Pothos Plant

If you’re new to growing houseplants, the perfect place to start is with a pothos plant. Also known as devil’s ivy (or epipremnum aureum), pothos plants are great for beginners because they’re nearly impossible to kill and thrive in a wide range of environments. Bright, indirect light or low light, they do well in either! Just don’t put your plant in direct sunlight or the leaves will burn.

Depending on where your pothos is located in your home and the time of year, your watering frequency can vary. During the summer I water mine about once a week and for the winter months I water it less. Let the leaves be an indication of when your plant needs water. They’ll droop, which is your clue to give your plant a good drink. Pothos plants prefer to dry out a bit between waterings and can develop root rot if overwatered, so don’t drown your plant!

Another cool thing about pothos plants is they can grow in either soil or water. Don’t force them to switch environments, though! If your pothos is already planted in soil, keep it in soil and vice versa. You can even propagate new plants by taking clippings from yours and popping the stem into some damp soil or a glass of water.

A word of caution! The pothos plant is poisonous, so keep it out of reach from children and pets. Ingesting any part of the plant can lead to irritation and vomiting, but it’s very rarely fatal. If you have highly sensitive skin, the sap can also cause you to break out in a rash. I’ve had mine for years with my dog and cat and sensitive skin and have had no problems, but it’s something to be aware of!

Hope this helps you get started with your own houseplant collection! I name mine because I’m weird  -- my variegated pothos plant is Leslie Knope because she’s a total overachiever and has had tons of personal growth.

Have a great weekend!