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How Often to Water Pothos – Quick Guide

Pothos is a popular houseplant. It’s also known as ‘Devil’s Ivy’ or ‘Epipremnum aureum.’ You can find it in hanging baskets, pots, and planters worldwide. Having a pothos plant means you can grow beautiful greenery and beautify your indoor interior all year round. These tropical plants are native to China, and Southern Asia and are known for their low maintenance and can survive in different environments. However, one of the most crucial aspects of caring for Pothos Plants is getting the watering right.

However, this blog covers everything you need to know about how often to water your Pothos plant. 

  • Tips For Determining the Ideal Watering Schedule for Pothos
    • Rewatering check
  • Pothos Plants: A Popular Choice for Indoor Gardeners
    • Low Monitoring
    • Green Allies for Cleaner Air
  • Discover the Ideal Watering Routine for Developing Pothos Plants
  • Survival Guide: Spot Overwatering and Underwatering in Pothos Plants
  • Crack the Code By Mastering Water Frequency
  • Unveiling the Role of Soil and Pot Selection for Pothos Plants’ Growth
  • Mastering the Art of Moisture By Unlocking the Secret of Soil Moisture
  • A statistical study
  • Seasonal Watering Sips for Well-developing Pothos Plants
  • Leaving town? No problem! Keeping Pothos Hydrated While You Can’t Be There
  • Top Watering vs. Bottom Watering: What’s Best for Pothos Plants?

Tips For Determining the Ideal Watering Schedule for Pothos

Several factors affect how often Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) plants need water, such as environmental conditions and the plant’s specific requirements. Water is the most crucial part of Potho’s care. It is because the soil around a Pothos is arid and not very acidic, which can cause many problems for the roots if they are not watered enough or get overwater. 

You can schedule the ideal watering schedule for Pothos by evaluating the following pointers. 

  • Pothos must be watered at least once a week, but don’t overwater it if you want it to develop well.
  • If your Pothos are dying, give them a little water. However, the average Pothos will require 1-2 inches of water weekly to keep the plant at optimal growth. 
  • If you water your Pothos daily, there is a high chance it will die from soggy.
  • Additionally, during the winter, you should provide water once every two weeks, 
  • And during the summer, you should do so every day or once every week
  • If you feel like watering too often, let the soil dry out before giving it more water.
  • Water your plant once every three days before bed.
Watering Schedule For Pothos Plants, Retrieved from: https://www.freepik.com/

Rewatering check

It would help if you rewatered your Pothos Ivy Plants once the top 2 to 3 inches (5-7 cm) of soil dry out. A simple technique to determine watering needs is inserting your finger about an inch into the ground. If the soil seems dry at that depth, it’s generally a reliable indicator that the plant requires watering.

Pothos Plants: A Popular Choice for Indoor Gardeners

Before we dive into watering, let’s delve a bit into Pothos ivy houseplants. These plants are also known as Devil’s Ivy and are popular indoor plants. Pothos plants are versatile and can grow in different lighting conditions, including low light. They are also easy to propagate, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) plants can grow up to 20-30 feet long in the wild, but you can keep them pruned to a manageable size indoors.

Low Monitoring

One of the reasons why Pothos ivy houseplants are so popular is that they are low maintenance and beautify the indoor interior. These plants can tolerate neglect, but that doesn’t mean you should completely ignore them. Pothos plants require proper watering, fertilizing, and pruning to develop well. 

Snow Queen Pothos
Pothos Plants: A Popular Choice for Indoor Gardeners

Read: Reasons to get a Manjula Pothos

Green Allies for Cleaner Air

Compared with other plants, golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) reduce the ozone concentrations most effectively and help lower ozone footprints ejected daily from our household equipment, like refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc. However, meanwhile, you contribute to reducing ozone footprints and helping Earth’s nature. 

However, this blog will demonstrate how frequently to water Pothos plants and discuss important considerations for keeping Pothos ivy houseplant’s well-being. 

Pothos Plants
Eco-Friendly Pothos Plants, Retrieved from: https://www.freepik.com/

Read: Magnolia: A Celebration of Beauty in Diversity

Discover the Ideal Watering Routine for Developing Pothos Plants

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) plants require consistent watering for optimal growth. However, overwatering or underwatering can cause problems for these plants. When you overwater Pothos plants, the soil becomes soggy, and the roots can start to rot. On the other extreme, underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and eventually fall off.

To avoid overwatering or underwatering, you need to understand the watering needs of Pothos plants. These plants require well-drained soil and a pot with drainage holes. The soil should be moist but not soggy. Pothos ivy houseplants also prefer to dry out a bit between waterings.

Survival Guide: Spot Overwatering and Underwatering in Pothos Plants

Here are the following pointers to determine the soggy and underwater conditions in Pothos Plants:

  • Observe its leaves and soil to determine if your Pothos plant is getting the proper water.
  • Overwatered Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) plants may have yellow leaves and a mushy stem. 
  • The soil may also have a sour smell, indicating root rot. 
  • In Addition, underwater Pothos plants may have dry, crispy leaves that curl up. 
  • The soil may also be dry and pull away from the edges of the pot. 
root rot pothos
Image source: House Plant Authority

Crack the Code By Mastering Water Frequency

Several factors can influence how often you need to water your Pothos plant. The size of the pot, the type of soil, and the environment are some factors that can affect watering frequency.

The following are mastering code to crack how frequently you need to water your plants:

  • If your Pothos plant is in a small pot, it must be watered more frequently than in a larger pot. 
  • The type of soil can also affect watering frequency. 
  • Well-draining soil allows water to flow quickly, while heavy soil retains moisture for longer. 
  • The environment also plays a role in watering frequency. Pothos ivy houseplants in a humid climate may be watered infrequently in a dry environment.

Unveiling the Role of Soil and Pot Selection for Pothos Plants’ Growth

As mentioned, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) plants require well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes. 

  • Using suitable soil and pot is crucial for the development of your Pothos plant.
  • Well-draining soil allows water to flow quickly, preventing waterlogging and root rot. 
  • A pot with drainage holes drains excess moisture from the soil, ensuring the roots don’t soak in water.

When selecting the fit pot for your Pothos Ivy plant, ensure it has drainage holes and is not too big or too small. A pot that is too big can hold excess water, while a pot that is too small can restrict root growth. Choose a pot slightly larger than your Pothos plant’s root ball.

Mastering the Art of Moisture By Unlocking the Secret of Soil Moisture

Check the soil moisture level to know if your Pothos plant needs to be watered. There are several ways to do this, including using a moisture meter, sticking your finger in the soil, or lifting the pot.

  • It is a tool that indicates the moisture content of the soil. It can give you an accurate reading of the soil moisture level. 
  • Placing your finger in the soil is a simple and effective way to check soil moisture.

Seasonal Watering Sips for Well-developing Pothos Plants

The watering frequency of your Pothos plant can vary depending on the season. Pothos plants require more water than in winter. In summer, you may need to water your Pothos plant once a week; in winter, watering once every two weeks may be enough.

However, you need to adjust the watering frequency based on the environment. If your Pothos plant is in a dry climate, you may need to water it more often. 

On the other extreme, if your Pothos plant is in a humid environment, you may need to water it less frequently.

A statistical study

The Statistical Study Reveals Strong Correlation Between Temperature and Relative Air Humidity for Pothos Plant Growth[1] Correlation Between Temperature and Relative Air Humidity for Indoor Plant Growth.

https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/13/17/9566
By Pichlhöfer et al. , Retrieved from Temperature and Relative Air Humidity for Pothos Plant

Based on the statistical study, the following instructions should be considered for optimal Pothos ivy houseplant growth.

  • Humidity is adequate if the room is warm, above 65 degrees Fahrenheit (~18 °C). Keep leaf tips moist by misting them daily in winter (as the moisture can be low) if they turn brown.
  • Plants from the tropical region thrive in warm climates between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 °C- 26 °C). However, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) plants should not be kept below 55°F (12 °C); if you can, keep it at 60°F (~16 °C) in winter. 

Leaving town? No problem! Keeping Pothos Hydrated While You Can’t Be There

If you’re going on vacation or will be away from home for a long period, you must ensure your Pothos plant is watered. One way to do this is to use a self-watering automated system. You can purchase a self-watering pot or make your creative DIY using a plastic bottle.

To make a self-watering pot, fill a plastic bottle with water and make small holes in the cap. Bury the bottle in the soil, ensuring the cap is above soil level. As the soil dries out, water will seep through the holes in the lid and moisten the soil.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a self-watering pot:

  • Get a pot with a drainage hole and a separate reservoir.
  • Insert a wicking material (nylon rope or fiber) with one end into the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot, leaving one back in the reservoir.
  • Fill the reservoir with water.
  • Monitor the water level in the reservoir and refill it as needed.

A self-watering pot helps keep your plants consistently moist without frequent watering.

Self-watering Pot, Retrieved from: https://www.freepik.com/

Top Watering vs. Bottom Watering: What’s Best for Pothos Plants?

The best watering method for pothos plants depends on factors like pot drainage and environmental conditions. Top watering is quick but can lead to issues like root rot. On the other extremes, Bottom watering provides controlled absorption but requires monitoring. It’s best to experiment and find the method that works for your pothos plant’s needs.

Global green Pothos
Top Watering Vs. Bottom Watering

Watering Woes: Top Pitfalls to Avoid While Watering 

Watering Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) plants may seem simple, but there are some common mistakes that you need to avoid. 

  • Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes. Remember that Pothos plants prefer to dry out a bit between waterings.
  • Another mistake is not using well-drained soil and a pot with drainage holes. Excess water can accumulate in the soil without proper drainage, causing root rot. 
  • Using heavy soil can also lead to waterlogging.
  • If you’re going on vacation, consider using a self-watering system to hydrate your Pothos plant. 

Cutting the blog short 

These plants require consistent watering but must also dry out between waterings. Determining the cause of overwatering and underwatering can help you adjust your watering frequency. Moreover, factors like pot size, soil type, and environment can affect how often you water your Pothos plant. Using suitable soil and pots is crucial for plants’ well-being. Moreover, Checking the soil moisture level is also important to avoid overwatering or underwatering. However, to cut the story short, Pothos ivy houseplants are easy to care for, and with proper watering, they can survive, develop well, and bring beauty to your home or office interior.

References

References
1 Correlation Between Temperature and Relative Air Humidity for Indoor Plant Growth