Pothos care
Epipremnum aureum
- Water
- Every 7–14 days
- Light
- Tolerates almost anything
- Pet safe
- No — toxic to cats & dogs
If houseplants gave out a “most forgiving” award, pothos would win every year. It tolerates low light, irregular watering, and being forgotten on top of a bookshelf — then roots from a cutting in a glass of water like it’s doing you a favor.
That resilience makes it the perfect first plant. The only way to reliably kill a pothos is to drown it.
How often to water a pothos
| Season | Frequency | Cue |
|---|---|---|
| Spring & summer | Every 7–10 days | Water when the top half of the soil is dry |
| Fall & winter | Every 10–14 days | Wilting slightly is a safe cue — it bounces right back |
Pothos tells you what it needs: leaves droop a little when thirsty and perk up within hours of watering. When in doubt, wait — it forgives a late watering far more readily than a soggy pot.
Light
Bright, indirect light keeps variegated varieties (golden, marble queen) boldly patterned, but pothos genuinely tolerates dim corners and offices lit only by fluorescents.
In low light, variegation fades toward plain green and vines stretch. If you love the marbling, give it a window.
Common pothos problems
Yellow leaves dropping off
Why: Overwatering. Fix: Let the soil dry at least halfway down between waterings. Ensure drainage.
Long bare vines, few leaves
Why: Too little light. Fix: Move it brighter and trim the leggy vines — they’ll branch, and the cuttings root in water.
Variegation disappearing
Why: Low light. Fix: More indirect light brings new leaves back with stronger patterning.
Brown leaf tips
Why: Dry air or salty tap water. Fix: Water more evenly; occasionally flush the pot through with plenty of water.