If you’re on the hunt for a houseplant that’s both beautiful and blissfully easy to care for, look no further than pothos. Known for its trailing vines, heart-shaped leaves, and incredible resilience, pothos is a favorite for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike. Whether you’re new to indoor gardening or expanding your leafy collection, learning how to start growing pothos is simple, satisfying, and surprisingly fun.
This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know — from choosing the right variety to planting, caring, propagating, and keeping your pothos happy and thriving.
Why Pothos Makes the Perfect Houseplant
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why. What makes pothos such a beloved plant around the world?
Low-maintenance: Tolerates neglect, low light, and irregular watering.
Adaptable: Grows well in various lighting and humidity conditions.
Air purifier: Helps filter out indoor toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide.
Fast-growing: Thrives quickly with minimal effort.
Highly decorative: Beautiful trailing vines add a touch of green to any room.
Whether in hanging baskets, trailing down bookshelves, or climbing moss poles, pothos is as versatile as it is attractive.
Popular Pothos Varieties
Though all pothos share similar growing habits, you can choose from a variety of stunning foliage types to suit your space and style:
Golden Pothos
The most popular variety with heart-shaped green leaves splashed with golden-yellow variegation. Hardy and fast-growing.
Marble Queen Pothos
Features elegant green leaves marbled with creamy white patterns. Requires brighter light to maintain its striking variegation.
Neon Pothos
Stands out with vibrant, lime-green leaves. Ideal for brightening darker corners of your home.
Jade Pothos
Deep solid green leaves. Very tolerant of low-light conditions.
Cebu Blue Pothos
An exotic variety with silvery-blue, narrow leaves and a more delicate, tropical appearance.
What You Need to Start Growing Pothos
Growing pothos is wonderfully uncomplicated. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A healthy pothos plant or cutting
- A pot with drainage holes
- Well-draining potting soil
- Watering can or spray bottle
- Sharp scissors or pruning shears
- A bright, indirect light spot
How to Plant Pothos
1. Choose the Right Pot and Soil
Pothos prefer pots with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom and causing root rot.
Use a well-draining, all-purpose potting mix. You can also create your own by mixing:
- 2 parts regular potting soil
- 1 part perlite or coarse sand
- 1 part coco coir or peat moss
This combination keeps the soil loose and aerated, perfect for pothos roots.
2. Plant Your Pothos
- Fill your pot halfway with soil.
- Gently remove the pothos from its nursery container and loosen the roots.
- Place it in the new pot and fill in the sides with soil, pressing lightly.
- Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom.
Tip: If planting a propagated cutting, insert the rooted cutting about an inch deep into the soil and water well.
Ideal Light and Location
Pothos can adapt to various light conditions, but they prefer bright, indirect sunlight.
- Bright light encourages faster growth and vivid variegation.
- In low light, pothos will still grow but may lose some of their color.
- Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves.
Perfect spots: Near a bright window with sheer curtains, or in a well-lit room away from direct rays.
Watering and Humidity
Watering pothos is simple:
- Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.
- Usually every 1-2 weeks, depending on temperature and light.
- In winter, water less often as growth slows.
Humidity:
Pothos tolerate average indoor humidity but appreciate a bit more. If your home is very dry:
- Mist the leaves occasionally.
- Group plants together.
- Place a small tray of water and pebbles nearby.
Watch out for:
- Yellow leaves = too much water
- Wilting leaves = too dry
Fertilizing
Pothos aren’t heavy feeders, but you can fertilize to encourage growth.
- Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
- No need to fertilize in fall and winter.
Pro Tip: Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup, leading to leaf burn — so always follow label instructions.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning keeps your pothos looking neat and promotes fuller, bushier growth.
- Trim long or leggy vines with clean scissors just above a node (the spot where leaves grow).
- Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves.
- Clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and let them breathe.
How to Propagate Pothos
One of the most fun aspects of pothos is how easy they are to propagate.
Water Propagation
- Cut a vine just below a node (where a leaf joins the stem).
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving at least 2-3 leaves on top.
- Place the cutting in a glass of clean water, covering the nodes.
- Change water every 5-7 days.
- In 2-4 weeks, roots will appear.
- Transfer to soil when roots are 1-2 inches long.
Soil Propagation
- Cut a vine with 2-3 nodes.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant directly in moist potting soil.
- Keep the soil slightly damp until new growth appears.
Common Problems and Solutions
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Let soil dry, check drainage |
| Brown leaf tips | Low humidity or underwatering | Increase humidity, water properly |
| Wilting leaves | Too dry or too wet | Adjust watering schedule |
| Fading variegation | Insufficient light | Move to a brighter, indirect light |
| Pests (spider mites, mealybugs) | Dry air, poor airflow | Wipe leaves with neem oil or soapy water |
Can You Grow Pothos Outdoors?
Yes! In USDA zones 10-12, pothos can thrive outdoors in shaded, frost-free areas.
- Plant in well-draining soil.
- Provide dappled or filtered sunlight.
- Bring indoors if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
In cooler regions, you can move your potted pothos outdoors during warm months and bring it in when the cold arrives.
Final Thoughts
Growing pothos is one of the most rewarding and beginner-friendly plant experiences you can have. Whether you choose a classic Golden Pothos, striking Marble Queen, or eye-catching Neon Pothos, this plant adds beauty, greenery, and clean air to any indoor space.
With just a little light, water, and occasional care, your pothos will flourish — trailing gracefully down shelves or climbing up supports, filling your home with lush, vibrant foliage.