How to keep your Pothos thriving indoors

Pothos, known in most Indian homes as the money plant, is nearly indestructible and perfect for beginners. It trails from shelves, climbs moss poles and even grows in a bottle of water. A few simple habits keep it lush instead of leggy.

Light

• Best: bright indirect light, near a window without harsh direct sun.
• Tolerates: low light and tube-light rooms, but grows slower and leaves get smaller.
• Avoid: strong afternoon sun through glass, which bleaches and scorches leaves.
• Variegated types (golden, marble) need more light to keep their colour.

Watering

• Water when the top inch (2–3 cm) of soil is dry.
• Summer (April–June): about every 5–7 days.
• Monsoon and winter: every 10–14 days.
• Always empty the saucer; standing water rots the roots.

Signs of overwatering: yellow lower leaves and soft stems.
Signs of underwatering: drooping, curling leaves and dry soil pulling from the pot edge.

Humidity and temperature

• Normal indoor humidity is fine; group plants together in dry winter rooms.
• Keep it out of the direct airflow of ACs and coolers.
• It is happiest between 18°C and 32°C.

Feeding

• Feed once a month from March to October with a balanced liquid fertiliser or a handful of vermicompost.
• Skip feeding in December and January.

Pruning for a fuller plant

• Trim long bare vines just above a leaf node.
• Plant the cuttings back in the same pot to make it bushier.

Propagation

• Cut a stem with at least two nodes (the bumps where leaves meet the stem).
• Place it in water with the nodes submerged; roots appear in about two weeks.
• Move to soil once roots are 3–5 cm long, or keep it growing in water and change the water weekly.

Pets

Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Hang it or keep it on a high shelf in homes with pets.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow?

Most often overwatering. Let the top inch of soil dry before watering and make sure the pot drains.

Can pothos grow only in water?

Yes. It grows well in water for a long time; change the water weekly and add a drop of liquid fertiliser once a month.

How do I make my money plant bushy?

Pinch or trim the vine tips regularly and replant the cuttings in the same pot.