Water pothos when the surface of the soil has dried out. During spring and summer, water the plant every two to three days. In fall and winter, water once a week. Use a misting sprayer to water the leaves if they appear dry. Avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot and mold on the soil surface.
I know it’s a bit of a delicate plant, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Today, I am going to spill all the tea on the best way to give your Pothos the hydration it craves without overwatering them.
Trust me; this is one watering lesson you want to take advantage of!
Contents
How And When to Water Pothos
Don’t worry; it’s not as tricky as it seems! The first thing to know is that the best time to water your Pothos is in the morning, before the day’s heat sets in.
Now, when it comes to growing Pothos, you can use several different methods. For example, you can plant your Pothos in soil or a hydroculture setup.
And guess what? Each technique requires its unique watering approach. So, let’s dive in and learn about the specific watering needs for both soil-grown and hydroculture-grown Pothos.
Perfecting the Watering Routine for Pothos in Potting Soil
Alright, folks, let’s talk about watering your Pothos when it’s grown in potting soil. Now, we know what you’re thinking – ‘But wait, isn’t watering just watering?’ Well, not exactly.
There are a few key things to remember to ensure your Pothos get the right amount of hydration.
Frequency of Watering:
First, ensure that the potting soil is completely dry before you give your Pothos a drink. Then, you can skip watering that day if the weather moistens the ground. No need to be a watering machine, you know?
Checking Watering:
Want to know the best way to check if it’s time to water? Stick your finger in the soil (or use a disposable chopstick) to see if it feels dry.
You can also lift the pot before and after watering to see if it feels lighter or heavier.
Tips for Watering:
When you do water, make sure to water generously. The water should flow from the pot’s bottom, not just wet the soil’s surface.
And here’s a pro tip: over-watering is often the cause of pothos death, so be sure to differentiate between dry and wet watering.
Watering Pothos in Hydroculture
Now, if you’re new to hydroculture, you’re in for a treat! Not only is it a low-maintenance way to grow Pothos, but it also requires less frequent watering than traditional soil-grown plants.
This piece explains the steps for cultivating pothos in a water-based setting.
Frequency of Watering:
The beauty of hydroculture is that you don’t have to worry about watering every day.
Instead, give your Pothos a drink every 2-3 days or when the water in the container has wholly disappeared. And don’t forget to give your leaves a quick wipe-down to eliminate dust buildup.
Checking Watering:
A transparent container makes it easy to see when it’s time to water. But if you’ve got a ceramic pot, don’t worry!
You can buy a water level gauge designed explicitly for hydroculture that’ll help you monitor the water levels. Just follow the instructions carefully when you’re setting it up.
Tips for Watering:
When you do water, remember that hydroculture uses a container without a hole in the bottom. This means that any excess water won’t escape.
So, if you pour in too much water, gently tilt the container to let the excess water runoff.
And if the materials inside have entirely dried out, give the entire plant a good soak and then let the excess water runoff.
Adapting watering techniques for Pothos with Seasons
Let’s talk about one crucial thing: watering your Pothos varies slightly with the season. So, I am going to break it down for you by season.
Spring-Fall:
During the growing season, your Pothos will need more water. Generally, water as soon as the potting soil dries out.
And if you’re keeping your Pothos indoors, don’t forget to wipe off any dust that may accumulate on the leaves. You can even take your Pothos outside for a shower now and then.
Winter:
During the winter, your Pothos will grow more slowly and need less water. So, water sparingly and allow the soil to dry out slightly.
However, keep in mind that indoor heating can make the air dryer than expected, so occasionally spray the leaves with water to prevent damage.
Watering and Precautions You Need To Know
First off, it’s essential to know that Pothos is native to tropical rainforests, so it’s used to high temperatures and humidity.
However, it’s vital to be mindful of the soil’s moisture levels when potting Pothos. Pothos is a vine that climbs up trees and other plants, so it doesn’t like sitting in soggy soil.
That’s why it’s best to plant it in well-drained soil. Also, keep in mind that the smaller the pot, the less soil it needs so that it will dry out more quickly. And if you have a large pot, the soil will dry out differently.
Now, when it comes to watering, you’ll want to use a narrow-mouthed jug to gently pour water on the plant. If you water too vigorously, the water may run through the pot and miss the roots.
And speaking of pots, if your pot has a saucer under it, make sure to empty any excess water that runs out of the bottom of the pot after watering. Otherwise, it may cause root rot.
But again, ensure to water your potted plants generously so that the water flows out of the bottom of the pot.
This ensures that the air between the potting soil granules is pushed away and new oxygen is supplied along with water.
And don’t worry; you don’t want to let water accumulate in the pot tray. But be careful not to under-water your plants either.
A little watering may moisten the soil, but it doesn’t provide the critical oxygen your plants need. So, let’s give them a good drink and watch that water flow out the bottom of the pot.
The Transformative Power of Watering for Pothos
Watering plays a crucial role in allowing the plant roots to absorb water, providing the necessary oxygen for the roots to breathe, cooling the temperature of the plant and soil during high temperatures, and even removing dust from leaves (if you spray water on leaves).
So, next time you’re tempted to give your Pothos a quick splash of water, remember that watering is not just about quenching their thirst but also providing them with the vital elements they need to thrive.
Make it a habit to check the soil moisture and look at the overall condition of your plant, such as the color of the leaves, any signs of insect damage or disease, and so on.