Easy to take care of vining houseplant and versatile water plant for water features and ponds.

The pothos plant, also known as Epipremnum aureum, is a popular houseplant admired for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. It’s easy to care for, making it ideal for beginners. Pothos thrives in various lighting conditions, from low light to bright, indirect sunlight. It’s tolerant of irregular watering, preferring the soil to dry out between waterings. Known for its air-purifying qualities, pothos helps remove toxins like formaldehyde from indoor air. Its versatility allows it to be grown in pots, hanging baskets, or even water. With its lush appearance and minimal care requirements, pothos adds greenery and charm to any space.

Pothos originates from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific. It is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific. In its natural habitat, Pothos can grow as a climbing vine in the understory of the forest, where it can reach impressive lengths by clinging to trees with its aerial roots. Due to its adaptability and ease of care, it has become a popular houseplant worldwide.

Pothos varieties

These varieties are all easy to care for and are great for indoor environments.

1. Golden Pothos: Known for its heart-shaped green leaves with golden-yellow variegation.
2. Marble Queen: Features creamy white and green marbled leaves.
3. Neon Pothos: Recognizable by its bright, lime-green leaves.
4. Jade Pothos: Has solid dark green leaves without variegation.
5. Pearls and Jade Pothos: Displays white, gray, and green variegated leaves.
6. Manjula Pothos: Known for its wide, wavy leaves with white, cream, silver, and green variegation.
7. Cebu Blue Pothos: Features silvery-blue leaves that can develop fenestrations as they mature.

Care and maintenance

Caring for Pothos plants is relatively simple, making them ideal for indoor environments. Here are some tips for their care and maintenance:

Light

• Bright, Indirect Light: Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Water

• Moderate Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has drainage holes.

Soil

• Well-Draining Soil: Use a potting mix that retains moisture but drains well. A mix designed for houseplants or a combination of peat, perlite, and pine bark works well.

Temperature

• Room Temperature: Pothos prefer temperatures between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Protect them from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C).

Humidity

• Average humidity. While pothos can tolerate low humidity, they thrive in environments with higher humidity. Consider misting the leaves occasionally.

Fertilization

• Monthly feeding. During the growing season (spring and summer), feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month.

Pruning

• Regular pruning. Trim back any leggy growth to promote bushier growth. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves to keep the plant healthy.

Pests

• Watch for pests. Common pests include spider mites and mealybugs. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure our Pothos plants will remains healthy and vibrant.

Pothos propagation

1. Choose a Healthy Stem

• Select a healthy vine with at least 4-6 leaves.
• Ensure the stem has visible nodes (small bumps where leaves and roots grow).

2. Make the cut

• Using clean scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem just below a node.
• Each cutting should be about 4-6 inches long and include at least one node.

3. Remove lower leaves

• Remove the leaves near the node to prevent them from rotting in water or soil.

4. Rooting in water

• Place the cutting in a jar of clean water, ensuring the node is submerged but leaves are above water.
• Keep the jar in bright, indirect light.
• Change the water every 3-5 days to keep it fresh.

5. Rooting in soil

• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in moist, well-draining soil.
• Keep the soil evenly moist and place the pot in bright, indirect light.

6. Wait for roots

• Roots will typically develop in 2-4 weeks. In water, you’ll see them grow visibly; in soil, gently tug the cutting after a few weeks to check for resistance (a sign of rooting).

7. Transplant

• Once roots are 2-3 inches long (if propagated in water), transfer the cutting to a pot with soil.
• Continue regular pothos care.

This method works for all Pothos varieties and is a fun way to expand your collection or share plants with others.

Pothos as water plants

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) make surprisingly excellent water plants and are one of the easiest houseplants to grow hydroponically. Here is everything you need to know.

Why It works

Pothos are incredibly adaptable. They naturally grow in humid tropical environments and their roots transition from soil to water with minimal stress. They thrive in water long-term, not just as a temporary propagation method.

Getting started

Choosing your cutting

• Select a healthy stem with at least 2 to 3 nodes
• Cut just below a node using clean scissors or pruning shears
• Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent rot

Container options

• Glass vases or jars work beautifully and let you monitor root health
• Opaque containers help reduce algae growth
• Any watertight vessel works as long as it supports the stem

Water and care

Water type

• Filtered or distilled water is ideal
• Tap water works fine if left out overnight to off-gas chlorine
• Rainwater is excellent if available

Changing the water

• Change water every 1 to 2 weeks to prevent stagnation and bacterial buildup
• Rinse the roots gently when you change the water
• Keep the water level consistent, covering the roots but leaving some stem exposed to air

Light

• Bright indirect light is best
• Avoid direct sun, which heats the water and accelerates algae growth
• They will tolerate lower light but grow more slowly

Nutrients

• Plain water works for months, but adding a few drops of liquid hydroponic fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks encourages stronger, lusher growth
• Use at quarter strength to avoid burning the roots

Algae management

• Green algae on the glass is common and harmless but can be managed
• Use dark or colored glass containers to significantly reduce algae
• Keep containers out of direct sunlight
• Clean the vessel thoroughly each time you change the water

Long-term growth

Pothos grown in water will develop specialized water roots that look slightly different from soil roots, often thicker and more translucent. They can live indefinitely in water and will continue to vine and produce new leaves just as they would in soil.

Display ideas

• A trailing pothos in a tall clear vase on a shelf or windowsill is a stunning low-maintenance display
• Cluster several small glass containers with different pothos varieties for a cohesive look
• Use them in bathroom or kitchen windows where humidity is naturally higher

Varieties that do well in water

• Golden Pothos
• Marble Queen
• Neon Pothos
• Manjula
• Pearls and Jade

All pothos varieties adapt well to water growing, making this one of the most forgiving and rewarding hydroponic houseplants you can grow.

Pothos and koi ponds

Pothos and koi are a genuinely brilliant combination. Pothos is one of the most popular and effective plants used in koi ponds and aquariums because the relationship between the plant and the fish is mutually beneficial.

Why they work together

Koi produce ammonia-rich waste. Pothos roots absorb nitrates and ammonia directly from the water, acting as a natural biological filter. The result is cleaner, clearer water and a healthier environment for your fish.

Benefits

For the water and koi

• Roots filter out nitrates, ammonia, and phosphates
• Reduces algae by competing for the same nutrients algae feed on
• Helps stabilize water chemistry and pH
• Oxygenates the water around the root zone
• Provides natural shade that keeps water temperatures cooler
• Gives koi a place to hide, which reduces stress

For the pothos

• Koi waste provides a constant supply of natural fertilizer
• Plants grow explosively fast in nutrient-rich pond water
• No need to add fertilizer at all

How to set It up

Floating Method

• The simplest approach
• Place pothos cuttings directly in the pond so roots hang freely into the water
• Use a floating ring, net pot, or pond basket to keep the plant at the surface
• The vines trail over the edge or across the water surface

Pond shelf or ledge planting

• Set net pots or baskets on a built-in pond shelf at the waterline
• Roots grow down into the water while foliage stays above
• Works beautifully along pond edges

Waterfall or filter box integration

• One of the most effective methods
• Place pothos in the filter box or along the waterfall return channel
• Water flows directly through the root zone, maximizing filtration
• Roots get constant nutrient flow and the plant grows vigorously

Bog filter or side container

• Build or use a separate container connected to the pond
• Fill with pothos and let pond water circulate through it
• Acts as a dedicated plant filtration zone

Practical tips

• No soil needed, roots grow directly in water
• Trim roots occasionally if they become too dense and restrict water flow
• Bring pothos indoors in Minnesota winters or treat them as annuals for outdoor ponds
• They grow fast in pond water, so be prepared to trim vines regularly through the season
• Multiple plants increase filtration capacity significantly

What to watch for

• Pothos are toxic to dogs, cats, and some other animals, but they are safe around koi and other fish
• Do not let the vines completely shade the entire pond surface, koi benefit from some direct light
• If roots become very dense, divide and thin them to maintain good water circulation

Northern garden seasonal considerations

In MN and most other northern gardens, our outdoor koi pond season runs roughly May through October. Pothos will thrive outdoors during warm months and grow aggressively in the nutrient-rich water. Before the first frost, take cuttings indoors to overwinter in a vase or container of water on a bright windowsill, then return them to the pond the following spring.

This is one of those pairings where nature does most of the work for you. Many koi keepers say their water quality improved dramatically after adding pothos to their setup.

Update and republished since April 30, 2025.

©2025 Suzy Mottet bloomhearty.com writing, creation, and design