Varieties, Benefits, and How to Care Guide
Are you looking for an ideal houseplant for your home? You can consider choosing a Pothos plant from the multiple varieties available. There are different Pothos plant varieties you can consider from the variegated ones to the solid color ones. Either way, all Pothos plants are easy to take care of and will thrive in different conditions. You will also enjoy fresh and clean air by growing a Pothos plant indoors. Keep reading to discover more.
What is a Pothos plant?
Pothos, also called the Devil’s Ivy is a popular houseplant that is very easy to grow and maintain. Pothos is a tropical plant native to South Pacific. The plant has a vining growth habit and would be suitable for hanging baskets.
You can also drape your plant across shelves or let it climb on your walls. Pothos is an attractive plant with glossy heart-shaped leaves. Some Pothos plant varieties are variegated while others have solid colors.
Depending on your style and taste, you can choose an ideal plant from the different Pothos varieties. Pothos plants grow quickly and you will need to occasionally prune your plant to keep it in good shape. The plant is very resilient making it suitable for beginners. Pothos can withstand low light conditions and does not require frequent watering.
Benefits of Pothos houseplant
Below are the benefits of growing a Pothos plant indoors.
Easy to maintain
Pothos indoor plants are relatively easy to maintain and can withstand several conditions. This plant will thrive even in low-light conditions. The plant is mildly drought resistant and just requires moderate watering. Pothos is also resistant to pests and diseases.
Purifies the air
Pothos purifies indoor air and gets rid of toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and more. Pothos is a suitable air-purifying plant for your bedroom that will help you enjoy clean air all night long.
Types of Pothos plants
There are different Pothos plant varieties that you can grow in your home. Some will add more color to your home with their beautiful variegated foliage while others will add a bold dramatic effect with their solid colors. Below are the different kinds of Pothos plants from the rare Pothos varieties to the popular varieties.
Golden Pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum)
The Golden Pothos plant is the most popular Pothos variety. This plant has green heart-shaped leaves with golden streaks. The Golden Devil’s Ivy would make an excellent indoor plant due to its low maintenance. You can check the Golden Pothos price online and purchase your plant.
Pothos Manjula (Epipremnum aureum Manjula)
The Pothos Manjula is among the rare Pothos varieties. The Pothos Manjula is a patented Pothos variety that features striking variegated curvy leaves. The plant’s leaves are green with creamy-white shades. The Pothos Manjula adds a pop of color to any space.
Satin Pothos plant/Silver Pothos (Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus)
The Satin Pothos or Silver Pothos has a different genus; Scindapsus. The Satin Pothos has dark-green heart-shaped leaves with silver specks. This plant complements any type of décor and would be a great indoor plant addition.
Jade Pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum Jade)
Jade Pothos is another Pothos variety that would make an ideal indoor plant addition to your home. The plant has small, glossy, heart-shaped, solid-green leaves that add a minimalistic look to your space. This plant thrives under various light conditions and would be an ideal choice if you don’t have access to natural bright light.
Pearls and Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum Pearls and Jade)
The Pearls and Jade Pothos is a patented Pothos variety that was developed at the University of Florida. This plant has green variegated leaves with shades of silver-gray and white. The Pearls and Jade Pothos is a slow grower and requires bright light to thrive and maintain its variegation.
Neon Pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum Neon)
The Neon Pothos is one of the most distinctive Pothos varieties. The plant has bright leaves with lemon-lime hues. The Neon Pothos is often mistaken for the lemon-lime Philodendron due to their similar foliage. To maintain its attractive color, ensure your Neon Pothos gets adequate lighting.
Hawaiian Pothos (Epipremnum aureum Hawaiian)
The Hawaiian Pothos is one of the giant Pothos varieties. This plant features large glossy green leaves with golden streaks. The plant is pleasing to the eye and you can place it in a focal point of your home. If you are looking for a low-maintenance plant, the Hawaiian Pothos would be the ideal choice.
Baltic Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum Baltic Blue)
The Baltic Blue Pothos is a clone of the Dragon’s Tail Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum). This plant features dark-green leaves that develop a blue tint as they mature. The plant’s leaves resemble the Monstera plant’s leaves with Swiss-cheese-like holes.
Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum Marble Queen)
The Marble Queen Pothos is one of the most common Pothos varieties. The plant features variegated leaves with green and creamy-white hues. The Marble Queen has little chlorophyll which makes the plant grow slowly. To promote growth, you should place your plant in a place with adequate lighting.
Jessenia Pothos (Epipremnum aureum Jessenia)
The Jessenia Pothos is a distinctive Pothos variety that would make an excellent indoor plant. The plant has variegated leaves with dark green, light-green, and yellow shades. Every leaf appears different from the next. The Jessenia Pothos is a sport of the Marble Queen Pothos and is a slow-grower just like the Marble Queen Pothos.
How to care for Pothos plants
Most Pothos plant varieties are resilient and almost impossible to kill hence the name Devil’s Ivy. However, you still need to take good care of your plant. Below is how you care for a Pothos plant.
Pothos plant water
Devil’s Ivy care involves providing the ample moisture it needs to thrive. Most Pothos plants require moderate watering to survive and are mildly drought-resistant. Avoid overwatering your plant to prevent root rot. Black spots on the leaves or yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering.
How to water Pothos plant
Using a container, water your Pothos plant evenly at the base of its stems. Let the soil become moist but not too wet. Overly wet soil causes root rot and kills your plant. Allow excess water to drain completely from the soil before returning your plant to its location.
When to water Pothos plant
The ideal time to water your plant is when the soil feels completely dry. Most Pothos plants need watering every 2 to 3 weeks. This duration might vary depending on the light intensity and season.
During hotter seasons like spring or summer, you might need to water your Pothos plant more frequently than during winter. A Pothos plant in a bright location will dry out quicker than a plant in a dark spot.
How often should you water Pothos plant?
How often to water Pothos plant depends on how quickly the soil dries out. Your plant might dry out more frequently if you place it near a window that receives bright light. If you choose to place your plant in a dull corner, it will dry out slowly. When temperatures are hot you are likely to water your plant more frequently than when temperatures are low.
How do you tell Pothos is overwatered?
An overwatered Pothos shows several signs. You can tell if your Pothos plant is overwatered by looking out for the following signs.
- Leaves are yellow
- Soil feels wet
- Mold growing on the surface of the soil
- Leaves appear mushy
Plant has a foul moldy smell
Does Pothos like tap water?
Yes. Pothos can survive in tap water provided your water doesn’t have too much chlorine. To get rid of chlorine, place your water in an open container for at least 24 hours. The chlorine will evaporate making the water safe for your plant.
What happens if you don’t water Pothos?
If you don’t water your Pothos plant, it will dry out and its leaves will begin to turn brown and crispy. The leaves will eventually fall off and your plant will die. You can help your plant recover from under-watering by thoroughly watering it. To prevent under-watering in the future, regularly examine your plant and check whether the soil is dry.
Pothos plant sunlight
Pothos plants are low-light plants that will thrive under various light conditions. However, some Pothos plant varieties require more light than others to flourish. You will need to strike a balance for your plant to remain healthy.
Do Pothos plants need sunlight?
Like other plants, Pothos needs sunlight to thrive. Bright indirect light is ideal for Pothos plants. Pothos can also tolerate medium to low sunlight conditions. For the best results, you should consider placing your plant near a South-facing window.
Be sure to protect your plant from direct sunlight rays. If your home does not receive adequate lighting, your Pothos can still survive indoors.
Does Pothos need full sun?
No, Pothos plants don’t like being exposed to direct sunlight. Full sunlight will scorch your plant and its leaves will begin to turn yellow and eventually drop off. To avoid damaging your plant, try to choose a location that receives indirect bright light indoors. You can also use window films or curtain sheers to block the harsh sunlight rays.
Can Pothos grow in full shade?
Yes. Pothos can survive in dark rooms indoors. However, your Pothos plant might grow leggy in low-light conditions. Variegated Pothos varieties might also lose their beautiful colors in shaded conditions. Consider moving your plant to a brighter location for better results. You can also use artificial lighting to promote healthy growth.
Pothos plant soil type
Your Pothos plant will thrive in regular well-draining soil. Pothos plants can also thrive in water. However, you should be cautious when transferring your plant from water to soil and vice versa since the plant might not respond well to sudden change. Pothos plants thrive in slightly acidic or neutral soil.
Which soil is best for Pothos?
Most Pothos plant varieties thrive in standard potting mixes with proper drainage. We recommend adding perlite, peat moss, or vermiculite to your soil to enhance drainage and aeration. Fast-draining soil prevents excessive moisture retention that might cause root rot.
Pothos plant humidity and temperature
Pothos is a tropical plant that prefers moderately warm temperatures to flourish. This plant also thrives in high humidity. Room temperature is okay for your Pothos plant. Temperature below 50 degrees will harm your plant. Your Pothos plant will thrive in household humidity. However, you can try to regularly mist your plant to maintain humid conditions.
Can Pothos grow in a cold room?
No. Pothos can’t survive in cold temperatures. This plant will die when exposed to temperatures below 50˚C for a long time. It would be best to grow your Pothos plant in room temperature conditions indoors. The ideal temperature range for most Pothos plant varieties is 60˚C to 90˚C. keep your plant away from air vents and cold drafts.
Does Pothos love humidity?
Yes. Pothos is a tropical plant that thrives in humid conditions. However, this resilient plant can also tolerate household humidity conditions. A Pothos hanging plant would be ideal for your bathroom where the humidity is high.
Pothos plant fertilizer
Most Pothos plants don’t require much feeding to thrive. However, you can always feed your plant monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer to promote healthy growth.
What is the best fertilizer for Pothos?
A balanced liquid fertilizer would be perfect for your Pothos plant. Apply your fertilizer about once monthly during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing your plant to prevent root damage. Follow the label instructions to fertilize your Pothos plant correctly.
Propagating Pothos
Devil’s ivy propagation is relatively easy. You can use stem cuttings to propagate new Pothos plants in water or soil.
When to propagate Pothos
The ideal time to propagate Pothos is during summer or spring when the plant is likely to grow. The mother plant might also recover quickly from cuttings during this period. During the dormant winter period, your cuttings might not be successful.
Propagating Pothos in water
Below is how you propagate a Pothos plant in water.
- Cut a healthy stem with several leaves
- Remove the lower leaves
- Place your cutting in a jar with water
- Ensure the leaves don’t touch the water
- Place the jar in a spot with bright indirect sunlight and wait for roots to sprout
- Once the roots have sprouted, transfer your plant to a pot with well-draining soil
- Regularly water your plant
Propagating Pothos in soil
You can also opt to propagate Pothos in soil instead of water. Below is how to plant Pothos cuttings in soil.
- Using clean scissors or pruning shears take a stem cutting with about 3 to 4 nodes
- Growth nodes are small bumps where the leaves meet the stem. New roots should sprout from the nodes
- Remove the lower leaves from your cutting
- Dip the cut end of your cutting in rooting hormone
- Plant your cutting in the soil
- The nodes should be in the soil while the upper leaves remain above the surface
- Water the soil to keep it slightly moist but not wet
- Place your cuttings in a location that receives bright indirect sunlight
- Roots should form in a few weeks
Re-potting Pothos
Most Pothos plants eventually outgrow their containers and require more space to thrive. On average, Pothos needs repotting every 2 to 3 years depending on its growth rate.
When should I re-pot my Pothos plant?
When your Pothos plant becomes root bound, you might notice roots protruding out of the drainage holes or above the soil’s surface. This would be the ideal time to re-pot your plant.
Another sign that your plant needs repotting is when it starts growing slower than usual or stops growing altogether. You might also notice salt deposits on the soil’s surface. When repotting your plant, select a container that is slightly larger than your current one.
How to repot a Pothos plant
Repotting a Pothos plant is fairly easy with the right skills. You need to be careful not to damage your plant when repotting it. Here is how you repot a Pothos plant.
- Gently lift your plant from its pot
- Carefully loosen the root and remove excess soil
- Choose a slightly larger container to pot your plant
- Ensure your container has enough drainage holes
- Using fresh potting soil, pot your Pothos plant
- Water your plant and return it to its location
How often do you repot Pothos?
How often to repot Pothos depends on how fast it grows. A Pothos plant that grows in perfect conditions might grow quicker than a plant in poor conditions. When your plant becomes too large for its container, you should consider repotting it. the ideal time to repot your Pothos plant is during summer or spring when it is actively growing.
Pruning Pothos plant
Pruning a Pothos plant encourages healthy and bushier growth. Your plant also appears neat and lovely after a trim. You can also eliminate damaged leaves and stems to maintain the aesthetic appeal of your plant.
When to prune Pothos
The best time to prune your Pothos plant is during spring. During this period, your plant is likely to develop healthy growth. For bushier growth, consider pruning near growth nodes. If your plant appears spindly, it would be the right time to trim it.
How to trim a Pothos plant
To prune your Pothos plant, you will need a clean pair of scissors or pruning shears. Ensure your tolls are sharp enough to make clean cuts. Below is how to trim a Pothos plant.
- Remove Devil’s Ivy yellow leaves
- Trim overgrown vines
- Trim the stems just above the nodes to encourage healthy growth
- Pinch the tips of your Pothos just above a growth node
Pothos toxicity
Before growing your Pothos plant indoors, you should discover whether it is toxic to pets or children. You don’t want to risk the health of your beloved children or pets.
Are Pothos plants poisonous?
Yes. Pothos plants are poisonous. These plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and even humans. All parts of Pothos plants contain poisonous calcium oxalate crystals. When ingested, Pothos causes swelling of the mouth, lips, throat, and tongue.
Pothos also produces a sap that irritates the skin and eyes when touched. Consider wearing protective gloves when handling your plant. We recommend keeping the plant away from small children and pets.
Are Pothos plants toxic to dogs?
Yes. Pothos plants are toxic to dogs. Your dog might experience difficulty swallowing, drooling, vomiting, or pain after ingesting parts of a Pothos plant. To keep your pet safe, consider placing your plant out of reach. You can try hanging your plant from the ceiling.
Are Pothos plants toxic to cats?
Yes. Pothos is toxic to cats and you should be careful where you place your plant if you have a cat. Your cat might nibble on the stems or leaves of your Pothos plant out of curiosity or boredom. When this happens, your cat might develop health issues.
Pothos causes inflammation and gastrointestinal irritation. To prevent accidents, keep your Pothos plant away from your cat. A hanging Pothos plant would be a perfect solution.
FAQS About Devil's Ivy
Is Pothos a good indoor plant?
Yes. Pothos is definitely a good indoor plant that requires minimal maintenance and care. This hardy plant tolerates various indoor conditions. Pothos is a low-light houseplant that can survive in dark rooms.
The plant can also tolerate mild drought and only needs moderate watering to thrive indoors. Pothos adds charm to your interior décor with its beautiful vines and striking foliage.
What is special about Pothos plant?
Pothos is an outstanding beginner-friendly houseplant that adds personality and texture to any space. Besides, the plant is available in numerous striking varieties that you can choose from. If you want to add some color to your home, you can choose a variegated Pothos variety.
On the other hand, if you are more of a monochrome person, a solid-colored Pothos would be perfect. Pothos is also one of the best air-purifying plants that removes toxins from indoor air providing you with clean and fresh air.
Why is Pothos called Devil’s Ivy?
Pothos is called Devil’s Ivy because it is almost indestructible and can survive in dark conditions. This plant can survive in conditions that most houseplants can’t hence its name. Its hardy nature makes Pothos the perfect plant for beginners.
How long do Pothos plants last?
How long a Pothos plant lives depends on the level of care and maintenance it receives. With proper care, most Pothos plants can live anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more. If you want your plant to last long, provide the growing conditions it needs to stay alive and healthy.
How do you use Pothos plant in an aquarium?
Nitrates can build up in an aquarium and become toxic to your fish. A Pothos plant in an aquarium reduces nitrate levels by absorbing nutrients using its roots. This way, the plant gets sufficient nutrients while creating a healthy environment for your fish.
Pothos is the most unique and attractive houseplant you can grow. From the eye-catching Neon Pothos to the captivating Baltic Blue Pothos, you can select your ideal plant based on your interests. You can get a Pothos plant for sale easily by searching online for Pothos near me. However, you should take extra care if you own pets as the plant is toxic to animals. If you require additional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us today.