How to Care for Pothos Indoors (Beginner’s Guide)

by | Sep 6, 2025 | Plants

Healthy pothos plant in a hanging basket indoors with long trailing vines

How to Care for Pothos Indoors (Beginner’s Guide)

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy, is one of the easiest and most popular indoor plants to grow. With its beautiful trailing vines and tolerance of a wide range of conditions, pothos is perfect for beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pothos care indoors, from watering and light to feeding and propagation.

Why Choose a Pothos Plant?

  • Beginner-friendly – very forgiving and resilient.

  • Air-purifying – helps improve indoor air quality.

  • Decorative – trailing vines look great on shelves or in hanging baskets.

  • Low maintenance – thrives in a wide range of environments.

Light Requirements

  • Pothos prefers bright, indirect light but will tolerate low light conditions.

  • Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

  • Variegated varieties need more light to maintain their leaf patterns.

 If your home doesn’t get enough natural light, try this full-spectrum LED grow light on Amazon.

Watering Your Pothos

  • Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.

  • Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure pots have drainage holes.

  • In winter, water less frequently as growth slows.

 A soil moisture meter can help ensure you don’t over- or under-water your pothos.

Soil and Potting Needs

  • Use a well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.

  • Repot every 1–2 years when roots outgrow the pot.

  • Hanging baskets or tall planters are ideal for trailing growth.

Humidity and Temperature

  • Thrives in average household humidity, but appreciates occasional misting.

  • Ideal temperature range: 18–29°C (65–85°F).

  • Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Feeding Your Pothos

  • Fertilize every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

  • Reduce feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows.

 This indoor plant liquid fertilizer is great for healthy pothos growth.

Pruning and Maintenance

  • Trim vines to encourage fuller growth.

  • Remove yellow or damaged leaves.

  • Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust.

Propagating Pothos

One of the best things about pothos is how easy it is to propagate:

  1. Cut a stem below a node (where a leaf meets the stem).

  2. Place the cutting in water or soil.

  3. Roots will develop in 2–4 weeks.

  4. Transfer water-rooted cuttings to soil once roots are established.

Common Pothos Problems

  • Yellow leaves: Often due to overwatering.

  • Brown tips: Low humidity or inconsistent watering.

  • Leggy growth: Plant may need more light.

  • Pests: Watch for mealybugs and spider mites; treat with neem oil if needed.

FAQs About Pothos Care

Q: Can pothos grow in water permanently?
A: Yes, pothos can live in water, but growth is slower compared to soil.

Q: Is pothos toxic to pets?
A: Yes, pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep it out of reach.

Q: How fast does pothos grow indoors?
A: With good light and care, pothos can grow several feet in a year.

Final Thoughts on Pothos Care Indoors

Pothos is one of the easiest and most rewarding houseplants you can grow indoors. With minimal effort, it will reward you with long, trailing vines and lush greenery. Just provide the right balance of light, water, and occasional feeding, and your pothos will thrive for years to come. It’s the perfect plant for beginners who want a touch of jungle style in their home.

Learn more about pothos and similar houseplants from the RHS guide on Epipremnum aureum.

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