Pothos Plant Overview

The pothos is a robust, decorative, and easy-to-propagate indoor plant. It is popular for its ability to thrive with minimal care, but it requires proper placement and watering to maintain its health and appearance.

Lighting Requirements

To provide the right light for a pothos, place it near an east or west-facing window, ideally 1 or 2 meters away from the glass. A light curtain helps protect the foliage from direct sunlight, which can cause burns.

Watering Guidelines

For watering, water the pothos when the first 2 to 3 centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch. Use room temperature water until it drains through the pot holes, then empty the saucer after a few minutes. Adjust the frequency based on heat, light, and the soil's drying rate.

Repotting and Soil

A well-established pothos grows quickly and requires few interventions. Repot it every 1 to 2 years, preferably in spring, when the roots come out of the drainage holes or the soil dries abnormally quickly. Use a soil mix for green plants, lightened with perlite or clay balls to ensure good drainage.

Pruning and Fertilizing

To prune and fertilize a pothos without weakening it, use a clean secateur to cut overly long stems just above a node. This promotes new shoots and more abundant foliage. From March to September, apply a liquid fertilizer for green plants every 4 to 6 weeks, at half dose and on already moist soil.

Propagation Techniques

For propagation, cut a healthy stem under a node with one or two leaves and place the node in water or in a light soil kept moist. Roots often appear in two to four weeks. Change the water every week and replant when the roots measure several centimeters.

Common Issues and Care

Yellow leaves most often indicate overwatering, especially if the soil remains waterlogged. Allow the substrate to dry, check the drainage, and remove soft roots during repotting if necessary. If only the oldest leaves yellow, it may be natural leaf renewal. Brown tips suggest very dry air, hard water, or irregular watering.

Safety Precautions

The pothos contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals if chewed. Keep the plant out of reach of young children and domestic animals, especially cats and dogs. In case of ingestion or unusual reaction, contact a health professional or a veterinarian quickly.