Growing Pothos: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Introduction to Growing Pothos

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), commonly called Devil's Ivy, is often the first houseplant people successfully grow—and for good reason. This virtually indestructible tropical vine tolerates low light, irregular watering, and benign neglect that would kill most other plants.

Native to the islands of French Polynesia, pothos has become one of the world's most popular houseplants. Its heart-shaped leaves cascade beautifully from shelves, climb moss poles, or trail from hanging baskets, adding instant greenery to any space.

The "devil's ivy" nickname comes from its ability to stay green even in near-darkness—it's almost impossible to kill! Whether you're a first-time plant parent or looking for a reliable, low-maintenance addition to your collection, pothos is the perfect choice.

Why Grow Pothos?

Pothos offers many benefits:

Nearly indestructible: Survives neglect, low light, and drought
Air purifying: NASA study confirmed it removes indoor toxins
Fast growing: Visible growth keeps you motivated
Easy propagation: Share with friends from cuttings
Versatile display: Trail, climb, or hang
Many varieties: Golden, neon, marble queen, and more

Understanding Pothos Basics

Growth Habit

Characteristic	Details
Type	Evergreen climbing/trailing vine
Indoor height	6-10 feet (trailing)
Wild height	Up to 40+ feet
Leaf shape	Heart-shaped
Growth rate	Fast

Toxicity Warning

Warning	Details
Toxic to	Cats, dogs, humans
Contains	Calcium oxalate crystals
Symptoms if eaten	Oral irritation, drooling, difficulty swallowing
Prevention	Keep away from pets and children

Important: While beautiful, pothos is toxic if ingested. Place out of reach of curious pets and children!

Popular Pothos Varieties

Classic Varieties

Variety	Appearance	Notes
Golden Pothos	Green with golden/yellow splashes	Most common; very hardy
Jade Pothos	Solid dark green	No variegation; tolerates lowest light
Marble Queen	White/cream and green marbled	Needs brighter light
Neon Pothos	Bright chartreuse/lime	Striking color; easy

Specialty Varieties

Variety	Appearance	Notes
Manjula	Wide leaves; white/silver/green	Slower growing
N'Joy	White and green patches	Compact growth
Pearls and Jade	White, gray, green	UF developed
Jessenia	Green with chartreuse	Costa Farms discovery

Not Actually Pothos!

Plant	Actual Species	Notes
Satin Pothos	Scindapsus pictus	Velvety leaves; silver spots
Baltic Blue	Epipremnum pinnatum	Different species

What You'll Need

Essential Supplies

Pothos plant (or cutting)
Pot with drainage hole
Well-draining potting mix
Location (any light level works!)

Optional but Helpful

Moss pole or trellis (for climbing)
Hanging basket
Liquid fertilizer
Pruning scissors
Spray bottle

Step-by-Step Growing Guide

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The best thing about pothos? It grows almost anywhere!

Light Level	Effect	Best For
Bright indirect	Fastest growth; best variegation	All varieties
Medium	Good growth; some variegation loss	Most varieties
Low	Slower growth; less variegation	Jade, Golden
Direct sun	Burns leaves	Avoid!

Location tips:

North-facing window: Perfect for most pothos
East/West window: Ideal with filtered light
Bathrooms: Love the humidity
Offices: Thrive under fluorescent lights
Away from cold drafts

Step 2: Pot and Soil

Factor	Requirement
Pot size	Start 1-2" larger than root ball
Drainage	Absolutely essential
Soil	Well-draining potting mix
pH	6.1-6.8 (slightly acidic)

Soil mix options:

Standard indoor potting mix (works fine)
Mix with extra perlite for drainage
2:1 potting mix to perlite

Step 3: Watering

When to Water	Indicator
Water	Top 2 inches of soil dry
Frequency	Every 1-2 weeks (varies)
Method	Water until it drains from bottom
Winter	Reduce frequency

The Golden Rule: When in doubt, don't water! Pothos tolerates drought far better than overwatering.

Signs of watering issues:

Problem	Symptoms
Overwatering	Yellow, mushy leaves; root rot
Underwatering	Wilting; dry, crispy leaves

Step 4: Humidity and Temperature

Factor	Ideal	Tolerable
Humidity	40-60%	30-90%
Temperature	65-85°F	50-90°F
Minimum temp	50°F	Below causes damage

Humidity boosting:

Group with other plants
Bathroom placement
Pebble tray
Occasional misting

Step 5: Fertilizing

Timing	Fertilizer	Frequency
Growing season	Balanced liquid (10-10-10)	Monthly
Winter	None or very light	Every 6-8 weeks
Over-fertilizing signs	Brown leaf tips	Flush soil

Tips:

Dilute to half strength
Don't fertilize dry soil
When in doubt, skip it

Step 6: Display Options

Trailing/Hanging:

Hanging baskets
High shelves
Macrame holders
Cascading from bookcases

Climbing:

Moss poles
Trellises
Walls with small supports
Growing up trees (outdoor tropics)

Propagation (So Easy!)

Pothos is one of the easiest plants to propagate:

Water Propagation

Step	Action
1	Cut 4-6" stem below a node (bumps where leaves attach)
2	Remove lower leaves
3	Place in water, node submerged
4	Change water every few days
5	Wait 2-4 weeks for roots
6	Plant when roots are 2" long

Soil Propagation

Step	Action
1	Cut 4-6" stem with 2+ nodes
2	Remove lower leaves
3	Dip in rooting hormone (optional)
4	Plant in moist potting mix
5	Keep soil lightly moist
6	Roots in 3-4 weeks

Tip: Put multiple cuttings in one pot for a fuller plant!

Common Problems and Solutions

Leaf Issues

Problem	Cause	Solution
Yellow leaves	Overwatering; natural aging	Check watering; remove old leaves
Brown tips	Dry air; over-fertilizing	Increase humidity; flush soil
Pale leaves	Too much light	Move to shade
Loss of variegation	Too little light	Move to brighter spot
Wilting	Under/overwatering	Check soil moisture

Pest Issues

Pest	Signs	Treatment
Mealybugs	White cottony masses	Rubbing alcohol; insecticidal soap
Spider mites	Fine webbing; stippled leaves	Water spray; neem oil
Scale	Brown bumps on stems	Scrape off; alcohol wipe
Fungus gnats	Tiny flies in soil	Let soil dry; sticky traps

Disease Issues

Disease	Signs	Prevention
Root rot	Mushy roots; yellowing	Don't overwater; good drainage
Bacterial leaf spot	Water-soaked spots	Avoid wet leaves
Rhizoctonia	Brown patches	Good air circulation

Quick Reference Table

Factor	Requirement
Light	Low to bright indirect
Water	When top 2" dry
Humidity	40-60% (tolerates less)
Temperature	65-85°F
Soil	Well-draining
Fertilizer	Monthly in growing season
Repotting	Every 1-2 years
Toxicity	Toxic to pets/humans
Propagation	Easy from cuttings

Conclusion

Pothos is the ultimate beginner houseplant—forgiving, beautiful, and nearly impossible to kill. Start with a golden pothos, master the basics (don't overwater!), and soon you'll have a thriving vine that you can propagate and share with friends.

The key to success is simple: well-draining soil, watering only when dry, and any light from low to bright indirect. That's it!

Ready to learn more? Check out our Intermediate Guide for variety deep-dives, advanced styling, and troubleshooting.

FAQ

How often should I water my pothos?

Water pothos when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry — typically every 1–2 weeks in spring and summer, and every 2–4 weeks in fall and winter. Stick your finger into the soil: if it's still moist, wait. Pothos tolerate drought much better than overwatering, which is the #1 cause of pothos death.

Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves on pothos are almost always caused by overwatering or root rot. Check the soil — if it's consistently wet, let it dry out completely before watering again. If roots are brown and mushy when you unpot the plant, you have root rot: trim the affected roots, let them dry briefly, and repot in fresh well-draining soil. Other causes include too little light or a sudden temperature drop.

Can pothos grow in low light?

Yes — pothos are one of the most light-tolerant houseplants available. They survive in low light, though growth slows significantly and variegated varieties (like Marble Queen or N'Joy) will revert to solid green without enough light. For best growth and color, bright indirect light is ideal. Keep them out of direct sun, which scorches the leaves.

How do I propagate pothos in water?

Cut a healthy stem just below a node (the small brown nub where a leaf meets the stem), remove any leaves that would be submerged, and place the cutting in a glass of water in bright indirect light. Roots typically appear within 1–2 weeks. Once roots are 1–2 inches long, transplant to potting soil. Change the water weekly to prevent bacteria build-up. For a full step-by-step breakdown of both water and soil methods, node identification, troubleshooting, and growing pothos permanently in water, see our complete pothos propagation guide.

Are pothos toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes, pothos are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. They contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep plants out of reach of pets and children. If ingestion occurs, rinse the mouth with water and contact a vet or poison control for guidance. For a full list of toxic and pet-safe houseplants with danger ratings, see our toxic plants for cats and dogs guide.

Why does my pothos have brown tips?

Brown leaf tips on pothos are usually caused by low humidity, inconsistent watering, or fluoride in tap water. Try misting the leaves occasionally, grouping plants together to increase ambient humidity, or switching to filtered or rainwater. Brown tips can also indicate the plant is rootbound — if it's been in the same pot for 2+ years, check if roots are circling the bottom and repot if needed.

How fast does pothos grow?

In ideal conditions (bright indirect light, consistent watering, warm temperatures 70–85°F), pothos grow 12–18 inches per month during the growing season (spring and summer). In low light or cool conditions, growth slows to a few inches per month. Regular fertilization during spring and summer accelerates growth noticeably.