How to Grow Pothos Fast and Lush? A Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Watering Frequency

Pothos belongs to the genus Epipremnum, a large evergreen vine with ornamental value and an air-purifying function. So how do you plant it? How often should you water it? How do you grow it so it grows fast and lush? According to flower grower Li Jiahui, the roots of pothos prefer a moderately moist environment. The leaves require a relative humidity above 60%, so while watering moderately and keeping the potting soil dry on the surface, mist the leaf surfaces and undersides frequently. In summer and autumn, mist the leaf surfaces every morning, noon, and evening to increase humidity. Outdoors it can be watered every day; indoors, generally water when the soil looks dry.

How do you plant pothos?

Pothos is usually propagated by cuttings. In late spring and early summer, select a healthy pothos vine, cut a stem section 15 cm to 30 cm long, remove the leaves from the first 1 to 2 nodes at the base, being careful not to damage the aerial roots, then insert it into plain sand or coal cinders to a depth of 1/3 of the cutting, water thoroughly, and place it in a shaded spot. Mist the leaf surfaces daily or cover with plastic film to retain moisture. As long as the environment is kept at no less than 20°C, the survival rate is above 90%. The details are as follows:

1. Cutting selection and treatment

For cuttings, choose healthy, pest-free, semi-lignified stems, cut them into 10-13 cm lengths, make the lower cut at an angle, and keep 2-3 leaves at the upper end, cutting the leaves in half to reduce water evaporation and help the cuttings survive.

2. Cutting medium

The cutting medium should be loose, breathable, well-drained loam or sandy soil rich in humus; vermiculite is best, as it speeds rooting and gives a high survival rate. Before inserting the cuttings, sterilize the soil with 2% formalin or 5% potassium permanganate.

3. Cutting method

Quickly dip the lower end of the prepared cutting in ABT rooting powder or indolebutyric acid, then insert it into the prepared medium to half its depth, water thoroughly so the cutting makes close contact with the medium, and then cover with plastic film.

4. Management after cutting

(1) After cutting, keep the soil moist and the air temperature relatively high. Soil moisture should be around 50%, while air humidity is best at 80%-90%.

(2) In the early stage after cutting, keep the shade net shading at around 80%; this prevents direct strong sunlight while ensuring enough scattered light for the leafy cuttings to photosynthesize, which helps rooting.

(3) With the above treatment, roots generally form after about 20 days; the film can then be removed and light increased. On sunny summer days, still pay attention to misting the leaves and shading, and in winter protect against cold. About 10 days after rooting, the plants can be moved into pots for normal care.

Pothos watering precautions

1. In summer, when temperatures are higher, pothos grows vigorously and takes up more water, so it needs watering about every 2 days.

2. In autumn and winter, the amount of watering should be controlled according to the indoor temperature. When the room temperature is below 10°C, the soil evaporates more slowly, so reduce watering to once every 4~5 days. After heating begins, watering should also not be too frequent; once every 3~4 days is enough.

3. Always water thoroughly at one time to maintain soil moisture.

4. In the north, pothos can safely overwinter at room temperatures above 10°C, and it can grow normally at room temperatures above 20°C.

5. When watering in winter, first let the water sit indoors for a day, and water only once it is basically the same temperature as the room, so that the water is not too cold and damages the pothos roots.

How do you grow pothos so it grows fast and lush?

1. Pay attention to the placement. Pothos is a shade-loving plant, so it is best placed in a spot with less sunlight, such as an indoor windowsill. However, a place that lacks light for a long time is also not suitable for pothos growth.

2. Water must be sufficient. Water once a day to keep the soil moist.

3. Pay attention to fertilizing. Besides watering, pothos also needs nutrients, so fertilize it every month. A few granules of compound fertilizer are enough. If grown in water, a nutrient solution can be added.

4. Clean the leaf surfaces. If the leaves are covered with dust, they should be washed. You can rinse them with a shower head; if the effect is not obvious, you need to wash them slowly by hand to get them clean.

5. Prune appropriately. If the pothos grows too crowded, some vines need to be cut away, which is good for its growth.