The Best Way to Water Pothos: Everything You Need to Know

Overwatered pothos? Droopy leaves got you second-guessing your plant care routine? Don't worry. Pothos are forgiving, and once you learn their watering rhythm, they practically thrive on autopilot. In this guide, I'll show you exactly how to tell when your pothos needs water, how much to give, and what signs to watch for. I'll also share a few tricks I use to keep mine lush and happy.

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Whether your pothos is planted in soil, growing hydroponically, or hanging out in a self-watering container, these tips will help you understand what your plant needs without overthinking it.

Let's figure out a watering routine that works for your plant, your space, and your schedule. You've got this.

Pothos watering: quick tips

• Plastic pots hold moisture longer than terracotta, so they need less frequent watering
• Water more often in summer, less in winter
• Droopy or wrinkled leaves mean your plant is thirsty
• Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom holes
• Crispy brown edges = too dry
• Mushy brown spots = too wet
• Let the top few inches of soil dry out before watering again
• For pots without drainage holes-like vintage soup tureens or decorative containers-wait until the top 2 inches of soil feel dry before watering.
• Create a consistent routine but stay flexible-watch what your plant is telling you
• Humid environments slow evaporation, so you may need to water less often
• Self-watering planters are great as long as the soil doesn't stay soggy

Pothos plant basics at a glance

Briefly, the Pothos (scientifically Epipremnum aureum), pronounced "pow·thows", earns its reputation as a low-maintenance houseplant. Also called Devil's Ivy, Pothos are easy-care evergreen perennials in the arum family. There are several varieties including golden pothos, neon, and marble queen with variegated foliage.

Pothos have cascading stems and glossy leaves that adapt well to various light conditions. At their full potential, they can extend 10 feet with 4-8 inch leaves. They're also known for filtering indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde (according to a 2008 study by the University of Hawaii published in Atmospheric Environment).

Now let's explore the key question - how often should you water this adaptable plant?

How (and When) to Water Your Pothos

Let's be honest, there is no one-size-fits-all watering schedule for pothos. Every home has its own mix of light, humidity, and temperature, and every pot is a little different too. Terracotta dries out faster than plastic. Some pots have drainage holes, some do not. It is all about finding what works in your space.

Let the leaves be your guide

The good news is pothos are incredibly forgiving. In my experience, the leaves are the best clue. When they start to droop just a little, I know it is time to water. This is my go-to method and it has worked well for every pothos I have ever owned. Just do not try that approach with a maidenhair fern. Trust me.

My favorite watering method

I like to give mine a full soak in the sink, just like I do with my peace lily (Spathiphyllum) and spider plants. I run water through the soil until it is fully saturated, then let it drain out completely before putting the pot back in place. It is simple, quick, and my pothos stay full and happy.

General watering guidelines

A good rule of thumb is to water every one to two weeks, depending on how quickly your soil dries out. If the top two inches feel dry to the touch, it is probably time. If your pot does not have a drainage hole, water more cautiously and less often. And if your home tends to be on the dry side, below forty percent humidity, you may need to water more frequently.

Recommended watering frequency for pothos plants (chart)

Use this chart as a starting point. Your plant's needs may vary depending on light, humidity, and pot size, but this gives you a solid baseline.

Using a self-watering system

Want to give your pothos a little independence? A self-watering planter is a great way to let your plant manage its own hydration. I'm a big fan of these systems, especially when life gets busy or I'm away for a few days.

Self-watering containers use a wick system to draw water up from a hidden reservoir as the soil dries out. It keeps the roots evenly moist without sitting in soggy soil - a win for pothos and for avoiding root rot.

If you're the DIY type, I made these glass self-watering planters using light globes and vases - they're simple, stylish, and incredibly functional. For a smaller-scale project, my African violet self-watering pots show the same principles in action with a more compact setup.

Prefer to skip the crafting? I rounded up some beautiful pre-made self-watering planter options on LTK that make it easy to plug-and-plant.

Pothos plant maintenance

You did it. Your pothos is thriving! With a solid watering routine in place and a happy home, your plant is growing new leaves, vining like a champ, and probably flexing its air-purifying superpowers. Let's keep that momentum going with a few easy maintenance tips.

Propagating: If there's ever been a plant made for propagation, it's pothos. It's fun, fast, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're growing in water or soil, planting pothos cuttings is simple. Snip a stem with a visible node (that little brown bump), pop it in water, and in about two weeks you'll start to see roots. From there, just pot it up and enjoy your new plant baby.

Repotting: Pothos grows quickly, and eventually it may become root bound. If you lift it out of the pot and see mostly roots with very little soil, it's time to repot. Choose a container that's one size up and use a well-draining mix. My guide to the best pothos soil mix walks you through exactly what to include. You can even mix in a bit of used coffee grounds for a mild nutrient boost.

Pruning: If your vines are getting too long or sparse (or blocking the view of your favorite show), give them a trim. Cut just above a leaf node with clean scissors or pruners. You can toss the trimmings or pop them into water to grow new plants.

Fertilizing: Along with proper watering, regular fertilizing helps support healthy, vibrant growth. I like to use gentle, homemade options for fertilizer. They're easy to make and pothos love them.

Trying hydroponics: Want to skip the soil altogether? Try growing pothos hydroponically. All you need is a jar, some clean water, and a drop of liquid fertilizer. It's low-maintenance, no mess, and looks great on a windowsill or shelf.

Pothos troubleshooting: a helpful chart

Noticing yellow leaves or sad, droopy vines? Don't worry. Most pothos issues are quick to fix once you know what to look for.

Use this chart to match your plant's symptoms with likely causes and solutions. A few small changes can get your pothos back to looking lush and healthy in no time.

Pothos Troubleshooting