Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant that can be found growing in homes all over the world. Its ease of care and long-lasting nature make it one of the most popular indoor houseplants.
A common question among pothos owners is, “How often to water pothos?” This guide will explain the factors that influence a healthy watering schedule, along with tips on caring for your plant, including how much light it needs and how to keep its leaves from turning yellow.
Pothos is also known for its easygoing nature and its ability to survive under less-than-ideal conditions, making it an excellent plant for those just starting out or those unable to care for their plants as often as they’d like.
While it is true that Pothos is a low-maintenance plant, this doesn’t mean that it won’t benefit from a stricter watering schedule.
Why is understanding how often to water pothos so important?
Understanding how often to water pothos is important because it will save you time and money. If your plant gets too much or too little water, it can harm its health.
When you have a good watering schedule in place, however, caring for your plant becomes easy—and that makes the difference between having a thriving pothos plant versus one that looks sickly and limp.
Related: 20+ Types of Pothos and Varieties
When Does your Pothos Need Watering?
Pothos plants thrive when you regularly water them but allow them to drain out quickly afterward.
The best way to tell if your Pothos needs watering is to dig your finger in the soil and feel for moisture. If it’s dry, it’s time to water; if it’s soggy, you’ve overwatered (and may have killed your plant). The top 1/3 of the soil should also be dry before you water again.
Leaf drooping is another indicator that your Pothos needs a drink: check for signs of wilting or drooping leaves—if you see any of these symptoms, it’s time for some water!
How Often should you water your Pothos Plant?
The watering frequency largely depends on the size of your pothos plant. Although there are no hard rules, here are some general guidelines:
How Often to Water Pothos Plants in the Summer?
Summer is a tricky time to water pothos plants. If you don’t water them enough, they’ll wilt and die. But if you overwater your Pothos, they can grow moldy leaves or even rot. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: keep watering your plant slightly more than once a week—that’s all it needs! Here’s what happens when the temperature rises and the sun beats down on your Pothos…
How Often to Water Pothos in the Fall and Winter?
Reduce watering frequency in the fall and winter. The plant doesn’t need as much water in these seasons.
Doing so will help avoid over-watering your pothos plant, which can lead to root rot and other problems. In winter, these plants are most likely to suffer from overwatering due to cooler temperatures and reduced air circulation, making it harder for roots to dry out as quickly as they would during warmer weather.
Pothos plants also enter dormancy during winter. This is when their growth slows significantly, and they enter a hibernation phase where they don’t grow as much. Their watering needs also go down significantly to account for this lack of growth and general activity. Watering at this time should be done very carefully and in small doses.
Factors that impact your pothos watering schedule
How often you need to water your Pothos plant depends on several factors, including the following:
Light
Your plant’s watering schedule will depend on how much light it gets daily. Pothos prefers bright indirect sunlight but can handle low levels of direct sunlight. If you have a spot for your Pothos that receives about 4 to 6 hours of bright indirect sunlight every day, the optimal time between waterings will naturally become smaller.
If your Pothos is in an area with less natural light or other factors that make its soil retain water, you’ll want to reduce watering frequency slightly.
Soil Type
The type of soil you use will directly define how often you need to water your Pothos. Pothos likes loose, well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. If your plant’s roots are sitting in a container filled with potting soil that’s not draining properly, consider repotting it into something more suitable for Pothos.
Even among well-draining soils, some will be draining faster than others, requiring an adjustment in the watering routine. Check by digging your finger in the soil before watering; only water if it comes up dry.
Temperature
The temperature in your home will also affect how often you need to water Pothos. In warmer weather, especially during summer months when temperatures are above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), Pothos will require more frequent watering because water evaporates quicker, and there is less of it in general. The opposite is true for lower temperatures.
Humidity
High humidity levels can cause problems with overwatering plants like Pothos unless proper precautions are taken, such as putting them near vents where they can ‘breathe’ better when humidity rises too high inside the rooms.
High humidity is not bad, especially for Pothos, but it necessitates adjusting the watering schedule to reflect the current conditions.
Overwatering and Underwatering Pothos
Overwatering is the number one cause of problems with pothos plants. The symptoms of overwatering include wilting and brown leaves, which can lead to root rot if not corrected.
Overwatering occurs when your plant sits in water for long periods. This can happen if you add too much water or allow the soil to remain wet for too long.
Consequently, there will be too much moisture in the soil for your plant to absorb all at once. Causing it to sit in excess water and become saturated needlessly.
Underwatering is another common problem among pothos owners because they don’t realize how often they should water their plants! However, this is a much easier problem to solve than overwatering, as all you need to do is give your plant a good soak, and it will be good to go.
