How to Water Pothos the Right Way (So It Thrives for Years to Come)

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a great beginner houseplant. Not only is it beautiful, but it's also very sturdy and forgiving when it comes to underwatering and overwatering. That being said, pothos isn't invincible, and incorrect watering can cause the plant to wilt and die. Luckily, there are a few quick tips that will keep your pothos happy and hydrated. We spoke to gardening experts about all the ins and outs of keeping this popular plant hydrated—from the right kind of pot to the easiest way to check for potential problems.

How Often to Water

There's no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to when you should water, as it depends on a handful of external factors. "The difficulty for a lot of people comes from wanting to water their plants on a set schedule," says Rachel Gillett, owner of Plant Haus Market. "It sure would be nice if our plants worked like that!

The best way to know whether or not you should water your pothos is by checking the soil. If the top 25 to 50 percent feels dry to the touch, then it's time to water. "A lot of people then add water, say half a cup, and see how long it takes to dry down again," says Justin Hancock, a horticulturist at Costa Farms. "Then, they either add more or reduce the amount of water each week until they find the right amount."

Typically, soil will dry out about once a week, prompting you to water, but keep in mind that this will vary based on sunlight and temperature, so it's best to always check first. Vladan Nikolic, founder of Mr. Houseplant, recommends using a chopstick to be sure. "Simply stick it vertically into the soil, all the way into the bottom of the pot, and slowly pull it out," he says. "If the top half of the stick comes out dry, then your plant is thirsty and should be watered."

Factors to Consider

Soil, temperature, and sunlight are major factors when it comes to how often you should water your pothos—so make sure you're taking everything into consideration before you start.

Soil

Pothos prefer a well-draining soil—Gillett recommends an airoid potting mix with orchid bark and pumice, which will keep the environment lighter and airier. "Avoid regular potting soil," she says. "It's often too dense and will hold on to too much moisture, which can lead to root rot."

Sunlight and Temperature

Pothos is a tropical plant, so it prefers slightly warmer temperatures, ideally between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Similarly, pothos thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate a variety of conditions. If your plant is getting more light and the temperature is slightly warmer, for example, then it will need to be watered more.

"Check your plant first!" says Lisa Steinkopf, founder of the Houseplant Guru. "If you keep your house cooler in the winter, your plants may not need as much water. A cold, wet plant is an unhappy plant—or maybe a dead plant."

Pot Size

Another factor to consider when watering is the size of your pot—and if your pothos is outgrowing its real estate. "The more roots in the pot, the faster it will dry out," says Hancock. "Pot size similarly affects it—smaller pots don’t hold as much potting mix as larger pots."

It's a good idea to repot your pothos in a larger container when the time comes—in the interim, make sure the plant is adequately watered.

How to Water

You can top water or bottom water your pothos plant. Both are great options, but always make sure the pot you're using has drainage holes before you start. Top watering, for starters, is pretty straightforward. "Simply keep pouring water directly onto the potting medium until it starts draining from the bottom of the pot," says Nikolic. "This technique is good because it prevents mineral buildup by flushing the soil."

Bottom watering is Gillett's preferred method, and is also very easy. Place the pot in a bowl of water, and let the plant draw the water up through the pot's drainage holes. This process usually takes about 10 to 30 minutes, but always check to see if the soil feels moist to be sure.

Signs of Underwatering

Pothos is a beginner-friendly houseplant in part because it's so difficult to underwater it, and if you do, there are plenty of signs that will tell you exactly what's going on. "You can recognize that your pothos is thirsty simply by looking at it. They can be a little dramatic sometimes," says Gillett. "If you see that your leaves have less pep in their step and are beginning to droop at the top of the plant, that’s a good indication that it’s time to water."

Remember to check the soil—if it feels dry to the touch, then your plant needs water. Luckily, as long as it hasn't gone too long without adequate watering, a drooping pothos can be easily revived.

Signs of Overwatering

You're much more likely to run into issues with overwatering your pothos than underwatering. There are a few telltale signs that this is happening—hopefully, you can catch the process early enough. "An overwatered pothos will have yellow, brown, or mushy leaves," says Nikolic. "Brown or black spots on the foliage are another sign of overwatering."

This is a sign of root rot, which occurs when the plant's roots become too soggy and begin to decay. "Gently pull your plant out of its pot—soil and all—and give the soil a sniff," says Gillett. "If it smells like death, well, you probably have some rotten roots in there." Similarly, your soil will feel moist if overwatering is an issue, so, as always, keep an eye on how that feels, too.