If you’ve ever left your house, you’ve probably seen a pothos, scientifically known as epipremnum aureum. These popular vining plants are extremely forgiving and fast-growing, and they come in multiple vibrant varieties––over a dozen to be exact. Also known as devil's ivy, they get their nickname from being extremely adaptable, with the ability to survive in many different environments. They’re also easy to propagate, so you can fill any space, achieving the jungle of your dreams. No green thumb necessary.
GENERAL CARE
LIGHT
Low to bright indirect light. They’re very adaptable, but always avoid direct sunlight.
WATER
Water weekly or when the top 2" of soil feel dry. They’ll droop when thirsty.
FEEDING
Use diluted plant food once a month in the spring and summer. Stop feeding in the fall and winter since the plant goes dormant and will not need the extra nutrients.
TOXICITY
This plant is toxic when ingested in large amounts.
Care instructions are usually consistent for most pothos, but we always recommend researching your specific plant to make sure you get it right the first time.
COMMON ISSUES
Most pothos are variegated. Because these colorful plants adapt so well to low light, they're often stuck in dark corners and windowless offices. This is totally fine, but if you notice a lack of variegation, there's your reason. The less sun these plants receive, the more they will revert to green in order to produce more chlorophyll. Place your pothos in medium to bright indirect light to get the most colorful look.
Getting leggy? Sometimes, especially in lower light conditions, pothos vines can grow long and end up looking quite bare. This is because the plant is essentially searching for adequate sunlight before it pushes out new foliage. Luckily, this is an easy fix and a fun project. To get a fuller look, prune the "naked" vines, and propagate them by sticking them back into the soil. As long as you bury a node, new roots should form, and the plant will naturally become bushier with new growth. You can also use your cuttings for gifting on a budget. The fact that you grew and nurtured it yourself can make it just a bit sweeter.