Pothos care
Epipremnum aureum — also called Golden pothos, Devil’s ivy, Marble queen. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Bright indirect. Tolerates low. Avoid direct afternoon sun; variegation fades in deep shade. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 7 days in summer, every 14 in winter. Let the top 2" dry first. |
| Soil | Standard houseplant mix — 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite |
| Humidity | At least 30%, happiest near 50% |
| Temperature | 65–85°F. Cold damage below 45°F; heat stress in sun above 95°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~45 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 2 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. Calcium oxalates — mouth and throat irritation. |
What people get wrong about pothos
All-green reversion on a variegated plant means it moved somewhere darker.
Common problems
Watch for mealybugs, spider mites, scale. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterPothos FAQ
How often should I water a pothos?
Roughly every 7 days in the growing season and every 14 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. The most forgiving common houseplant. It wilts visibly before it suffers — use that as your cue.
Is pothos toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Calcium oxalates — mouth and throat irritation. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a pothos need?
Bright indirect is ideal, and it will cope with low. Avoid direct afternoon sun; variegation fades in deep shade.
Why does my pothos have brown tips?
Pothos is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for pothos?
Standard houseplant mix: 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite. Bagged potting soil alone stays too wet in an indoor pot; perlite fixes the drainage.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.