Pothos: Care for the Easiest Plant in the World

If you could only have one plant to start with, it would be pothos. Nearly indestructible, fast-growing, forgiving of forgetfulness and easy to propagate in a glass of water. That's why it's the most gifted houseplant in the world. Here's everything to keep yours spectacular.

Why it's so easy

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a tropical climber used to the shade of the jungle floor. It tolerates low light, irregular watering and a wide range of conditions. It's literally the plant that "tells" you when it's thirsty: its leaves go soft and bounce back hours after watering.

Light

• Ideal: medium to bright indirect light. Variegated types (Marble Queen, Golden) need more light to keep their pattern.
• Tolerates: low-light corners, but grows slower and greener.
• Avoid: strong direct sun, which scorches the leaves.

Watering

Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Generally once a week in summer and every 10-14 days in winter. Dry over soggy: overwatering and poor drainage are its only real enemy.

Popular varieties

• Golden Pothos: green with golden marbling, the classic.
• Marble Queen: heavily variegated, white and green.
• Neon: bright lime green, great for brightening corners.
• N'Joy / Pearls and Jade: small leaves with white edges.

Water propagation (free and easy)

1. Cut a piece of stem just below a node (the bump where aerial roots emerge), leaving 2-3 leaves.
2. Put it in a glass of water with the node submerged.
3. Change the water every 3-4 days. In 1-2 weeks you'll see roots.
4. When they reach 1-2 inches, pot it into soil. A brand-new plant!

How to get a bushy pothos

• Prune long vines: each cut triggers new branching.
• Gather cuttings into the same pot for a dense clump.
• Train it up a pole or let it trail from a shelf.

Common problems

• Yellow leaves: almost always overwatering. See the yellow leaves guide.
• Losing variegation: not enough light; move it closer to a window.
• Brown tips: dry air or heavily chlorinated water.

Is it toxic?

Yes — like many aroids it contains calcium oxalates: keep it out of reach of pets and children.

Give it decent light and don't drown it, and pothos will reward you with yards of green garlands for minimal effort.