Learning how to water pothos plants is a crucial topic for any plant owner, as watering is a significant factor in determining the health and beauty of your Araceae family plant. But with so many different perspectives and advice floating around, knowing the best way to water your beloved plant can be challenging.
Read this guide on watering pothos plants so you know how and when to do it.
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How To Water Pothos Plants Easily?
To water pothos plants easily, you can use three methods. You can use the top-down method, the drench method, and the spray method. However, a watering schedule is still essential. Pothos plants, such as Epipremnum pinnatum, will need you to experiment to find the best watering method.
– Use the Top-Down Method
The top-down method is the most common way of watering pothos. Fill a watering can or a pitcher with water and pour it directly over the soil until it is thoroughly moist. This method ensures that the entire root system is watered, preventing any dry spots or overly soaked spots that could lead to root rot.
This method uses room-temperature water, as cold water can shock the roots. Additionally, empty any water that collects in the saucer after watering to prevent standing water and root rot.
– Use the Bottom-up Method
The bottom-up method involves placing the pot in a water basin and allowing it to soak up through the drainage holes at the pot’s bottom. This bottom-watering method is ideal for pothos that have become root-bound and that are not absorbing water properly through the soil.
The plant should be left in the water for about 20 minutes, allowing it to soak up as much water as possible. After 20 minutes, you should remove the plant from the water and drain any excess water.
– Use the Drench Method
The drench method involves watering the soil until it is completely saturated, then allowing the soil to drain thoroughly before putting the pot back in its saucer. This method ensures that the soil is thoroughly moist and that complete pothos water propagation is achieved, so that no dry spots remain.
To use this method, water the soil until water begins to run out of the bottom of the pot. After allowing the soil to drain, you should place the pot back in its saucer.
– Use the Spray Method
The spray method involves using a spray bottle to mist the leaves and soil of the plant. This method is ideal for plants that prefer high humidity and can also help keep the leaves dust-free. To use this method, fill a spray container with water and begin by misting the leaves and soil of the plant until they are thoroughly moist.
This method should be used with one of the other watering methods and also with plant fertilizer, as it does not provide enough water for the plant’s roots. Regardless of the method you use, you must ensure you water your pothos effectively.
Over-watering can lead to fungal diseases in roots, pothos yellow leaves, and other issues, so it’s vital to be mindful of the frequency and amount of water you’re giving your pothos to ensure maximum plant care.
How To Make Sure Your Pothos Plants Are Watered Properly?
To make sure your pothos plants are watered properly, ensure watering is done every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry. Water more frequently in bright light and less frequently in low light. Underwatered plants will wilt, while overwatered plants will have yellowing leaves and black stems.
– Keep the Soil Type and Moisture Level in Mind
All pothos, including golden pothos, prefer well-draining soil that retains moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged. You can mix peat moss, perlite, and sand to create soil ideal for pothos. The soil’s moisture level is one of the most important things to consider before watering your plant.
Over-watering can lead to root problems while under-watering can be the significant reason for pothos leaves turning yellow. Use a pothos moisture meter level to check the soil’s moisture level. You can also stick your finger about an inch in the soil, and if the soil seems dry, it’s time to water your plant. If the soil seems moist, it’s best to wait a few more days before you recheck and water.
– Remember To Consider Pot Size
The size of your pot can also affect the frequency of watering. Smaller pots dry out faster than larger pots, so if you have a small pot, you may need to water your plant more regularly.
On the other hand, larger pots may hold moisture for longer, so you may only need to water them sometimes. Consider switching to a larger pot if you must water your golden pothos more often than once a week.
– Watch Out for Light and Temperature Problems
You might wonder how often to water pothos in summer or winter, as the temperature and sunlight in both kinds of weather can also impact the watering practice. Likewise, light and temperature can affect how often you water your pothos.
Plants in bright, direct sunlight require more frequent watering than plants in low light, as the sun will lead the soil to dry out faster. Similarly, higher temperatures will cause the soil to dry out more quickly, so you may need to water your plant more frequently in the summer.
– Take Humidity Into Consideration
Humidity can also impact the watering frequency, as high humidity levels can cause the soil to retain moisture for longer. Therefore, if you reside in a humid environment, your plant may require watering less frequently.
Conversely, if you live in a dry environment, you may need to water your neon pothos more frequently to keep the soil from drying out too quickly.
– Water Quality Must be Monitored
The nature and quality of the water you use to water your satin pothos plant can also impact its health. Tap water may comprise chemicals, such as chlorine and fluoride, that can affect your satin pothos plant and can also impact its health.
If you’re using tap water, it’s best to let it sit out for 24 hours before using it to allow the chemicals to dissipate. Alternatively, you can water your plant with distilled water, rainwater, or bottled water.
Pothos are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so you should use room-temperature water for watering. Cold water may shock the roots and cause harm, and hot water evaporates too rapidly and does not adequately hydrate the plant.
– Get the Right Potting Mix
The potting soil or mix you use can also impact the watering frequency. A well-draining potting mix will dry out faster than a heavy, dense mix, so you may need to water your pothos shrub more often if you are using a well-draining mix. Consider switching to a blend with a higher organic content if you have to water your marble queen pothos plant more often than once a week.
By considering factors such as soil moisture, pot size, light and temperature, humidity, water quality, and potting mix, you can ensure that you are watering your pothos shrub correctly and that it is getting the moisture it needs to survive.
Conclusion
Watering a pothos plant is crucial to its care, affecting its health and beauty. There are several ways to water, including top-down, bottom-up, drench, and spray methods, and with easy care techniques, proper watering practices, and frequency, you can ensure that your plant will thrive. Here is a summary of what you just read in this article.
- It is essential to avoid over-watering, which can lead to root rot, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth.
- To determine the right watering frequency and method, consider factors such as soil moisture, pot size, light, and temperature.
- Check the soil moisture level before watering by putting your finger in the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water it.
- A larger pot will hold moisture for longer and may not require to be watered as often as a smaller pot.
- Remember that plants in bright, direct sunlight and higher temperatures require more frequent watering.
Whether you are an expert plant parent or a beginner, this care guide will help keep your pothos healthy and thriving and help you relish its beauty for years to come!
References
- Ahu Aydogan, Julian Usman, Devin G. Peck, Sungyup Jung, Karen Li, Elizabeth J. Biddinger. (26 May 2020). Golden Pothos viability in engineered mixed bed growth media containing ionic liquids for plant-based building air filtration systems. ScienceDirect.
Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S245221982030121X
