves)

Prune as needed to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Clean leaves monthly with damp cloth. Reduce fertilizer frequency to every 2-3 months.

5

Trailing/Climbing

Ongoing

Vines extend 3-10+ feet depending on support structure and growing conditions

Provide adequate support structures. Trim back if overgrown. Rotate plant quarterly for even growth. Continue routine watering and occasional fertilizing.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden β†’

Plant with:

Philodendron Monstera Pothos varieties with different leaf variegations Peperomia ZZ Plant

Avoid planting near:

Direct heating vents Cold drafts Sources of ethylene gas (ripening fruit, dead plant matter)

Common Pests

  • Spray foliage with water to knock off mites; use neem oil spray weekly if infestation persists. Increase humidity around plant.

  • Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spray with insecticidal soap weekly for severe infestations.

  • Scrape off manually with fingernail or soft brush. Treat with horticultural oil spray every 7-10 days.

  • Spray with strong stream of water; follow with insecticidal soap if needed.

Uses

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Air purification

Household

Pothos helps remove formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air, making it valuable for improving indoor air quality in homes and offices. [source]

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Interior decoration and landscaping

Household

Its trailing vines and attractive foliage make it ideal for hanging baskets, shelves, moss poles, and living walls to add greenery to any indoor space. [source]

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Plant propagation hobby

Craft

Pothos is exceptionally easy to propagate from cuttings, making it perfect for beginning plant propagators and for sharing plants with friends and family. [source]

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Pet toxic warning

Wildlife

Important to note that pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalates and is toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets if ingested; keep away from curious animals. [source]

Harvest Tips

Pothos is not harvested for food or flowers. Stems can be trimmed back at any time for propagation or to control size and shape. Take 4-6 inch cuttings just below a node for best rooting success. Remove yellow or damaged leaves regularly to promote plant health and appearance.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Pothos is called 'Devil's Ivy' because it is nearly impossible to kill and stays green even in dark conditionsβ€”a combination of devilishly persistent qualities.
  • 🌱 Pothos can grow up to 40 feet in length in optimal tropical conditions outdoors, but rarely exceeds 10 feet indoors as a houseplant.
  • 🌱 The plant has a remarkable ability to adapt its leaf size and shape to its environment; mature plants in ideal conditions develop larger, deeply lobed leaves that look quite different from juvenile foliage.

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