If you’ve recently brought home a pothos or are considering adding one to your plant family, you might be wondering about the dos and don’ts of care.
As someone who’s nurtured countless pothos over the years, I’m here to guide you through 13 common mistakes that even seasoned plant parents can make.
1. Oversized Potting
When I first started growing pothos, I thought bigger pots meant happier plants. Boy, was I wrong!
Oversized pots can actually harm your pothos by:
- Increasing the risk of root rot due to excess moisture
- Causing the plant to focus on root growth instead of those lush leaves we all love
Now, I always stick to a pot that’s just 1-2 sizes larger than the root ball. It’s made such a difference in my pothos’ health!
2. Using Garden Soil
I once thought I could save money by using garden soil for my indoor plants. Big mistake!
Garden soil can cause problems like:
- Poor drainage, leading to soggy roots
- Potential soil-borne diseases that can harm your pothos
These days, I mix my own potting soil using:
- Coarse sand
- Peat moss
- Perlite
- Compost
- Vermiculite
And don’t forget to sterilize your soil mix! It’s an extra step, but it’s worth it for healthier plants.
3. Ignoring Stress Signs
Plants talk to us through their leaves, and I’ve learned to listen!
Here are some stress indicators I keep an eye out for:
- Yellow or droopy leaves: This could mean overwatering or poor drainage
- Brown, brittle foliage: Low humidity or underwatering might be the culprit
- Burnt or pale leaves: Too much sun or over-fertilization could be the issue
Paying attention to these signs has helped me adjust my care routine and keep my pothos thriving.
4. Neglecting Regular Cleaning
I used to think plants were self-cleaning. Turns out, they need a little help from us!
Dusty leaves can hamper photosynthesis, so I now make it a habit to gently wipe my pothos leaves with a soft, damp cloth. It’s like a spa day for my plants, and they seem to love it!
5. Lack of Support
Did you know pothos are natural climbers? I didn’t at first, and my pothos was all over the place!
Now, I provide support using:
- Trellises
- Moss poles
- Bamboo sticks
Not only does this keep my pothos tidy, but it also encourages bigger leaf growth. Win-win!
6. Incorrect Fertilization
When it comes to fertilizing pothos, less is definitely more.
Here’s what works for me:
- Using a balanced liquid fertilizer
- Diluting it to quarter strength
- Fertilizing every 3-4 weeks
Pro tip: Try drenching the moss pole with the fertilizer solution for consistent feeding. My pothos love it!
7. Ignoring Seasonal Adjustments
I used to treat my pothos the same year-round until I realized they have seasonal needs too.
In winter:
- I water less
- Reduce fertilizer
- Keep them away from cold drafts
In summer:
- I protect them from direct sunlight
- Shield them from hot air, especially in warm climates
Adjusting care based on seasons has made a world of difference for my plants.
8. Neglecting Pruning
I was once afraid to prune my pothos, thinking I might hurt it. Now I know better!
Regular pruning:
- Maintains the desired shape
- Encourages bushier growth
- Removes diseased and damaged parts
Without pruning, pothos can get leggy and messy. Now, I give my pothos regular “haircuts” to keep them looking their best.
9. Using Hard Water
My pothos leaves used to get discolored, and I couldn’t figure out why. Turns out, it was the hard water from my tap!
Hard water can cause:
- Leaf discoloration
- White crust on the soil
Now, I use filtered, rain, or distilled water for my pothos, and they’re much happier.
10. Overlooking Pest Infestations
Pests can sneak up on you if you’re not vigilant. I learned this the hard way!
Common pests to watch out for:
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
- Scale insects
I now make it a habit to check my plants regularly and treat any issues promptly.
11. Overlooking Rootbound Conditions
Pothos can adapt well, but they still need room to grow.
Signs your pothos might be rootbound:
- Roots peeking out of drainage holes
- Roots visible on the soil surface
When I see these signs, I know it’s time to repot for continued healthy growth.
12. Inadequate Lighting
Finding the right light balance for pothos can be tricky.
While they can survive in low light, they still need some sun. However, too much direct sunlight can harm them. I’ve found that bright, indirect light works best for my pothos.
13. Not Changing Water Regularly (for Water-Propagated Pothos)
If you’re propagating pothos in water like I often do, don’t forget to change the water regularly!
Stagnant water can lead to:
- Algae growth
- Bacteria and fungi development
I change the water every few days to keep my water-propagated pothos healthy and happy.