How to grow and care for Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Top Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) plant care tips

1. Pothos is easy to grow and versatile. Train it to climb or allow it to trail over pot edges.
2. Use a high-quality free-draining houseplant compost for strong, healthy growth.
3. Fertilise monthly during spring and summer with a liquid houseplant fertiliser to encourage lush foliage.
4. Although Pothos can tolerate low light conditions, they will grow stronger and faster with more light. Position your Pothos plant in a bright area with indirect sunlight to avoid leaf scorch.

Pothos varieties

There’s a wide range of Pothos plants available, all with beautifully coloured and variegated foliage.

• Epipremnum aureum 'Golden Pothos' is one of the most popular types of Pothos plants, with glossy green leaves splashed with cream and yellow.
• Satin Pothos 'Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’ has beautiful silver-marbled green leaves.
• Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Marble Queen’ has long trailing stems bearing variegated cream and green leaves.

Whichever Pothos variety you choose, it’s sure to look stunning in your home!

Planting Pothos

1. Choosing the right pot: Select a pot no more than 2.5-5cm bigger in diameter than the garden centre pot, with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Alternatively, place the plant in its existing pot inside a decorative cover pot.
2. Potting: Part-fill the new pot with houseplant potting compost. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, position it in the new pot, and backfill around the root ball with more compost.
3. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting, emptying out any water from drip trays or cover pots afterwards so that the plant doesn’t stand in waterlogged compost for long periods, as this can cause root rot.

How to care for a Pothos

1. Watering: Pothos is drought-tolerant and over-watering is likely to cause root rot. Allow the compost to slightly dry out between watering. To assess how often to water your Pothos, check the soil before watering; if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water. Always tip out any excess water from saucers or cover pots to avoid root rot. Water very sparingly in winter.
2. Feeding: Feed Pothos plants monthly with a liquid indoor plant fertiliser.
3. Encouraging climbing growth: Make your Pothos grow faster by encouraging it to climb! Insert a moss pole into the potting mix to support the plant. Loosely attach the stems to the pole to guide them upwards. Keep the moss pole moist by watering it from the top. Pothos plants climb by producing aerial roots that root into the moss pole, and once established, the plant can reach up to 2 metres tall indoors! You can also encourage Pothos plants to climb by tying them to wire supports or training them up a framework.
4. Pruning Pothos: You can prune your Pothos plant if the stems grow too long by cutting the stem back just above a leaf. This will also encourage bushy growth, making your Pothos plant look fuller.

Safety note: Pothos is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested and can cause skin irritation when handled. Wear gloves when working with it and keep it out of reach of small children and pets by using hanging baskets or elevated pots.

Propagating Pothos plants

It’s very easy to propagate Pothos in water using stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a jar of water. Position the jar in a bright spot with indirect light. Once the Pothos cutting has grown roots, plant it into a pot filled with houseplant compost.

Common Pothos problems

Pothos is generally pest- and disease-free, making it a low-maintenance option for indoor gardeners. However, occasional issues may arise.

• Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests can cluster on stems and leaves, feeding on plant sap. Treat infestations with an insecticide spray or wipe the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
• Scale insects: These small, immobile pests appear as raised bumps on leaves and stems. Remove them manually with a soft cloth or sponge and apply an insect spray if necessary.
• Pothos leaves turning brown: Overwatering is the most likely cause. Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot, which causes leaves to turn brown. To prevent this, ensure the pot has adequate drainage and avoid letting water pool in saucers or cover pots.
• Pothos leaves turning yellow: This may indicate either insufficient light or overwatering. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect sunlight and adjust your watering routine.

With regular care and monitoring, your Pothos plant will remain a healthy, vibrant addition to your home for years to come!