How Much Water Does Pothos Need - An Ultimate Guide

Watering once a week or once every 1-2 weeks is ideal for the pothos plant. However, the soil, sunlight exposure, humidity levels, and the season also impact the watering needs.

In warmer climates, your pothos require frequent watering whereas in cooler climates, they need less watering.

Pothos with its lush green leaves and trailing vines are best suited for any home. They have the ability to thrive even in low-light conditions. This plant is also known for hanging plants and can climb with the help of aerial roots.

Pothos are one of the best indoor plants for their purifying abilities from the air. As for their needs, they need frequent watering, and the watering frequency for a pothos plant depends on several factors, including environmental conditions and the size of the pot.

How Much Water Does Pothos Need to Thrive?

To know that your pothos thrives and remains healthy overall then understand their requirements. Finding the right balance of watering is the key to promoting growth and maintaining the plant’s appearance.

Your pothos requires watering for 1 to 2 weeks, while in cooler temperatures, they don’t need that much. Let’s see in detail the watering needs of pothos .

1. Check the soil moisture

Measure the soil moisture by sticking your finger in the soil, and water when the top inch feels dry. Aim for slightly moist soil without overwatering.

Observe your plant for any signs like wilting leaves, adjusting the watering frequency accordingly. Keep your pothos hydrated for a healthy and thriving plant.

2. Proper drainage

Proper drainage is necessary for the pothos plant. It stops water from collecting around the roots which can further lead to root rot and other potential issues. To give adequate drainage, choose a pot with drainage holes at the bottom.

Also, a well-draining potting mix helps promote good airflow and prevents waterlogging. Proper drainage creates a favourable environment for your pothos, allowing them to flourish.

3. Seasonal watering

Seasonal watering is an important aspect of caring for your pothos plant. As the seasons change, so do the water requirements of your plant.

During the summer, when temperatures are higher and the sunlight is more intense, your pothos may need more frequent watering to prevent the soil from drying out. Whereas during the winter, when growth slows down and light levels are lower, your pothos will require less water.

In spring and fall, the watering needs should be balanced. Observe your plant’s appearance, such as drooping leaves indicating the need for water or yellowing leaves telling overwatering.

4. Avoid watering schedule

Avoid relying solely on watering schedule alerts to determine when to water your pothos. As this might not consider the specific conditions of your plant or its current moisture requirements. Instead, pay close attention to your pothos and assess their moisture needs by checking the soil. Use your finger to feel if the top inch of the soil is dry or not.

Water Requirements of Pothos

While pothos is generally considered an easy-care plant, it still requires proper watering to thrive. Let’s see what’s are watering requirements for pothos –

1. Use room-temperature water

Using room-temperature water is ideal for pothos plants. Cold or hot water can shock the roots, while room-temperature water is gentle and avoids sudden temperature changes.

It helps the roots absorb water more easily, ensuring your pothos receive the necessary hydration for healthy growth. Using room-temperature water is also convenient and requires no additional preparation.

2. Watering method

Watering your pothos is simple and effective. To determine the soil moisture, simply insert your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, gently pour water onto the soil around the plant’s base. Avoid pouring too quickly. Continue watering until you notice water starting to flow out of the drainage holes. This ensures the soil is properly moisturized without overdoing it.

3. Soil type

Go for well-draining soil that allows excess water to escape, preventing root rot. Look for a soil mix that keeps enough moisture to keep the roots hydrated without becoming too wet and well-aerated with slightly acidic.

Additionally, a nutrient-rich soil or one enriched with organic matter can provide essential nutrients for your pothos growth. By selecting the right soil type, you create a favourable environment for your pothos.

4. Light and temperature

Pothos thrives in bright and indirect light, find the ideal location that perfectly suits the plant. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight as it can harm the leaves.

In terms of temperature, aim for a moderate range of 70-90°F to provide the right conditions for your plant. Be mindful of seasonal adjustments, protecting your pothos from extreme temperatures and drafts. Observe your plant and make necessary adaptations.

5. Humidity levels

Pothos naturally thrive in high-humidity environments, so it’s essential to provide similar conditions. Low humidity can lead to dry leaves, browning tips, and stunted growth.

To increase humidity, place a tray of water nearby, use a humidifier, or mist the leaves regularly. Avoid exposing your pothos to drafts or dry air from heating or cooling systems. Consider locating your plant in areas with naturally higher humidity.

How Often to Water Golden Pothos Indoors?

The watering needs of your indoor golden pothos will vary depending on the seasons and their growth rate. During the active growing season from spring to fall, your pothos can experience rapid growth, often sprouting several feet and numerous new leaves.

To keep up with this growth, monitor the moisture level of the soil. Check the soil once a week and water if it feels dry to the touch or if it’s excessively drying out between waterings. Maintaining adequate soil moisture is crucial during this active growth period.

During the fall and winter months, when your golden pothos enters a dormant phase, its growth slows down. Fertilization is not necessary during this time as nutrient uptake is limited.

How to Water Pothos Plant?

Here are some useful and effective tips to help you in how you can water your Pothos Plant –

Slow and steady – When you’re ready to water, pour water onto the soil slowly and evenly. Keep pouring until you see water starting to drip out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the water reaches the roots throughout the soil.

Good drainage – Use well-draining soil when potting your pothos. This type of soil allows excess water to flow freely. Also, make sure your pot has drainage holes to facilitate proper water flow.

Standing Water – After watering, be sure to empty any excess water from the drainage tray or saucer immediately. Leaving your pothos sitting in water can give you trouble, as it increases the risk of root rot and can harm the health of your plant.

What is bottom watering?

Bottom watering is a plant watering technique that involves pouring water into a tray or saucer placed beneath the plant’s pot. This method allows the roots to soak up water from the bottom.

By setting the plant’s pot on the saucer filled with water, the roots gradually absorb the water they need without overwatering the soil. Bottom watering ensures adequate hydration and helps prevent issues like root rot or surface mould. It can also save time and effort, especially when caring for multiple plants.

How to Identify Underwatered Pothos?

Keep an eye on your pothos plant and look for any changing. Here are some possible signs of underwatering –

Wilting Leaves – One of the most common signs of an underwatered pothos is wilting leaves. The leaves may appear droopy, limp, and lacking vitality. They may even start to curl or shrivel up.

Dry Soil – Underwatered pothos plants often have dry soil. If you insert your finger about an inch deep into the soil and if it feels dry to the touch then it’s a clear sign that your plant is in need of watering. Dry soil indicates that the plant is not receiving enough moisture.

Yellowing Leaves – Yellowing leaves are another identification of underwatering. When a pothos doesn’t receive enough water, its leaves may start turning yellow, especially from the lower leaves.

Leaf Crispiness – Underwatered pothos leaves can become crispy to the touch. They may feel dry and crispy. This happens because the plant lacks sufficient water to maintain moisture in its leaves.

Stunted Growth – If your pothos is not getting enough water, it may experience stunted growth. Underwatered plants prioritize survival over growth, so they may not produce new leaves or show minimal growth compared to a well-hydrated plant.

Signs of Overwatered Pothos

Here are some signs to look out for –

Wilting Leaves – Overwatered pothos plants can show wilting leaves, similar to underwatered plants. However, in this case, the leaves may appear soft and droopy rather than dry and crispy. Overwatering can cause the roots to become too soggy, hindering their ability to deliver nutrients to the leaves.

Yellowing Leaves – If you notice yellowing leaves that are mushy or feel waterlogged, it’s a strong indication of overwatering. Excessive moisture in the soil can cause the roots to become rot in no time, causing the leaves to turn yellow.

Fungus or Mold Growth – Overly damp soil provides an ideal environment for fungal growth. If you observe any mould or fungus on the soil surface or around the base of the plant, it’s a clear sign of overwatering. This can be a serious issue that needs immediate attention to prevent further damage.

Root Rot – Overwatering can lead to root rot, a condition where the roots become mushy, discoloured, and foul-smelling. Gently lift the plant from its pot and examine the roots. Healthy roots should be firm and white, whereas rotting roots will appear brown, black, or mushy.

Slow Growth or No New Growth – Pothos plants that receive excessive water may slow down growth or show no new growth at all. Overwatering can prevent them to grow further.

Do Pothos like humidity?

Pothos plants originate from tropical regions, where humidity is naturally high. Therefore, they do appreciate some level of humidity in their surroundings. Adequate humidity can help keep their leaves healthy, vibrant, and free from issues like dryness or browning.

In environments with low humidity, such as heated homes during winter or air-conditioned spaces, pothos plants may experience some challenges. Dry air can lead to moisture loss through the leaves, potentially causing them to turn brown or crispy around the edges.

To provide your pothos with the humidity it enjoys, you can take a few simple steps. One effective method is to place a tray filled with water near your plant.

As the water evaporates, it creates a higher level of humidity in the surrounding area of the plant. Another option is to use a humidifier in the room where your pothos is located.

What type of water does Pothos need?

Pothos plants prefer room-temperature water for watering. Tap water is generally suitable or using filtered or rainwater can be beneficial.

Avoid sudden temperature or water quality changes. Consistency in watering and allowing the top inch of soil to dry out when watering it again is important for their health and growth.

Does Pothos like warm or cold water?

The temperature of the water that you’re using plays a vital role in their overall well-being. Pothos generally prefer room-temperature water rather than extremely hot or cold water.

Using water that is too hot or too cold can potentially shock the plant’s roots and cause stress. It’s best to allow tap water to reach room temperature before using it to water your pothos.

Also, using warm water for pothos plants can give a contribution to their fast growth. By using water at a comfortable room temperature, you can provide your pothos with a watering experience that is gentle and suitable for their needs.

How long should Pothos be watered?

When watering your pothos, ensure a thorough watering until water drains from the bottom. You should water them once a week or 1 to 2 weeks. Avoid rushing the process and allow the water to evenly penetrate the soil.

Water the soil until it is adequately moist, but avoid overwatering to the point of waterlogging. Check the soil regularly and water when it feels dry about an inch deep. Maintain the right balance when going for watering. This promotes healthy growth and prevents overwatering.

Watering Pothos – Important Tips

When it comes to watering your pothos plants, there are a few important tips to remember –

Before watering, always check the moisture level of the soil.
When watering, make sure to do it thoroughly. Water the plant until you observe water starting to drain out of the drainage holes.
Pothos plants don’t like to sit in soggy soil, avoid overwatering.
Pothos prefer water at room temperature. Avoid using extremely hot or cold water, as it can shock the plant’s roots.
Pothos thrive in well-draining soil, so consider using a mix that allows excess water to flow out without any problem.

Conclusion

The water needs of pothos plants can vary depending on various factors such as the type of soil, light exposure, humidity levels, and the season. It is important to strike a balance when watering pothos to avoid both overwatering and underwatering. Monitoring the moisture level of the soil and adjusting the watering frequency accordingly.

Remember to check the soil regularly, and water thoroughly but avoid waterlogging. By following these tips and considering the specific needs of your pothos, you can ensure that it receives the right amount of water to thrive.

Khaja Moin

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting