Pothos – Varied and Versatile

Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is a true easy care houseplant.  It’s waxy green and variegated leaves show well in a pot on a desk, as a climber or as a hanging vine.  For a winner, choose a Pothos. The botanical name for Pothos is Scindapsus Aureus.

Light

Pothos can tolerate low levels of light , but the variegated varieties need medium to bright light, but not direct sunlight, or their variegation may fade.

Temperature

Pothos grows happily in the temperature range found in most homes from 65 to 75 degrees F.

Soil

Pothos can be grown in a good quality potting soil.

Humidity

Although Pothos will tolerate normal indoor humidity, it will do better if the humidity is raised.  Regular Misting of the plant will help to keep the humidity higher.

Watering

Pothos has a very shallow rooting system and should be let dry to a depth of 1 inch before re watering.  When watering, the plant should not be soaked, but watered lightly around the whole pot.  Over watering will result in the roots rotting and the plant dying.

Fertilizer

Pothos plants should be fertilized monthly with a liquid plant fertilizer diluted to half the normal strength.

Propagation

Pothos are propagated by tip cuttings.  Cut the last four leaves from the end of a vine.  Remove the lower two and place the cutting in water until roots develop.  Then plant the cuttings in a good quality potting soil in a pot  with good drainage.  Planting many cuttings in the same pot will give a full, attractive plant.

Decorating and Placement Tips

Pothos plants can be displayed as a hanging basket, trained up a support as an upright plant, or as a potted plant on a desk.

While Pothos will tolerate low levels of light, the variegated varieties will lose their color if the light levels are too low.  For the Variegated varieties, like the Golden Pothos, the brighter the light the bolder the colors.  Direct sunlight should be avoided as it may burn the leaves.

For an easy care houseplant, choose the Pothos.