Pothos Care
Epipremnum aureum: Golden, Marble Queen, Pearls and Jade, Neon, Manjula and more
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Low to bright indirect. Variegated types like it brighter. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top half of the soil is dry. Leaves droop when thirsty. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Our Tropical Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Beginner Fast grower |
| π Grows to | Trails or climbs 2 m+. |
Pothos is the plant most of us start with, and for good reason: it grows fast, tells you when it's thirsty, and roots in a glass of water. Let it trail from a shelf or train it up a pole for bigger leaves.
Light + placement
Pothos tolerate lower light, but they grow faster and fuller in bright, indirect light. The more white or yellow in the leaves (Marble Queen, Pearls and Jade, Manjula, Snow Queen), the more light they need to keep their colour. Avoid strong direct sun.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top half of the soil is dry. Pothos are great communicators: the leaves droop when it's thirsty and perk up within hours of a drink. Yellow leaves with wet soil mean you're overdoing it.
Soil + repotting
Our Tropical Potting Mix in a pot with a drainage hole. Repot every 1β2 years in spring when roots fill the pot.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every time you water; this is a hungry plant. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Trim long, bare vines in spring to keep it full; every cutting can be rooted and tucked back into the pot.
Trailing or climbing?
Trailing pothos stay small-leaved. Climbing pothos on a coco coir pole grow bigger, more mature leaves. Either is fine; it's a style choice.
Propagation
Cut below a node (the bump where a leaf meets the stem), put it in water, and roots appear in 1β3 weeks. See Propagation 101.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves, wet soil | Overwatering | Let the top half dry before watering. See Why Are My Plant's Leaves Turning Yellow?. |
| Droopy, limp leaves, dry soil | Thirsty | Water deeply; it perks up fast. |
| Long bare vines, small leaves | Not enough light | Move closer to a window; trim and replant cuttings. |
| Variegation fading to green | Low light | Move to a brighter spot. |
| Brown crispy patches | Underwatering or sunburn | Water more consistently; move out of direct sun. |
Varieties we carry
Same care for every pothos. The whiter the leaf, the more light it wants. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Is pothos a good beginner plant?
One of the best. It handles low light and shows you clearly when it needs water.
Is pothos safe for cats and dogs?
No. It's toxic if chewed and can cause mouth irritation and drooling. See Easy Pet-Safe Houseplants.
How do I make my pothos fuller?
Trim long vines in spring and root the cuttings back into the same pot.
Can pothos grow in water?
Yes, for a long time. Change the water weekly and add a splash of Kelpy once a month.
Pothos care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Coco Coir Support Pole: Something to climb, for bigger leaves.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
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