How Often to Water Pothos Plants

Pothos plants, also known as devil's ivy, are well-loved houseplants that are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. However, one question that many plant owners have is how often to water their pothos plants. The answer ultimately depends on several factors, including the environment, container size, and soil type. Below we will go over some guidelines to help you determine the best watering schedule for your pothos plants.

Factors that Affect Pothos Watering Needs

Before we dive into how often to water pothos plants, it's important to understand what affects their watering needs.

Environment: The temperature, humidity, and sunlight exposure in your home can all impact how quickly your pothos plant will dry out and require water.

Container size: The size of your pothos plant's pot can also affect how quickly the soil dries out, with larger pots generally requiring less frequent watering.

Soil type: The type of soil you use can also impact how frequently you need to water your pothos plant, with soil that retains water longer helping to reduce watering needs.

When to Water Pothos Plants

So, how often should you water your pothos plant? As with most houseplants, the answer depends on the specific conditions, but here are some general guidelines:

Check the soil: Before watering your pothos plant, always check the top inch of soil to see if it feels dry. If it's still moist, wait a few more days before checking again.

Water when the soil is dry: Water your pothos when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. You can use your finger or a moisture meter to check.

Water deeply: When you do water your pothos, be sure to water it deeply. This means watering until the water begins to drain out the bottom of the pot. This will ensure that the entire root system is getting enough water.

Don't overwater: Pothos plants are susceptible to root rot, which is caused by overwatering. To avoid this, never let your pothos plant sit in standing water and always make sure the soil has good drainage.

Other Tips for Keeping Your Pothos Plants Healthy

In addition to watering, there are a few other things you can do to ensure your pothos plants stay healthy:

Provide adequate sunlight: Pothos plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Place them near a window that gets lots of light but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Fertilize occasionally: Pothos plants don't require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a boost by fertilizing once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

Prune regularly: Pothos plants can grow quite long and leggy, so be sure to prune them back periodically to keep them looking full and healthy.

Conclusion

Overall, watering pothos plants is fairly simple. Check the soil regularly, water when it's dry, and make sure to give them enough light and nutrients. With a little care, your pothos plants will thrive and brighten up your home for years to come.