How To Water Pothos Plants

Learning how to water pothos plants is the single most important skill for keeping yours thriving. These popular houseplants are famously resilient, but getting their watering right is the key to lush, long vines. This simple guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from when to water to how to fix common mistakes.

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, are forgiving, but they do have preferences. Their watering needs change with the seasons, the light they get, and even the type of pot they live in. By understanding a few basic principles, you can avoid the two biggest pitfalls: overwatering and underwatering.

Watering a pothos isn’t about a strict schedule. It’s about checking the soil and responding to what you find. The classic method is simple and effective for most home environments.

The Finger Soil Test Method

This is the most reliable way to know if your plant needs a drink. Here’s how to do it:

Insert your index finger into the soil, going down about 2 inches.
Feel for moisture. Is the soil at your fingertip dry, damp, or wet?
If the top 2 inches are completely dry, it’s time to water. If you feel any dampness, wait a few more days and check again.

This test prevents you from watering on autopilot. Your plant’s thirst depends on many factors, so always check first.

How to Water Thoroughly

When it is time to water, do it properly. A good, deep watering is better than frequent small sips.

Take your plant to the sink or use a watering can without a narrow spout.
Pour water evenly over the soil surface until you see it start to flow out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
Let the pot drain completely in the sink for 5-10 minutes. Never let your pothos sit in a saucer full of water.

This technique ensures the entire root ball gets moistened, encouraging healthy root growth deep in the pot.

Signs Your Pothos Needs Water

Your plant will give you visual clues. Look for these signs:

Drooping or Limp Leaves: The leaves and stems may look wilted or feel soft.
Dry, Crispy Leaf Edges: Sometimes, especially with underwatering, the leaf tips turn brown and crispy.
Slow Growth: During its growing season, a very thirsty plant may stop putting out new leaves.

If you see drooping, check the soil immediately. It’s usually a clear signal.

What About Watering Globes or Self-Watering Pots?

These tools can be helpful, especially if you travel often. However, they require setup. For a self-watering pot, you still need to check the reservoir level weekly. Don’t just assume it’s working; overwatering can still happen if the wick is too efficient.

The Biggest Danger: Overwatering

Overwatering is more harmful than underwatering for pothos. It leads to root rot, a condition where the roots suffocate and decay in soggy soil.

Signs of overwatering include:

Yellowing leaves, often starting with the older leaves near the base.
Soft, mushy black or brown spots on leaves or stems.
A persistently wet soil mix that may have a musty smell.

If you suspect overwatering, stop watering immediately. Let the soil dry out completely. In severe cases, you may need to repot the plant into fresh, dry soil and trim away any rotten, black roots.

Seasonal Watering Adjustments

Your pothos doesn’t drink the same amount year-round. Its growth cycle dictates its needs.

Spring and Summer (Growing Season): Water more frequently. The plant is active, using more water and nutrients. You might check the soil every week.
Fall and Winter (Dormant Season): Water much less often. Growth slows, and soil takes longer to dry. You might only need to water every 2-3 weeks or even longer. Always rely on the finger test.

Light levels also change with seasons, affecting how quickly soil dries. A plant in a bright summer spot will need more water than the same plant in a dim winter corner.

Factors That Change Watering Frequency

Every home is different. Consider these elements:

Light: More light = more water. A pothos in direct sun dries out faster than one in low light.
Pot Type: Terracotta pots are porous and allow soil to dry faster. Plastic or glazed ceramic pots retain moisture much longer.
Pot Size and Soil: A large pot holds more wet soil than a small one. A well-draining, chunky soil mix dries quicker than a dense, peat-heavy mix.
Humidity: High household humidity means slower soil drying. Very dry, heated air in winter can speed it up.

You have to observe your own plant in its specific environment. Two identical pothos in different rooms may need different care.

The Best Water for Your Pothos

Pothos aren’t super picky, but they have a preference. They are sensitive to the chemicals found in some tap water, like chlorine and fluoride.

Room Temperature Water: Always use water that’s not too cold. Icy water can shock the roots.
Let Tap Water Sit: If you use tap water, fill your watering can and let it sit out overnight. This allows some chemicals to evaporate.
Filtered or Rainwater: For the very best results, use filtered water or collected rainwater. This can prevent those annoying brown leaf tips.

This simple step can make a noticeable difference in your plant’s overall health and appearance.

Troubleshooting Common Watering Problems

Here are quick fixes for typical issues:

Yellow Leaves: Most often a sign of overwatering. Check soil moisture and adjust.
Brown, Crispy Tips: Usually from underwatering, low humidity, or chemical in water. Check your watering frequency and try letting your water sit out.
Leaves Drooping Frequently: Could be either over or underwatering. You must feel the soil to diagnose. Dry soil means underwatering; wet soil means overwatering.
Mold on Soil Surface: This indicates too much moisture and poor air circulation. Scrape the mold off, let the soil dry deeply, and consider increasing airflow around the plant.

FAQ: Your Pothos Watering Questions Answered

How often should I water my pothos?
There’s no set schedule. Always use the finger test to check if the top 2 inches of soil are dry. This could be every 7 days in summer or every 20 days in winter.

Can I water my pothos from the bottom?
Yes, bottom watering is a great technique. Place the pot in a tray of water for 15-20 minutes, allowing the soil to soak up moisture through the drainage holes. Then, remove it and let it drain. This ensures even saturation.

What does an overwatered pothos look like?
It shows yellowing leaves, often starting at the base, and the leaves may feel soft or limp. The soil will stay wet for a long time, and stems might turn black and mushy.

Should I mist my pothos?
Misting doesn’t significantly increase humidity and doesn’t replace watering. It can sometimes lead to fungal issues on leaves. For humidity, use a pebble tray or a humidifier instead.

Is it better to underwater or overwater pothos?
It’s generally safer to slightly underwater a pothos than to overwater it. They bounce back from dryness well, but root rot from overwatering is a serious, often fatal, problem.

Mastering how to water pothos plants truly is simple once you stop thinking about a calendar and start listening to the soil. Pay attention to your plant’s signals and its environment, and you’ll have a beautiful, growing pothos for years to come. Remember, consistency in checking is more important than consistency in pouring.