The Pothos plant, often called "Devil's Ivy," is arguably the most popular and resilient houseplant for a reason. Known for its forgiving nature, rapid growth, and cascading vines, it’s the perfect choice for both beginner plant parents and seasoned green thumbs. All Pothos varieties, originating from the species Epipremnum aureum, are fantastic for purifying indoor air and adding a touch of jungle elegance to any room.
But which Pothos is right for you? With new varieties constantly emerging, choosing can be tough. We've compiled the ultimate guide, using the latest expert insights, to help you understand the essential care requirements and explore the top varieties to make your home shine.
Pothos Care: Simple Steps for a Thriving Plant
The beauty of the Pothos is its tolerance for a wide range of conditions, which is why it's so beloved. Follow these easy steps to keep your vines lush, full, and growing:
1. What Lighting Is Best for Pothos?
A. Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light.
Pothos can tolerate medium to low indirect light (like near an East or West-facing window). We suggest using a Soltech Versa Grow light for medium-to-low light or the Aspect Gen 2 for bright, indirect light.
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Tip for Variegated Types: Varieties with white or yellow patterns (variegation) like 'Marble Queen' or 'N'Joy' need brighter light to keep their colors vibrant.
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Avoid Direct Sun: Intense, afternoon sun can easily scorch or brown the leaves.
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Low Light Warning: Too little light can cause new growth to become 'leggy' or cause variegated leaves to revert to all green.
2. What Is The "Top Inch" Rule for Watering? (When and How to Water)
A: Water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry to the touch.
The most common mistake for all houseplants, including Pothos, is overwatering. This "top inch dry" method usually translates to watering thoroughly every 1–2 weeks.
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Signs Your Pothos Needs Water: The leaves may start to curl inward or the plant may look slightly droopy.
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Ensure Drainage: Always use a pot with proper drainage holes to prevent the roots from sitting in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.
3. How Should You Soil, Repot, and Feed Your Pothos?
A: Use a loose, well-draining mix, repot every 1–2 years, and fertilize lightly during the growing season.
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Soil: Use any loose, well-draining indoor potting mix. You can add perlite or lava rocks to boost aeration if desired.
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Repotting: Pothos are fast growers, but generally only need repotting every 1–2 years. Repot in the spring, choosing a new container only 1–2 inches larger in diameter.
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Fertilizer: They are light feeders. Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength.
4. When Should You Prune and Shape Your Pothos?
A: Prune regularly in the spring/summer to encourage a fuller, bushier plant.
Regular trimming is key to encouraging a fuller, bushier plant.
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To Encourage Bushiness: Snip off the growth tips of long vines right above a leaf node.
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To Remove Damage: Cut off any yellowing or dead leaves at any time.
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Training Vines: Pothos can be kept as a hanging/trailing plant or trained to climb up a support like a moss pole or trellis. Pro Tip: This promotes larger leaf development.
What Are The Best Pothos Varieties?
While all Pothos share similar care needs, their colors and patterns are uniquely suited to different spaces.
Golden Pothos
The Golden Pothos is the most classic and one of the fastest-growing Pothos varieties. It has heart-shaped green leaves speckled with warm golden-yellow variegation. This variety is highly adaptable and can tolerate lower light, though providing brighter indirect light is the best way to maintain its striking golden color.
Neon Pothos
The Neon Pothos is a visually arresting variety, showcasing solid, vibrant neon-lime green foliage. Because it is all green, the color is very bright and unique. For this variety, bright indirect light is highly recommended to keep its coloration intense and prevent the leaves from fading.
Marble Queen
Highly sought-after for its dramatic color, the Marble Queen Pothos features deep green leaves heavily variegated with creamy white or yellow streaks. Due to the high percentage of white coloration, the Marble Queen typically grows slower than the Golden Pothos and needs bright indirect light to thrive and maintain its intense marbling.
N'Joy Pothos
The N'Joy Pothos provides a crisp, clean look, marked by distinct, concentrated patches of white and green. It is a relatively new and tidy-looking variety. Like other highly variegated types, it requires bright indirect light, as the high white content makes its growth slower.
Manjula Pothos
The Manjula Pothos has wide, heart-shaped leaves with distinct wavy edges. Its beautiful variegation is painterly, with complex swirls of cream, white, silver-gray, and green. This unique coloration means it needs bright indirect light to fully develop and maintain its stunning patterns.
Ready To Start Your Pothos Journey?
Whether you choose the classic reliability of the 'Golden Pothos' or the dramatic flair of a 'Marble Queen', the Pothos plant will reward you with beautiful, fast-growing foliage for years to come. The core secrets to success are consistent, bright, indirect light and adhering to the "top inch dry" watering rule. By following this definitive guide, you can ensure your Pothos not only survives but truly thrives, becoming a signature piece in your home.
