Common Watering Mistakes To Avoid With Pothos Plants

Nothing seems to brighten a home quite like the trailing vines and bright leaves of the pothos (Epipremnum aureum), sometimes referred to as "devil's ivy." However, there are still things that could go wrong with your indoor pothos plant, and one of the most common pitfalls is improper watering. Though these popular plants adapt well to a variety of conditions, watering them too much or too little can lead to yellow leaves, drooping stems, or even root rot.

If you want to know how to successfully care for pothos plants, then understanding how they like to be watered is the first step. Overwatering, a common misstep, often stems from a well-meaning effort to maintain moist soil. Underwatering can also have a negative impact on your pothos, but these aren't the only pitfalls. Using cold water can shock the roots, and a lack of drainage can suffocate them. Achieving the right balance is simple once you know what to look for and how to tailor your care routine. 

The biggest pothos care mistake? Overwatering. These plants benefit from a little dry spell between waterings, and wet feet can lead to root rot — a fatal condition. Always check the top inch of soil with your little finger first before reaching for the watering can. If it's dry, give your plant a complete soaking, allowing any excess water to drain. If it still feels damp, wait another day or two. Let's go deeper into other common watering mistakes and practical solutions to ensure your pothos remains lush and healthy.

Underwatering is a common mistake when watering your plants. If the soil stays stuck and constantly dry, the leaves may curl up, turn brown, or get crispy edges. To prevent that, customize your watering schedule for your plant's surroundings. For instance, plants in hot, sunny rooms might need more regular hydration, while plants in cooler or more shady locations could be watered less often. 

Selecting a pot with adequate drainage holes is equally important. In the absence of drainage holes, water can collect at the bottom, suffocating roots and breeding bacteria that can cause root rot. If you are planting in a pot that doesn't have any drainage holes, then put your pothos in a separate nursery pot that allows for drainage and dump any water that accumulates in the outer container.

Water temperature can have a surprising impact on your pothos. Cold water may shock the roots, slowing growth and causing stress. Always use room-temperature water to keep the plant's roots healthy. Tap water with high mineral content can also cause salt build-up in the soil, which may harm your pothos over time. If you notice white crusts on the soil's surface or browning leaf tips, consider using filtered or distilled water to prevent this issue. Flushing the soil with water occasionally can also help remove excess minerals.