Taking care of a pothos plant means paying attention to what it needs, especially the soil, when to move it to a bigger pot, and when to add plant food.
Pothos, also called Devil's ivy or Golden pothos, is a well-loved houseplant because it is tough and can grow well in different situations.
Still, knowing what it specifically needs will help keep your pothos plant healthy and growing.
Keep reading for helpful advice on keeping your pothos a pretty and growing part of your home.
Ideal Soil Composition for Pothos
Selecting the ideal soil composition for your pothos is important to ensure its growth and overall health.
A good soil mixture for pothos typically consists of equal parts of:
- Peat moss or coco coir
- Perlite or pumice
- compost
- vermiculite
- High-quality indoor potting soil
This combination provides a well-draining, well-aerated, and nutrient-rich environment that promotes lush growth in your pothos plant.
Significance of Well-Drained Soil
Well-drained soil is particularly important for Pothos plants because it prevents root rot, which can be a common issue in these plants.
A well-drained soil mix allows excess water to drain away from the plant's roots, helping them to access the proper amount of moisture without becoming waterlogged.
By choosing a soil mixture containing peat moss or coco coir and perlite or pumice, you create a light and airy medium that promotes proper drainage while holding onto the essential nutrients your plant needs.
When to Repot Pothos
Repotting and fertilizing your pothos is just as important as choosing the right soil.
Be sure to repot every 2-3 years to accommodate the plant's growth.
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during its growing season.
This will ensure that your pothos remains healthy and vibrant in its new, nutrient-rich environment.
Some signs that it's time to repot include:
- The plant dries out quickly between waterings
- The plant is becoming top-heavy
- A noticeable decrease in new growth or even small leaves being produced
If you see a salty crust on the soil surface, it's also a good indication that repotting is needed.
Procedure for Repotting Pothos
Here are some user-friendly steps to guide you through the process:
1. Choose a new pot
Select a new pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot, ensuring there is enough room for the plant's root system to expand.
Make sure the pot has a drainage hole at the bottom.
2. Prepare the Potting Mix
Wet the potting mix you'll be using for repotting, which can be either a soil-based or peat-based mixture, as both will provide adequate nutrients for your pothos.
Remember to moisten the potting mix before adding it to the new pot, as this will ensure even water absorption.
Read more: Does Potting Soil Go Bad If It Freezes?
3. Add Potting Mix to the New Pot
Place a shard over the drainage hole to prevent soil leakage (avoid using gravel).
Then, add enough potting mix to the bottom of the pot, raising the root ball an inch or two below the new pot's rim, allowing enough headroom for watering.
4. Carefully Remove the Pothos From the Old Pot
Gently remove the pothos from its current pot, taking care not to damage the root system.
Once removed, inspect the roots and trim away any dead or damaged sections.
5. Plant the Pothos in the New Pot
Place the Pothos in the new pot, gently spreading the roots out over the fresh potting mix.
Fill in the remaining space with potting mix, being careful not to bury the stem or leaves.
6. Water the Newly Repotted Pothos
Thoroughly water the pothos, ensuring the potting mix is evenly moistened. Allow the excess water to drain out of the drainage hole.
Read more: Watering Requirements for Pothos: A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing the Right Fertilizer
When it comes to fertilizing your pothos, a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer is a great option.
Look for a formula with an equal ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 mix.
These nutrients are essential for promoting healthy growth, vibrant foliage, and disease resistance.
You can also use a fertilizer formulated specifically for pothos plants.
Check out this professional liquid pothos fertilizer on Amazon.
Fertilizing Frequency and Amount
During the growing season (spring and summer), you should fertilize your pothos once every 4-6 weeks.
In the fall and winter months, when their growth slows down, you can reduce the frequency to once every 6-8 weeks.
Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package to determine the proper dilution and amount for your plant.
To fertilize your pothos, simply mix the liquid fertilizer with water and apply it evenly around the base of the plant.
Be careful not to use too much, as over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn and damage the foliage.
Should I Fertilize My Pothos Immediately After Repotting?
Generally, it is recommended to wait at least 2-4 weeks after repotting your pothos before fertilizing it.
This allows the plant to settle into its new environment and recover from any potential transplant shock.
After this period, you can return to a regular fertilizing schedule to promote lush, vibrant growth.
Can I Repot Pothos During Winter?
Yes, you can repot your pothos during winter. Although repotting houseplants is often considered a good winter activity, it's important to be aware of a few factors.
Pothos is a hardy and easy-to-grow foliage houseplant, but it requires the appropriate care when repotting during winter.
Ensure Appropriate Temperatures
As pothos are tropical plants, they prefer relatively warm temperatures.
Keep your pothos in a well-lit room with temperatures between 65°F and 85°F during the repotting process.
Read more: Pothos Temperature and Humidity Preferences
Water Properly
After repotting your pothos, water the plant thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain.
This will help settle the new soil around the roots. Be cautious not to overwater your pothos during winter as it can lead to root rot and other issues.
Fertilize Sparingly
Since pothos has a slower growth rate during winter, you can reduce the frequency of fertilizing.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half its strength once a month.
Pothos Care Focus: Soil, Repotting, Fertilizing
To keep your pothos happy and healthy, you should focus on the three main aspects: soil, repotting, and fertilizing.
When it comes to soil, your pothos prefers a well-draining, loose potting mix.
Repotting your pothos should be done every 2-3 years, or when you notice it becoming root-bound.
Fertilizing your pothos requires a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
By following these simple yet effective tips, you can keep your pothos thriving and enjoy a stunning addition to your indoor space.
Ready for more advanced pothos care tips? Read on below:
Pothos Leaves Turning Black- What To Do?
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