Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Care Guide

If we had to recommend one plant to absolutely anyone — a first-time plant parent, a seasoned collector, someone with a notoriously dim apartment — Pothos would be near the top of the list. Also known as Devil's Ivy (a name it earned by being nearly impossible to kill), Pothos is the gentle workhorse of the indoor plant world.

Its heart-shaped leaves trail beautifully from shelves and hanging pots, it thrives on a little neglect, and it adapts to almost any light condition you give it. Here at Plantonica, we recommend Pothos to nervous beginners and busy parents constantly — and we've yet to hear back about one that didn't thrive.

Here's everything you need to know to keep yours happy.

Light

Pothos is one of the most adaptable indoor plants when it comes to light, which is part of what makes it such a generous houseplant.

• Ideal: Bright, indirect light. This is where you'll see the fastest growth and the most variegation in the leaves.
• Tolerates: Lower light conditions — your Pothos will still survive in a darker corner, it'll just grow more slowly and produce fewer leaves. Variegated varieties (like Marble Queen or Golden Pothos) may lose some of their pattern and revert to mostly green in low light.
• Avoid: Direct sunlight, particularly through unshaded north or west-facing windows. The leaves will scorch — you'll see crispy yellow or brown patches.

If you notice your Pothos becoming leggy, with long bare stems between leaves, that's its way of telling you it wants more light. Move it closer to a window or shift it to a brighter spot.

Watering

Overwatering is the number one mistake we see with Pothos — and the good news is it's an easy fix.

• Allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. The easiest way to check is the finger test: slide a finger into the soil, and only water if it feels dry to that depth.
• When you do water, water deeply, letting it flow through the drainage holes. Then tip out any excess from the saucer so the roots aren't sitting in water.
• In summer, you may be watering every 7–10 days. In Melbourne winter, this can stretch to every 2–3 weeks. Always let the plant guide you — not the calendar.
• Yellowing leaves usually mean too much water; crispy, droopy leaves usually mean too little.

Humidity and Temperature

Pothos is wonderfully forgiving when it comes to indoor humidity. It thrives in normal household conditions and doesn't need misting or a humidifier, which makes it ideal for the dry air of heated Melbourne apartments through winter.

It does prefer warmth though. Keep it in temperatures between 15°C and 27°C, and away from cold draughts or chilly windows in winter. If your home drops below 10°C, your Pothos will start to sulk.

Soil and Potting

Pothos isn't fussy about soil, but a few simple choices make a real difference:

• Use a well-draining indoor potting mix. A standard premium indoor mix is fine; you can add a handful of perlite or coarse sand if you want extra drainage.
• Always plant in a pot with drainage holes. If you're using a decorative pot without holes, keep the plant in a plastic nursery pot inside it and lift it out to water.
• Repot every 1–2 years, ideally in spring. You'll know it's time when roots are circling the bottom or pushing out the drainage holes. Move up just one pot size — too much extra soil holds water and risks rot.

Fertilising

Pothos grows beautifully with a gentle feeding schedule:

• Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring through early autumn) with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength.
• Stop fertilising over winter when growth naturally slows. Your plant is resting and doesn't need the extra input.
• If you're seeing new leaves regularly through the warmer months, your feeding routine is right. If growth seems stalled in summer, you may need a slightly stronger or more frequent feed.

Pruning and Propagation

One of the joys of Pothos is how easily it grows — and how easily it shares itself with friends.

Pruning: Trim back leggy vines to encourage bushier growth. Make your cut just below a node (the small bump where a leaf joins the stem). The plant will branch out from there. Don't be precious about it — Pothos responds wonderfully to a good haircut.

Propagation: Pothos is one of the most rewarding plants to propagate.

1. Cut a healthy vine just below a node, leaving 10–15 cm of stem with 2–3 leaves.
2. Pop the cutting in a glass of water, making sure the node is submerged but the leaves stay above water.
3. Place it somewhere bright but out of direct sun.
4. Refresh the water every few days. Roots will appear within 2–4 weeks.
5. Once roots are 5 cm or longer, plant in soil and water well.

Common Issues

If something looks off, here's how to read what your Pothos is telling you:

• Yellow leaves: Almost always overwatering. Let the soil dry out fully and reassess your watering schedule.
• Brown, crispy leaf edges: Underwatering, or very dry air near a heater.
• Droopy leaves: Could be either too much or too little water — check the soil before assuming.
• Pale or faded variegation: Not enough light. Move it brighter.
• Pests: Pothos can occasionally attract mealybugs or spider mites. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly, and treat any infestations early with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

A Note on Pets

Pothos is mildly toxic to cats and dogs if chewed — it contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth irritation. If you have curious pets, hang your Pothos high or keep it well out of reach. It's not life-threatening but it'll cause an uncomfortable few hours for a curious nibbler.

Why We Love It

Pothos asks for so little and gives so much back. It softens shelves, fills awkward corners, trails beautifully from hanging pots, and forgives the occasional forgotten watering. For anyone building their plant confidence, or simply wanting effortless greenery, it's one of our most-recommended plants at Plantonica.

If you'd like help choosing the right Pothos variety or the perfect pot to match your space, pop into the store in South Yarra — we'd love to help you find your match.