Pothos Care Tips

Pothos, sometimes called “devil’s ivy,” is one of the easiest and most rewarding houseplants to grow. With trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, this low-maintenance plant is perfect for beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike. Here’s everything you need to know to help your pothos thrive.

Summary

Light: bright, indirect

Water: moderate

Soil: well-draining

Humidity: medium

Propagation: stem cuttings

Growth Habit: vining

Toxicity: toxic

Light Requirements

Pothos plants adapt well to a variety of conditions but grow best in bright, indirect light. They can tolerate lower light levels, making them perfect for offices or apartments, though their growth may slow. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.

Watering Your Pothos

Pothos prefer moderate watering. Let the top 5cm (2 inches) of soil dry out between waterings. They handle occasional neglect well, but overwatering is a common cause of root rot—so when in doubt, wait a little before watering again.

Best Soil Mix

Use a well-draining soil mix to keep roots healthy. A standard houseplant potting mix with added perlite or sand works perfectly to balance moisture and drainage.

Humidity Needs

Pothos do well in average household humidity, but they’ll appreciate occasional misting in very dry climates. Their tropical origins mean they can tolerate medium humidity levels without fuss.

Propagation

One of the easiest houseplants to propagate, pothos can be grown from stem cuttings. Simply snip a vine just below a node, place the cutting in water, and watch roots form within weeks. Once rooted, transfer to soil for a brand-new plant.

Growth Habit

Pothos have a vining growth habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets, trailing off shelves, or even training along a trellis or wall. Regular pruning encourages fuller, bushier growth.

Toxicity to Pets

Like many common houseplants, pothos is toxic to pets if ingested. Keep it out of reach of cats and dogs to avoid irritation or stomach upset.