Struggling with Your Pothos? You Might Be Using the Wrong Pot!

 It’s a classic story for many plant parents: you bring home a lush, vibrant Pothos, hailed as one of the easiest houseplants to grow. But weeks or months later, your once-thriving vine is looking lackluster, with yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Before you blame your green thumb, take a look at its home. The secret to a happy Pothos might just be in the pot.

Often overlooked, the right container is the foundation for a healthy Pothos (also known as Devil’s Ivy). While these plants are forgiving, the wrong pot can lead to a host of problems that even the most attentive plant owner will struggle to overcome. If your Pothos is failing to flourish, the issue may not be your watering schedule or the amount of sunlight, but rather the pot it’s planted in.

The 1 Mistake: Inadequate Drainage

The most critical feature of any pot for a Pothos is proper drainage. These plants are susceptible to root rot, a fatal condition that occurs when the roots sit in waterlogged soil. This suffocates the roots, preventing them from absorbing nutrients and water, ironically leading to symptoms that can mimic underwatering.

What to do:

• Always choose a pot with at least one drainage hole at the bottom.
• If you’ve fallen in love with a decorative pot that lacks drainage, you can use it as a “cachepot.” Plant your Pothos in a slightly smaller plastic nursery pot with drainage holes, and then place it inside the decorative one. Simply remove the inner pot for watering, allow the excess water to drain completely, and then return it to its stylish home.

Size Matters: Not Too Big, Not Too Small

When it comes to pot size, bigger is not always better. Planting a small Pothos in an overly large pot can lead to overwatering. The excess soil will hold onto moisture for too long, creating the perfect environment for root rot.

On the other hand, a Pothos that has become “root-bound” in a pot that is too small will also struggle. When the roots have filled the entire pot, there is little soil left to hold water and nutrients, leading to stunted growth and a plant that dries out quickly.

What to do:

• When repotting, select a new pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
• You’ll know it’s time to repot when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes or when the plant seems to dry out much faster than it used to. Spring and summer are the best times to repot, as the plant is in its active growing season.

Pothos Pot

Choosing the Right Material

The material of your pot can also play a role in the health of your Pothos by affecting how quickly the soil dries out.

• Terracotta: These classic clay pots are porous, meaning they allow water and air to pass through their walls. This is an excellent choice for those who tend to overwater, as the soil will dry out more quickly.
• Plastic or Glazed Ceramic: These non-porous pots retain moisture for longer. They are a good option if you are a more forgetful waterer or if your home environment is particularly dry.

Ultimately, the best material depends on your watering habits and home environment. The key is to be aware of how your pot’s material affects the soil’s moisture level and to adjust your watering routine accordingly.

By paying closer attention to your Pothos’s pot, you can solve many of the common problems that plague these otherwise easy-going houseplants. A pot with proper drainage, of the right size, and made from a suitable material can make all the difference in turning a struggling plant into a thriving, beautiful vine that lives up to its easy-care reputation.