Pothos Plant


The pothos plant is the most common type of houseplant. It is easy to maintain, which is why it is recommended for those who have a newly developed hobby for indoor gardening. These plants aren't very fussy, and may survive in various conditions indoors. However, there are some basic instructions that should be followed in order for pothos to grow well. There are three varieties of this plant:
  • The Jade Pothos: The leaves of this variety are evenly green.
  • The Golden Pothos: The leaves of this plant have patches of yellow on them (only if it is healthy and well taken care of).
  • The Marble Queen Pothos: This variety has white patches on the green leaves.
The difference in the varieties remains only on the basis of color. The care of these plants is the same. The leaves of the pothos plant have a shining, waxy appearance. This plant has vines that can continue growing to great lengths. They are popular climbers, which make them great decorative plants. Pothos can be potted, placed on a window sill or any other surface, or grown in a hanging container. Presented here, is this guide on caring for pothos, so you can enjoy your new found hobby.

Pothos Plant Care

It has already been mentioned before that pothos is not very demanding, and is in fact very adaptable to a variety of conditions. However, there are some basics of indoor plant care that should be followed so that you have a well-growing plant, and are not demoralized when you take up gardening as a new hobby.
  1. This plant is considered one of the best low light plants, and is known to grow in the absence of proper light too. This however, affects its growth over time, and the plant becomes weak and begins losing color. Pothos requires natural, indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will also eventually lead to a loss of color of the plant, leaving it looking pale.
  2. The amount of water that you use to maintain the plant will depend on a variety of conditions. These include the soil quality, the size of the plant, the humidity levels, the light conditions, and the overall temperature. Use filtered or distilled water to water it, and do so only when the top layer (up to an inch below) of soil is dry. Pour enough water so that it reaches the roots. Ensure that excess water is drained. Excess or lack of water is going to cause the plant to wilt, and will make the leaves a bright yellow. Also, excess water make the roots rot.
  3. Pothos is a tropical plant, so its temperature requirements are similar to those found in a tropical climate. Keep the plant in temperatures ranging anywhere from 65F to 85F.
  4. Its tropical requirements also include a sufficient amount of humidity. While at other times it may be naturally maintained, during winters, mist the plant several times a day.
  5. If these measures are followed, pothos will not require much use of fertilizers. However, if you find the necessity to use one, use a liquid based fertilizer rather than a solid one.
  6. Use an extremely small amount of vegetable oil on the leaves so that they maintain their natural shine. Dust generally tends to settle on them, which can be removed by following this method.
  7. Though this plant cannot survive when there is excess water in the soil, it can actually be grown in water itself. Just place a stem in a jar of water and watch the plant grow over time.
It has been found that pothos has the ability to clean the air in its environment. This ability is not possible if it is not cared for well. It is natural for you to neglect this plant, because it so easily survives even without your attention. However, eventually it is going to die out. Just give it a small amount of attention and see how it flourishes.

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