Easy Tropical Toxic to pets

Pothos

Scindapsus aureus

A highly adaptable and popular houseplant with trailing vines and variegated heart-shaped leaves.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

50–70 %
Temperature

18–30 °C

How to care for your Pothos

Everything you need to keep your Pothos healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Pothos, often called Devil's Ivy, is a quintessential houseplant beloved for its ease of care and attractive, often marbled or variegated, heart-shaped leaves. It tolerates a wide range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect, making it incredibly versatile for various indoor settings. Perfect for hanging baskets or shelves where its long vines can trail gracefully. Like many Araceae, it's toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals, so exercise caution with pets and children.

Watering your Pothos

Every 7 days

Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering.

How to know it needs water

Soil feels dry to the touch
Leaves appear slightly droopy or less turgid

How much light a Pothos needs

Bright indirect light

Low to bright indirect light; direct sun can scorch leaves, while very low light reduces variegation.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 1 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, North-west, West

Humidity and misting

50–70 %

Medium to high, benefits from occasional humidity boosts. Benefits from occasional misting, especially in dry indoor air, to boost humidity and keep leaves clean.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Fertilize monthly during spring and summer; reduce or stop entirely in winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. · 2-1-2

Repotting your Pothos

Every 18 months

Repot into a container only slightly larger with fresh, well-draining potting mix.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre, pine bark

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Stunted growth
Plant becoming pot-bound

Pruning your Pothos

Any time to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, or propagate new plants. Cut stems just below a node using sharp, clean scissors or pruners.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 8 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Keep away from pets and children.

Good to know

Extremely versatile; can be grown in hanging baskets, on shelves, or trained to climb a moss pole for larger leaves.
One of NASA's top air-purifying plants, effectively removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air.

Frequently asked questions about the Pothos

How do you care for a Pothos?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 50–70 %. Ideal temperature: 18–30 °C. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering.

How often should you water a Pothos?

Every 7 days Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering. How to know it needs water : Soil feels dry to the touch ; Leaves appear slightly droopy or less turgid.

How much light does a Pothos need?

Bright indirect light Low to bright indirect light; direct sun can scorch leaves, while very low light reduces variegation. 0 to 1 h a day

Is the Pothos toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Keep away from pets and children. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Pothos leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Pothos?

Repot every 18 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a container only slightly larger with fresh, well-draining potting mix.