Pothos care
Pothos is the classic trailing houseplant: fast, forgiving and easy to multiply. Cuttings root in a glass of water.
Also called devil’s ivy.
Light
Low to bright indirect light. Variegated types (Marble Queen, Njoy) need brighter light to keep their colour.
Watering
Water when the top half of the soil is dry. Drooping leaves are a reliable thirst signal.
Soil, feeding and repotting
Soil: Any well-draining potting mix.
Feeding: Balanced fertiliser monthly spring to summer.
Repotting: Every 1–2 years.
Propagation
Cut below a node and root in water; roots appear in 1–2 weeks.
Problems and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering, or old leaves ageing out. | Let the soil dry more between waterings. |
| Long bare vines | Low light. | Trim and replant cuttings in the same pot for fullness. |
| Loss of variegation | Low light. | Move closer to a window. |
Not sure what you’re looking at? Upload a photo to the plant doctor in “What’s wrong with it?” mode.
Ask about your pothos
Questions gardeners ask
How often should I water pothos?
About weekly in summer and every two weeks in winter, when the top half of the soil is dry.
How do I make pothos fuller?
Prune long vines and root the cuttings, then plant them back into the same pot.