POTHOS

Epipremnum, an aroid genus most commonly known by the name pothos, are some of the most ubiquitous houseplants on the market. They tend to grow rapidly, are easy to care for, and offer a lush feel to any interior space with their trailing vines and heart shaped leaves. There are around eight species included in the genus Epipremnum, but the majority of the varieties on the market are cultivated from Epipremnum aureum (aka golden pothos). Recently, Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’ has become more available on the market, sporting a unique bluish tinge to the leaves. While it is unknown exactly where pothos are native to, it is thought that they originate from the French Polynesian island Mo’orea. 

Another common name for epipremnum is “devil’s ivy”, as it is an aggressive grower in tropical and subtropical conditions, becoming established in habitable regions quickly. Epipremnum aureum are actually banned for new planting in a lot of areas, including parts of Southern Florida, due to their aggressive growth, where they are capable of outcompeting native plants and choking out trees. 

There are many different cultivated varieties of pothos, ranging from bright chartreuse, to green flecked with yellow or white, to deep solid green. Luckily, they all have simple care and are extremely easy to grow. 

LIGHT 

Pothos plants are incredibly tolerant of almost any lighting situation. In their preferred conditions outdoors, pothos tend to grow in their juvenile form as ground cover in shady areas until they can find something to climb. They will then use aerial roots to climb up a surface or tree, with vines sometimes reaching 40-50 ft. As they climb towards higher light, pothos begin putting out larger, more mature leaves. 

Indoors, pothos can be grown in a few hours of direct sun, all the way to almost no light. Extremely low light can cause growth to slow, become small, or cause the plant to thin out its foliage, and it is usually a good idea to get a plant that is about the size you want it to be if putting it in extremely low light. On the flip side, if the plant is becoming bleached looking, it may be in too much light.

WATERING & SOIL 

Pothos plants are extremely forgiving if allowed to dry out too much, but will quickly rot if watered before they are ready. Typically pothos plants want to dry most of their soil between waterings, then want a good soak. When pothos are thirsty, they will begin to wilt slightly. However, they will usually bounce back without issue after a deep watering. If left wilted too long, the plant may start yellowing and dropping leaves. If you notice the leaves yellowing from the petiole (part of the leaf that connects to the stem), that is typically a sign of underwatering or malnutrition. If the leaf is yellowing and/or browning from the tip, that is typically a sign of overwatering. 

Pothos prefer well-draining mixes with sand and bark that will dry quickly, though they can also tolerate denser, peat heavy potting soil. 

FERTILIZER

Pothos plants are considered to be average feeders, and prefer a balanced or nitrogen heavy fertilizer. As a general rule, if your pothos is growing, you can feed it. Many folks continue to feed their pothos plants through the winter, as they rarely stop putting out growth, even in the darker months. You can fertilize pothos plants with liquid feed as often as every other watering, but make sure the fertilizer is diluted per the package’s instructions. We would also recommend flushing the soil with just water occasionally to prevent salt buildup in the soil from frequent fertilization. 

TEMPERATURE

Pothos grow best from 60-85° F, and are not frost tolerant.