Soil, Repotting, And Fertilizing Needs For Pothos

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.

A gorgeous pothos plant on a wooden table

Still, knowing what it specifically needs will help keep your pothos plant healthy and growing.

Keep reading to learn helpful advice to make sure your pothos stays 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 drying out quickly between waterings

The plant 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.

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.

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 resistance to diseases.

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's essential to provide the appropriate care while 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.

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.