In the wild, pothos climbs up trees and other plants, obtaining lots of sunshine to grow big leaves. The same thing can happen indoors when you give them the right kind of support like a moss pole.
These plants are hardy and easy to care for, but they do require a bit of special attention. So here are some giant pothos care tips to help you keep your plant in tip-top shape!
Temperature
In its native jungle habitat, giant pothos, Epipremnum aureum, grows remarkably fast and thrives in hot, humid conditions. It can be grown as a perennial in subtropical zones, and as an annual or potted plant in temperate ones.
The best temperature for giant pothos is 60-90degF (15-32degC). They are not frost hardy and will die if temperatures fall below 50degF.
They are also sensitive to high heat, so avoid placing them near air conditioning vents or fans that can cause them to overheat and burn the leaves.
When growing indoors, it’s important to choose a spot that provides plenty of indirect light but not direct sun. A sunny window may be too much for a Pothos, so place it in a shady area of the room or underneath a tree or other plants.
They are tolerant of low humidity, but excessively dry air can lead to brown tips on the leaves and stunt growth. Increasing humidity levels, up to the levels that they would receive in their native tropical environment, will improve growth and help your giant pothos stay healthy.
Humidity
The humidity in your home can be a big challenge for your Pothos. Humidity is the level of water vapor in the air, and it’s important to keep your Pothos in the right range to thrive.
If you don’t monitor the humidity in your home, you could end up with a plant that struggles to grow and doesn’t produce as many leaves as it should. Invest in a hygrometer and regularly monitor your humidity levels.
A high level of humidity can make you feel uncomfortable and increase the risk of a skin rash, gastrointestinal issues, and difficulty breathing. It also decreases your body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can result in a lower tolerance for heat and increased sensitivity to cold conditions.
Luckily, your Pothos is a tropical plant that thrives in the right temperatures and humidity levels. Whether you live in a humid or dry area, meeting your Pothos’s requirements is simple with just a few simple care tips.
Light
One of the most important giant pothos care tips is to provide your plant with adequate light. They thrive in bright indirect light, and do not like intense direct sun.
You can use a grow light or move your plant to a brighter part of the house or room. Ideally, the light should be over 2,000 lux for optimal growth.
This indoor plant needs bright indirect light that mimics the natural sunlight exposure of an east-facing window or door. Avoid putting it in the direct sun because it may burn and bleach its leaves.
Water your plant every 1-2 weeks to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Too much water can cause yellowing leaves and black stems.
Giant pothos are a common houseplant and you can easily find them at most garden centers. If you can’t get your hands on a giant pothos, you can always propagate it yourself using cuttings.
Water
The water in which a giant pothos is grown plays a major role in its health and growth. Moreover, it also affects the plant’s coloration.
To keep your pothos healthy, water it only when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch. This will prevent underwatering or overwatering that can cause stunted growth.
Overwatering can also lead to root rot, which is a serious problem for your plant. It causes the roots to die off, leaving the stems and leaves in a mushy state.
You can check for this problem by poking your finger into the soil to see if it feels dry.
In tropical settings, pothos thrive in warm temperatures and high humidity. If you can recreate these conditions indoors, your pothos will grow quickly and be happy.