Pothos, Devil’s Ivy or Epipremnum aureum, has a reputation as one of the easiest houseplants to care for and is perfect for beginners. Pothos is particularly suitable for indoor environments because it is capable of filtering gaseous toxins such as formaldehyde from the air. It is a climbing species native to Southeast Asia and due to its aerial root system, it is known to invade forest floors and tree trunks.
Sunlight
Pothos plants thrive in bright indirect light, but they can tolerate moderate to low indirect light, such as in north-facing homes or during colder seasons with short days. This plant is not suitable for strong, direct sunlight, which will burn and brown its leaves.
Water
Water your Pothos every 1-2 weeks, letting the soil dry out between waterings. Expect watering more often in brighter light and less often in dimmer light. Some signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and black stems, while plants under water will wilt and potting soil will dry out.
Humidity
Pothos can do well in normal to dry air, but if you want them to really feel at home, you can increase the humidity: aim for 50-70%.
Pests
If you happen to encounter houseplant pests, treat them as soon as they appear with a weekly spray of natural insecticides like neem oil. You can also incorporate a well-draining potting mix, adding ingredients like perlite to enhance aeration.
Toxicity
Pothos can be irritating to cats, dogs, and humans if the leaves are eaten. We recommend keeping houseplants out of the reach of small children and pets.
