The pothos plant, also known as Devil’s ivy, is an excellent option if you’re looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant.
This indoor plant can thrive with minimal attention, making it perfect for those who don’t have a green thumb.
But how often should you water a pothos plant?
Watering is one of the most important aspects of caring for this plant.
This article will give you a complete guide on how often to water a pothos plant and tips on how to tell if your plant is thirsty.
How Often To Water Pothos Plants?
The pothos watering frequency will depend on a few factors, such as the size of the pot, the type of potting mix, and the temperature.
You should generally water pothos plants every one to two weeks. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry before watering pothos plants. If the soil is dry several inches down, it’s time to water.
Watering your pothos plant more often may be necessary if the pot is small or if the plant is growing in a hot, sunny spot.
If you need to figure out how often to water your pothos plant, err on underwatering rather than overwatering.
It’s better to have a dry plant than one that is too wet.
Pothos plants tolerate drought well, so if you’re unsure how often to water, it’s better to wait a few extra days between watering than to risk overwatering.
Factors That Affect a Pothos Watering Schedule
A few factors can affect how often you should water pothos plants.
Keep these in mind when determining how often to water your plant.
1. Temperature
The temperature of your home or office can affect how often you water your pothos. The plant will dry out faster if it is warmer and must be watered more frequently. The plant will need to be watered less often when the weather is cooler.
The ideal temperature for pothos plants is between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your home or office temperature is outside of this range, it can affect how often you need to water your plant.
You should generally water pothos plants more frequently in warmer and less often in cooler temperatures.
2. Humidity
Humidity can also affect how often you need to water your pothos plant. If the air in your home or office is dry, the plant will lose moisture faster and you must increase the watering frequency.
When the air is more humid, the plant will retain moisture for extended periods and must be watered less often.
If you live in an area with high humidity, you may only need to water your pothos plant once every week or two.
However, if you live in an area with low humidity, you may need to water your plant every three or four days.
You can use a humidifier to increase the humidity level around your plant if the air in your home or office is too dry.
You can also mist the leaves of your plant with water to help increase the humidity around it.
Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much moisture can cause your pothos leaves to turn yellow.
3. Soil Type
The type of soil you use can also affect how often you need to water your pothos plant.
If you use a potting mix that drains well, the plant will dry out faster and need to be watered more frequently.
Soil that drains slowly will retain moisture for a more extended period, and the plant will need to be watered less often.
You can tell if the soil drains well by how quickly it dries out after being watered.
If the soil in your pot dries out within a day or two, it drains well, and you will need to water your plant more frequently.
If the soil in your pot takes several days to dry, it drains slowly, and you will need to water your plant less often.
You can also test your pot’s drainage by watering it and then waiting to see how long it takes for the water to drain out.
The pot has good drainage if the water drains out within a few minutes.
If it takes an hour or more for the water to drain, the pot has poor drainage.
4. Pot Size
Your pot size can also affect how often you need to water your pothos plant.
If you use a small pot, the plant will dry out faster and need to be watered more frequently.
A larger pot will hold more soil moisture, and the plant will need to be watered less often.
You should also consider the material of the pot you are using.
Pots made of porous materials, such as clay, will dry out faster than non-porous materials, such as plastic. This means that plants in clay pots will need more frequent watering than those in plastic pots.
Watering Pothos in Summer
The hot summer sun can quickly dry out the soil around your pothos plant, so you’ll need to water it more frequently during this season.
Aim to water your pothos plant every five to seven days or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. If you live in a particularly hot or dry climate, you may need to water your pothos plant more often.
Check the soil around your pothos plant every few days during hot summer days to ensure it isn’t getting too dry. If the top inch of soil feels dry, give your plant a good watering. Be sure to water the soil, not the leaves, as wet leaves can encourage fungal growth.
In summer, ensuring your pothos plant is getting enough humidity is also essential. The leaves may turn brown and drop off if the air around your plant is too dry.
To increase the moisture around your pothos plant, you can mist it with water every few days or set it on a pebble tray filled with water. You can also try moving it to a spot in your home with higher humidity, such as the bathroom or kitchen.
Watering Pothos in Winter
In winter, the weather is cooler, and the days are shorter, so your pothos plant will need less water. Aim to water your pothos plant every two to three weeks or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Always check the soil before watering, as overwatering is one of the most common causes of pothos plant death.
If you live in a particularly dry climate or your home is heated during winter, your pothos plant may need to be watered more frequently.
Be sure to keep an eye on your plant’s leaves – if they start to yellow or droop, this is a sign that your plant needs more water.
Watering Indoor Pothos Plants
If you have a pothos plant growing indoors, it’s essential to be aware of the humidity levels in your home. Pothos plants thrive in humid environments, so if your home is particularly dry, you may need to water your plant more frequently.
The best way to water an indoor pothos plant is to use a watering can with a long spout. This will help you avoid getting water on your plant’s leaves, which can cause them to turn yellow or rot. When watering your plant, be sure to pour the water slowly and evenly over the soil.
Allow the water to run through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. This will help to ensure that your plant does not become overwatered. After watering, empty any water collected in the saucer beneath the pot.
Watering Outdoor Pothos Plants
If you have a pothos plant growing outdoors, it’s essential to be aware of the weather conditions in your area. During periods of heavy rain, you may not need to water your plant as often, as the rain will provide enough moisture for your plant.
Conversely, during periods of drought or heatwave, you may need to water your pothos plant more frequently. Be sure to regularly check the soil around your plant and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
When watering your outdoor pothos plant, use a hose with a sprinkler attachment. This will help you avoid getting water on your plant’s leaves, which can cause them to turn yellow or rot. Be sure to water the soil, not the leaves, as wet leaves can encourage fungal growth.
How To Tell When a Pothos Plant Needs Watering
Pothos plants are tough and can survive in many conditions, but that doesn’t mean they don’t need water.
Knowing how often to water your pothos plant is essential to keep it healthy.
You can do a few things to tell when your pothos plant needs watering.
The first is to feel the potting soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water your plant.
A moisture meter is another approach to determine whether your pothos requires water.
These devices are inserted into the potting soil and will tell you the moisture levels in the soil.
Another way to tell if your pothos plant needs watering is to look at the leaves.
If the leaves are wilting or drooping, this is a sign that your plant needs more water.
Finally, if you see any leaves that are yellowing or browning, this is also a sign that your plant needs water.
Overwatering and underwatering are both common problems with pothos plants. Finding a happy medium between the two is essential to keep your plant healthy.
How To Tell if a Pothos Plant Is Overwatered
Overwatering is the most common cause of problems with pothos plants.
If you think you’ve been overwatering your pothos, there are a few things you can look for.
- Leaves start to turn yellow. The first sign of overwatering is usually yellow leaves. If you see this, it’s time to reduce how often you’re watering your plant.
- Mushy or soft leaves. Another sign of overwatering is mushy or soft leaves. This is a sign that the roots are starting to rot, and the plant will die if you don’t take action.
- Mildew or mold. If you see mold or mildew on your plant, that’s a sign that it’s been overwatered. This can be fatal to your plant, so it’s crucial to take action immediately.
- Soggy soil. Another sign of overwatering is waterlogged soil. If the soil is always wet, you’re watering too often.
- Pest problems. Overwatering can also lead to pest problems, like root mealybugs. These pests will suck the nutrients out of your plant, and if they’re not dealt with, they can kill your plant.
If you see any of these signs, you must take action immediately.
The best way to fix an overwatered pothos is to let it dry out completely. This will kill any mold or mildew, giving the roots a chance to recover.
Once the plant is dry, you can start watering it again, but water it less often.
How To Tell if a Pothos Plant Is Underwatered
Underwatering is another common problem with pothos plants.
If you think you’re not watering a pothos plant enough, there are a few things to look for.
- Drooping leaves. One of the first signs of underwatering is drooping leaves. If the pothos leaves are drooping, it’s time to give your plant a drink.
- Dry, crispy leaves. Another sign of underwatering is dry, crisp leaves. This is usually caused by the plant not getting enough water.
- Brown leaves. If the pothos leaves start to turn brown, that’s a sign of underwatering. Brown leaves are often caused by too much sun or wind, but they can also be a sign of underwatering.
- Slow growth. If your plant is growing slowly, it may be because it’s not getting enough water.
When you see any of these signs, it’s time to water your pothos more often.
If you think you have an underwatered pothos, water immediately and check the soil in a few hours.
If the soil is still dry, the pothos needs more water. Water until the soil is evenly moistened, and water begins to drip from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.
How Much Water Does a Pothos Plant Need?
Pothos plants are drought tolerant and can go weeks without being watered. However, pothos will grow faster if you water them regularly.
The best way to water a pothos plant is to let the soil dry out completely between watering.
This will help prevent root rot and ensure your plant stays healthy.
When you water your pothos plant, give it a good soaking. This means that you should water the soil until it is saturated and water starts to come out of the drainage holes.
Once the soil is saturated, let the excess water drain away, and do not water again until the soil is dry.
This method of watering helps to encourage deep root growth, which is essential for a healthy pothos plant.
It also helps prevent problems such as root rot and yellow or brown leaves from too much or too little water.
How Long Can Pothos Go Without Water?
Pothos plants are drought-tolerant and can go weeks without water. However, they will grow faster if you water them regularly.
If you let the soil dry out completely between watering, your pothos plant can go up to 2 to 3 weeks without water.
However, they will suffer if they go longer than that without water.
Pothos plants are hardy and can withstand a lot of neglect. However, they will not thrive if they are constantly neglected.
It’s essential to strike a balance between watering and to let the soil dry. If you do this, your pothos plant will be happy and healthy for many years.
In most cases, they must be watered about once a week to keep them healthy. However, they can go longer without water if the conditions are right.
Final Thoughts
Pothos plants are one of the easiest houseplants to care for, which is why they’re perfect for beginners.
Watering your pothos plant once a week should be sufficient, but check the soil first to see if it’s dry.
Water thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Allow the plant to drain before putting it back in its spot.
Pothos plant care is easy, so there’s no need to overthink it. With some basic knowledge and a little care, your pothos plant will thrive and bring you years of enjoyment.
Thanks for reading!
