How to Keep Your Pothos Alive: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need
Have you ever gazed longingly at those lush, trailing pothos vines in a friend’s living room and thought, “Why does mine always end up looking like a sad plate of lettuce?” If so, you’re in exactly the right place. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a total beginner, learning how to keep your pothos alive is way less complicated than you might think—and a lot more rewarding.
Pothos (also known as Epipremnum pinnatum or devil’s ivy) is famous for being one of the easiest and most forgiving houseplants out there. But even the hardiest survivors need a little love and know-how to truly thrive. In this guide, you’ll find practical tips, real-life examples, and expert advice to transform your pothos from droopy and dull to vibrant and vining.
Ready to breathe new life into your home (and maybe finally stop apologising to your plants)? Let’s dive in.
Why Everyone Loves Pothos (and Why You Will Too)
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of pothos care, let’s quickly talk about why these plants are everywhere—and why you might want to grab one for yourself (psst, you can pick up a gorgeous pothos right here at Jungle Houseplants).
Pothos are:
Ridiculously easy to care for – even notorious plant killers can keep these alive.
Tolerant of low light – perfect for that one awkward corner in your flat.
Air-purifying – they help clear out nasties like formaldehyde and benzene.
Fast-growing and rewarding – you’ll see real progress in weeks, not years.
Easy to propagate – one plant can quickly become a jungle.
Whether you’re short on time, space, or experience, pothos are hands-down one of the best houseplants to start with—or to add to your ever-growing collection.
Understanding Your Pothos: What Makes It Tick
To keep your pothos alive and healthy, it helps to know what makes it so resilient in the first place.
The Pothos Origin Story
Native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, pothos are used to dappled sunlight, warm temperatures, and not much fuss. In the wild, they climb trees and sprawl across the forest floor—so they’re built to survive in less-than-ideal conditions.
Pothos 101: Key Traits
Scientific name: Epipremnum pinnatum (sometimes Epipremnum aureum)
Common names: Devil’s ivy, golden pothos, money plant
Light: Adaptable—prefers bright, indirect but tolerates low light
Water: Likes to dry out between waterings
Growth: Vining, can trail or climb
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested (so keep out of reach of curious mouths!)
If you understand these basics, you’re halfway to success.
Light: The Make-or-Break Factor
Let’s get real: light is the single most important thing for plant health, and pothos are no exception.
Where Should You Put Your Pothos?
The sweet spot for a pothos is bright, indirect light. Think near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet away from a sunnier south-facing one.
Too much direct sun: Leaves will scorch and turn pale or crispy.
Too little light: Growth slows, variegation fades, and stems get leggy.
Pro tip: If you can comfortably read a book in the spot during the day without artificial lights, your pothos will be happy.
Real-Life Example
Sarah, a self-confessed plant serial killer, put her pothos on top of her fridge (not much light there). The plant sulked, dropped leaves, and barely grew. She moved it to a bright living room shelf away from direct sun—within weeks, new leaves appeared and the plant perked up. It’s not magic, it’s just light!
What About Fluorescent Lighting?
Pothos can survive under artificial office lights, but they’ll grow slower. If you’re in a basement flat or windowless room, consider a cheap grow light for a boost.
Still looking for the perfect pothos to brighten up your space? Check out Jungle Houseplants’ Epipremnum pinnatum and bring home a true survivor.
Watering: The Art of Not Killing with Kindness
If there’s one thing that kills more pothos than anything else, it’s overwatering. (Yes, even more than neglect.)
How Often Should You Water a Pothos?
There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule, but here’s a foolproof method:
Stick your finger 2-3cm into the soil.
If it’s dry at that depth, water thoroughly.
If it’s still moist, wait a few days and check again.
Pothos prefer to dry out between waterings. In summer, this could be every 1-2 weeks; in winter, sometimes as little as once a month.
Signs You’re Overwatering (or Underwatering)
Yellow leaves: Usually too much water, especially if they’re mushy.
Brown, crispy edges: Not enough water, or humidity is too low.
Drooping leaves: Could be either—check the soil!
Hot tip: Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Soggy roots = root rot = sad, dead pothos.
My Own Watering Blunder
I once left my pothos in a pot with no drainage “just for a week.” Three weeks later, the roots were swimming, and my plant was halfway to the compost bin. I quickly repotted it into a proper container, trimmed off the mushy bits, and it bounced back. Lesson learned!
Soil & Repotting: Give Those Roots Some Love
Pothos aren’t fussy, but they do need the right environment for their roots.
The Best Soil Mix for Pothos
You want something that:
Drains well (no sitting in soggy soil!)
Holds enough moisture to keep roots happy
A mix of regular houseplant compost with a handful of perlite or orchid bark is perfect. If you’re buying ready-mixed, look for “houseplant” or “indoor plant” labels.
When and How to Repot
Repot every 1-2 years, or when:
Roots are poking out of the drainage holes
The plant dries out too quickly after watering
Growth has slowed, or the plant is looking crowded
How to repot:
Choose a pot 2-4cm larger than the current one, with a drainage hole.
Gently loosen the root ball and remove any dead or mushy roots.
Place in fresh soil, water well, and let it settle.
Feeling inspired? You can grab a thriving pothos ready for a new pot at Jungle Houseplants.
Feeding: A Little Goes a Long Way
Pothos aren’t greedy, but a bit of food encourages lush, full vines.
What Fertiliser Should You Use?
Balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser (like a 10-10-10 NPK ratio) is ideal.
Apply at half strength every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer.
Hold off in autumn and winter, when growth slows.
Over-fertilising does more harm than good. If in doubt, feed less often!
Pruning & Training: Shape Your Pothos Like a Pro
Ever seen photos of pothos cascading down bookshelves or climbing up trellises? That’s all about a little strategic pruning and training.
When and How to Prune
Snip below a leaf node (the little bump where a leaf joins the stem).
Use clean, sharp scissors.
Remove yellow or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
Training Your Pothos
Let vines trail from a hanging basket or shelf.
Climb by attaching stems to a moss pole, trellis, or even cup hooks on your wall.
Regular pruning keeps your pothos looking full and healthy—and gives you cuttings to propagate.
Fancy starting your own pothos jungle? Get your first plant here and let the training (and trailing) begin!
Humidity & Temperature: Keep It Just Right
Pothos are tropical, but they’re not divas about it.
Temperature
Ideal: 18-24°C (65-75°F)
Will tolerate: Down to 10°C (50°F), but not for long
Avoid cold draughts and sudden temperature drops.
Humidity
Average UK household humidity is usually fine (40-60%).
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In winter, heating can dry out the air. If you see crispy leaf edges, try:
Grouping plants together
Placing a tray of water nearby
Occasional misting (but don’t soak the leaves)
Common Pothos Problems (and How to Fix Them)
Even the best plant parents run into issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot like a pro.
Yellow Leaves
Often too much water – let soil dry out more between waterings.
Remove yellow leaves to prevent rot.
Brown Tips or Edges
Underwatering, low humidity, or salt build-up from fertiliser.
Adjust watering, check humidity, and flush the soil with water if needed.
Leggy, Sparse Growth
Not enough light. Move your pothos to a brighter spot.
Pests (Yes, Even Pothos Get Them)
Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, or scale.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and treat with insecticidal soap if needed.
Root Rot
Caused by soggy soil. Repot immediately in fresh, well-draining soil and trim mushy roots.
Leaf Drop
Can be due to sudden changes in light or temperature, or inconsistent watering.
Propagating Pothos: Multiply Your Plant Army
Want more pothos for free? (Who doesn’t!) Good news: they’re ridiculously easy to propagate.
How to Propagate in Water
Snip a vine just below a node (make sure there’s at least one leaf).
Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged.
Change water every week.
Roots should appear in 2-4 weeks. Once they’re a few centimetres long, pot them up.
How to Propagate in Soil
Same as above, but plant the cutting directly in moist soil.
Keep the soil lightly damp until roots form.
Tip: Propagate a few cuttings at once and pot them together for a bushier plant.
Pothos FAQs: Your Burning Questions, Answered
How long do pothos live?
With basic care, pothos can thrive for decades. Some are passed down through generations!
Is pothos safe for pets?
Not really—pothos is mildly toxic if chewed or eaten, so keep away from curious cats and dogs.
Why are my pothos leaves losing their variegation?
Usually, it’s not getting enough light. Move it closer to a window (but not in direct sun).
Can pothos grow in water forever?
They can survive, but they’ll be healthier planted in soil long-term.
How big will my pothos get?
Indoors, vines can reach several metres with time. Prune to keep things manageable.
The Secret to Thriving Pothos: Consistency (Not Perfection)
Here’s the honest truth: pothos don’t need perfection, just a little consistency. If you forget to water for a week, don’t panic—they’ll usually forgive you. If you miss a feed, no big deal. Focus on the basics:
Right light (not too dark, not scorching sun)
Let soil dry out between waterings
Pot with drainage
Occasional pruning and feeding
If you stick to these, you’ll go from “plant killer” to “pothos whisperer” in no time.
Ready to start your own pothos success story? Don’t wait—grab an easy-care Epipremnum pinnatum from Jungle Houseplants and see the difference for yourself.
TL;DR: How to Keep Your Pothos Alive (The Quick Checklist)
Place in bright, indirect light
Water when the top 2-3cm of soil is dry
Use free-draining soil and a pot with drainage
Feed lightly in spring and summer
Prune for shape and to encourage fullness
Check for pests and treat early
Propagate to multiply your collection
With a little know-how and a dash of patience, your pothos can be the lush, vibrant showstopper you’ve always wanted. So go on—give it another go. Your future jungle awaits!
Loved this guide? Share it with a friend who needs a plant win—or treat yourself to a new pothos adventure from Jungle Houseplants today! Happy growing!