The Complete Guide to Growing and Caring for Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) Indoors

Introduction

I am an agricultural engineer, and I love sharing my knowledge and personal experience about plants. Over the years, I have cared for many houseplants and learned what works best in real homes. In this article, I will share my professional tips on how to grow and care for Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) — one of the most beautiful and forgiving indoor plants.

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Why Pothos Is a Perfect Apartment Plant

Pothos is a low-maintenance houseplant that looks good in hanging baskets, on shelves, or trailing down from a tall planter. It’s tolerant of a wide range of conditions and even improves indoor air quality. Because of its adaptability, it’s ideal for beginners or busy people who still want a touch of greenery indoors.

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Light Requirements

One of the reasons I love Pothos is its flexibility with light. It grows best in bright, indirect light, which brings out the vivid variegation in its leaves. However, it will also survive in low-light corners where other plants might fail. The only thing to avoid is direct, harsh sunlight — it can scorch the leaves and fade their color. In my apartment, a spot a few feet away from a window works perfectly.

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Watering Schedule

Overwatering is the most common mistake with Pothos. This plant prefers its soil to dry out slightly between waterings. I check the top inch (2–3 cm) of soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. In summer, that’s usually once a week; in winter, every 10–14 days may be enough. Always empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot. If the leaves start to droop, it’s usually a sign the plant needs a drink; they perk up quickly afterward.

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Soil and Pot Selection

Pothos does best in a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix. A standard indoor plant soil with some perlite or orchid bark added works great. The pot should have drainage holes at the bottom to prevent water from sitting at the roots. I’ve found that a slightly snug pot encourages fuller, bushier growth, but you should repot once the roots start circling the container.

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Temperature and Humidity

Pothos is a tropical plant and enjoys the same temperatures we do — between 60°F and 85°F (15°C–29°C). It doesn’t like cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Normal household humidity is usually fine, but if your air is very dry (especially in winter), an occasional misting or a nearby humidifier will make the plant happier.

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Fertilizing

During the growing season (spring and summer), I feed my Pothos once a month with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. In fall and winter, when the plant’s growth slows down, I stop fertilizing. This simple routine keeps the foliage lush and vibrant without burning the roots.

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Pruning and Training

One of the joys of owning Pothos is shaping it to your liking. If you want a fuller plant, pinch back the growing tips to encourage branching. You can train the vines to climb a moss pole or trellis, or let them trail naturally. Pruned cuttings can be rooted in water or soil to start new plants — a great way to share Pothos with friends.

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Common Problems and Solutions

Yellow leaves: Often caused by overwatering or poor drainage.

Leggy growth with small leaves: The plant needs more light. Move it closer to a window.

Brown tips: Could be low humidity or inconsistent watering. Adjust as needed.

Overall, Pothos is very resilient. A little attention quickly brings it back to health.

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Pet Safety and Benefits

Pothos is mildly toxic to pets if ingested, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs. Despite this, it’s one of the best plants for improving indoor air quality by absorbing certain toxins and releasing oxygen.

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Conclusion

Caring for Pothos indoors is simple and rewarding. Provide it with bright, indirect light, water when the top soil is dry, and use a well-draining potting mix. Keep it in average room temperatures and feed it lightly during the growing season. In return, you’ll enjoy fast growth, beautiful variegated leaves, and a plant that makes any space feel more alive.

I hope my experience inspires you to try Pothos in your own home. With minimal effort, this plant will thrive in your apartment and bring you fresh green beauty all year round.

I’d love to hear about your experience with Pothos!