How to Care for Pothos (Epipremnum & Scindapsus) - Expert Tips for Thriving Plants

Epipremnum and Scindapsus are super tough houseplants, perfect for first-time plant parents or homes that don't get much light. They're low maintenance and can handle different growing conditions, like low light and being left alone for a while.

They are known by several different names. Epipremnum is often called Pothos or Devils Ivy, while Scindapsus is known as Satin Pothos, Silk Pothos or Spotted Ivy. Although they are often referred to as one genus, they are actually two separate plants. They look very similar, which is why they are easily confused!

They both belong to the Araceae family and are native to the forests of Southeast Asia. In their natural habitat, they love to climb up tall trees and other things to get closer to the sunlight. That's why they're perfect climbers at home too! You can give them a moss pole or trellis to climb or let them hang beautifully from a shelf or a hanging basket. Either way, they'll thrive and look great in your home!

Devils Ivy & Satin Pothos Care: 10 expert tips for growing it successfully

1. Place your Epipremnum and Scindapsus where they can receive bright, indirect light. Keep them away from intensive sunlight, which can damage their leaves.
2. Water your plants only after the soil has dried half or completely. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so letting the soil dry out before watering is essential.
3. Add a bit of liquid fertiliser to the water once a month. This will give them the nutrients they need to thrive and keep them looking great.
4. Both Pothos plants prefer higher humidity levels but are not too fussy about it. It is best to keep the humidity level at over 40%, as too low a humidity level will result in brown or curling leaves.
5. If you want your plant to grow bushier, try pinching off some of its stems sometimes. This will encourage new growth and help your plant look fuller and healthier.
6. Don't worry if you see yellow leaves on your Scindapsus or Epipremnum plant. It's normal for these plants to produce yellow leaves from time to time as they age, and sometimes leaves may be overshadowed by other leaves.
7. Repot your plants only when they become too big for their container. Pothos plants like to be slightly root-bound, so they don't need frequent repotting.
8. Keep an eye out for pests. These plants are susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Check the leaves regularly for any signs of infestation and treat them promptly.
9. Provide support for climbing. Satin Pothos and Devil’s Ivy are both climbing plants and will benefit from support such as a trellis or moss pole. This will help them grow upright and prevent the leaves from drooping.
10. They can also be grown as hanging plants, where they can trail down from a shelf or a hanging basket, creating a beautiful trailing effect.

Pothos Care Tips

Light requirements

When it comes to lighting, Devil's Ivy and Satin Pothos are both super chill. They're not too picky and can handle different light levels, but they prefer bright indirect light, just like most houseplants. So, pick a spot with filtered sunlight or medium-shade light. Expert tip! Just be careful. Most of them have beautiful patterns, which may fade if you keep them in too much shade. So, give them enough light to show off their beautiful leaves. They can even survive in low light areas of your home, but their growth will be slower, and their leaves may be smaller. But if that doesn't bother you, no worries! These tough plants will still bring some green to your space.

Watering

Satin Pothos and Devil's Ivy are both super sensitive to root rot which is obviously caused by too much water. To avoid this, wait until the top half of the soil or the whole soil ball is dry before watering again. You can easily check this by sticking your finger in the soil and checking if the soil keeps sticking to your finger. If it does, no extra watering is necessary!

It could be a sign of overwatering if you notice yellowing leaves, wilting, or a general decline in plant growth. Don't worry, and act fast! Try watering less frequently and make sure that the soil drains properly.

Good to know! They are both quite dramatic and often droop their leaves to let you know when they're thirsty. But don't worry, if you water them, they should perk up and look much better within a day!

Nutrition

Give your Satin Pothos or Devil's Ivy some extra nutrition in spring and summer. You can feed it with some organic fertiliser like PLNTS nutrition every 3-4 weeks. It’s not necessary, but we do recommend it as it does make your them stronger and more beautiful. And who wouldn’t want that? Just remember to take a break during autumn and winter, as that's the time when most plants rest and don't need extra nutrients.

Temperature & humidity

Epipremnum and Scindapsus plants are pretty chill when it comes to temperature - they like it to be between 15-25°C, which is basically average room temperature. Just avoid exposing the plant to sudden temperature changes, like cold drafts or hot air from heating vents.

These plants also prefer a bit of humidity to help them grow their best. While they can tolerate average room humidity very well, their ideal humidity level is a bit higher, around 40-60%. If you see any brown leaf edges, consider raising the humidity for plants.

Repotting & soil

Pothos plants usually need to be repotted every 1-2 years or when their roots have outgrown their current pot. When you repot them, use PLNTS organic potting soil that's well-draining and rich in nutrients. Your plant will appreciate it!

How to propagate Pothos?

Pothos propagation is one of the easiest things to do! The best way to propagate your favourite Scindapsus or Epipremnum is via stem cuttings.

Just follow these easy steps:

1. Make sure you get a cutting with 1 to 3 leaves and at least one node on a stem. A node is a little bulb on a stem from which new leaves will grow.
2. Cut it carefully from the mother plant and let it grow new roots in water or in sphagnum moss. Just remember to change the water from time to time.
3. Once you see lots of new roots, plant the cutting in well-draining soil and enjoy your new houseplant!
4. That's easy, right? You can propagate Scindapsus and Epipremnum at any time of the year, but the best time is when the plant is actively growing new leaves.

Most common pest and disease on Pothos

Both Scindapsus and Epipremnum are prone to root rot. The good news is that this is something you are responsible for since overwatering causes it. Therefore it is always best to use pots with drainage holes so the remaining water can drain away. Mixing perlite or hydro grains into your soil will reduce the risk because these substrates can absorb water.

If we are talking about pests, most of the time, the Scindapsus gets attacked by scale insects and spider mites. You can prevent infestations by misting your plant with water, as these pests prefer dry environments. Are you suspecting some uninvited visitors on your plant? Check our PLNTSdoctor page to know how to get rid of these pests.

Is Pothos toxic for pets or children?

Unfortunately, the genus Scindapsus and Epipremnum are toxic for our beloved dogs, cats and humans. Ingestion may cause mouth or throat swelling, and we don’t wish that on our loved ones. You can easily prevent this by placing your Scindapsus in a hanging pot or in a closed cabinet. This way, you can still enjoy her beauty, and will everyone around you be safe.

Buy your new Pothos online at PLNTS.com

At PLNTS.com you can buy Scindapsus online, like the famous Scindapsus Pictus Trebie, Scindapsus Epipremnum or rare varieties like the Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight or Treubii Nearly Black.

Whether you like your Scindapsus big from the start or prefer to grow them from tiny BabyPLNTS into full-grown PLNTS - buy your new Scindapsus or Epipremnum online at PLNTS.com.