How Often to Water Pothos? Beginner’s Guide

Last Updated on December 17, 2023

Pothos, renowned for their resilience, are often hailed as the go-to plants for beginners, seemingly indestructible. However, it’s crucial not to be misled. The seemingly invincible pothos can falter with one common misstep: improper watering.

A common misconception is that being a tropical plant, pothos demands frequent watering. It’s also tempting to adopt a fixed 1 – 2 week watering routine, thinking it’s a foolproof strategy. Unfortunately, this approach can lead to gradual weakening and, ultimately, the demise of your plant.

Understanding the correct watering frequency is the initial key to providing optimal care for your pothos. Once you grasp its specific water needs, you can bid farewell to concerns about wilting or the onset of root rot. Let’s explore how to water your pothos effectively to ensure they thrive with vitality.

How Often You Should Water Your Pothos Plant

To care for your Pothos plant, aim to water it every 1-2 weeks, ensuring that the top inch of the soil dries out between watering sessions. It’s crucial to tailor the watering frequency according to factors such as pot size, humidity levels, and the amount of light it receives.

Keep an eye out for signs of overwatering, like yellowing leaves and black stems, or underwatering, which may manifest as wilting and a dry potting mix.

Prior to watering, consistently check the soil moisture and lean towards slightly underwatering to prevent potential issues. This mindful approach will help maintain a happy and thriving Pothos.

What Makes Your Pothos Thirsty?

1. Sunlight Matters: Think of sunlight as food for your potholes. In spots where there’s a lot of sunlight, the soil tends to dry out quickly, so your pothos might need more water. In shadier places, where there’s not as much sunlight, the soil stays wet for a longer time, so you won’t need to water as often.
2. Choosing the Right Home: The place where your pothos lives – its pot and the soil – makes a big difference. If the soil lets water drain out easily and the pot has holes at the bottom, that’s good. It means your pothos won’t sit in water too long, and its roots will be happy.
3. Weather: Pothos likes warmth. When it’s warm, the soil dries out faster, so you might need to water more. In cooler times, the soil dries slower, and your pothos take it slow. Also, if your place is not very humid, your pothos might want a little extra water.

Watering Techniques for Pothos

A. Best Practices for Watering Pothos

When it comes to watering your beloved Pothos, there are some tried-and-true best practices to keep in mind.

Ensure thorough saturation of the soil during each watering session, allowing water to seep through the drainage holes. This promotes a healthy root system and prevents waterlogged conditions.

B. Choosing the Right Watering Method

The choice of watering method can significantly impact your Pothos’ well-being. Consider using a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water precisely to the soil, avoiding wetting the foliage.

Alternatively, a gentle shower from a handheld sprayer can mimic the natural rainforest environment, providing a refreshing experience for your Pothos.

C. Avoiding Common Watering Mistakes

Steer clear of common pitfalls in the watering routine. Overwatering, a common blunder, can lead to root rot and other issues. Conversely, underwatering deprives your Pothos of essential hydration.

Regularly check the soil’s moisture level and adjust your watering habits accordingly to avoid these common mistakes.

Pothos Watering Schedule

A. Sample Watering Schedule for Different Seasons

Tailoring your watering schedule to the seasons is essential for Pothos care. During warmer months, when growth is more active, you might find a slightly more frequent watering routine beneficial.

In contrast, in the cooler seasons or periods of dormancy, your Pothos will appreciate a more spaced-out watering schedule.

B. Adjustments for Indoor and Outdoor Pothos Plants

Whether your Pothos resides indoors or ventures outdoors, adjustments to the watering schedule are necessary. Outdoor plants may need more frequent watering, especially in hotter climates.

Meanwhile, indoor plants may benefit from a consistent schedule, taking into account the conditions within your living space.

C. Tips for Maintaining Consistency

Consistency is key to Pothos well-being. Set reminders or establish a routine to ensure your plant receives its regular sips of water.

Consider factors like changes in humidity or temperature and adjust your watering frequency accordingly.

By maintaining a consistent schedule, you’ll contribute to the overall health and vibrancy of your Pothos.

FAQs

1. How Long Can Pothos Live Without Being Watered?

The duration your Pothos can go without water depends on its surroundings. In well-lit, warm, and dry spaces, like a bright room, it typically needs watering once a week. However, in a dark, cold, and humid environment, such as a cooler room, watering every 3 – 4 weeks may be sufficient.

2. Do All Pothos Varieties Have the Same Watering Needs?

For the most part, yes! Pothos varieties like Devil’s Ivy, Marble Queen, N’Joy, Baltic Blue, or Cebu Blue generally share the same watering requirements. However, be aware that Scindapsus plants, like Satin Pothos, prefer drying out almost completely between waterings.

3. Should I Mist My Pothos?

No need to mist your Pothos regularly. Misting won’t significantly improve humidity unless done multiple times daily. Remember, misting the soil’s surface doesn’t count as watering. It might make the top wet, but the rest of the potting mix will stay dry, potentially harming the roots and your plant.

4. Can I Use Tap Water for My Pothos?

Absolutely! Regular tap water is perfectly fine for your Pothos. Just avoid using very cold water, as it could shock the roots. Stick to room temperature tap water for a happy and healthy plant.

5. How Do You Water Pothos Plants When You Go on Vacation?

Before your vacation, give your Pothos a good soak. During your absence, move it to a slightly darker spot, group plants for humidity, and set up a wick-watering system to keep the soil moist until you return. This helps ensure your Pothos stays hydrated while you enjoy your time away.