How to Grow Pothos So It Grows Fast and Lush? Detailed Planting Method and Watering Frequency

Pothos belongs to the genus Epipremnum, a large evergreen vine, with ornamental value and the function of purifying the air. 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 root system of pothos prefers a moderately moist environment. The leaves require a relative humidity above 60%, so while watering moderately and keeping the potting soil on the dry side, frequently spray water on the leaf surface and the underside of the leaves. In summer and autumn, spray water on the leaves every morning, noon and evening to increase humidity. Outdoors it can be watered every day; indoors, generally water when you see the soil has dried out.

How do you plant pothos?

Pothos is usually propagated by cuttings. In late spring and early summer, select a robust pothos vine, cut off a 15 cm to 30 cm stem section, 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 it thoroughly and place it in a shaded spot, spraying water on the leaves every day or covering it with plastic film to retain moisture. As long as the environment is kept at no less than 20°C, the survival rate is over 90%. The details are as follows:

1. Cutting selection and treatment

For cuttings, choose healthy, pest- and disease-free semi-lignified stems, cut them into 10-13 cm lengths, cut the lower end at a slant, keep 2-3 leaves at the upper end, and cut 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 up rooting and gives a high survival rate. Before inserting the cuttings, disinfect the soil with 2% formalin or 5% potassium permanganate.

3. Cutting method

Dip the lower end of the prepared cutting quickly in ABT rooting powder or indolebutyric acid, then insert it into the previously prepared medium, burying 1/2 of it, water thoroughly so the cutting makes close contact with the medium, then cover with plastic film.

4. After-cutting management

(1) After cutting, take care to keep the soil moist and the air temperature relatively high. Soil moisture of around 50% is suitable, while air humidity of 80%-90% is best.

(2) In the early stage of cutting, keep the shade shed at about 80% shading; 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 spraying the leaves and shading, and in winter protect against cold. About 10 days after rooting, the plant can be moved into a pot for normal care.

Notes on watering pothos

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

2. In autumn and winter, the amount of water depends on the indoor temperature. When the room temperature is below 10°C, the soil of the plant evaporates more slowly, so reduce watering to once every 4-5 days. After heating is turned on, watering should also not be too frequent, once every 3-4 days.

3. Always water thoroughly in one go to maintain soil moisture.

4. In the north, pothos can safely overwinter at room temperatures above 10°C, and 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 as room temperature, so that water that is too cold does not damage 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. But a spot 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 water, pothos also needs nutrients, so fertilize it every month. A few granules of compound fertilizer will do. If grown in water, you can add nutrient solution.

4. Wash the leaf surface. If the leaves are covered with dust, they need cleaning. 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, you need to cut away some vines, which is good for its growth.