The Pothos Plant is an excellent choice for a new gardener who’s looking for an easy-to-care-for indoor plant. This species is widely regarded as one of the best indoor plants for novices because they are simple and low-maintenance plants that truly amp up the beauty of your home.
In this post, let’s explore why the Pothos is the best houseplant for beginners. We’ll also answer some of the web’s most-asked questions about the Pothos Plant.
What Is Pothos Plant?
First things first, just what is a pothos plant? The Pothos plant, scientific name Epipremnum aureum, aka devil’s ivy, golden pothos, or money plant, is a hardy species of trailing vine with heart-shaped leaves. Its color is pretty unique, mostly light green with splashes of white and yellow.
Pothos has aerial roots, allowing them to climb or trail. Although it’s popularly known as an indoor plant, the devil’s ivy also thrives outdoors. When grown outside, it reaches an incredible height, especially when supported by big trees. The leaves also grow many times larger.
The pothos plant works beautifully as a houseplant, which is among the reasons why it’s so popular. Many homeowners display their pothos as hanging plants. But the trend these days is simpler and more low-key—put pothos in cute pots, place them on shelves, and let the vines trail naturally, trimming them as needed.
Why Is Pothos Plant Called Devil’s Ivy?
The Pothos Plant is called Devil’s Ivy because it is almost impossible to kill the thing (as in the lore that the devil is hard to kill). Plus, it stays evergreen, even in low-light conditions.
This species is so hardy and versatile that even you leave it without water for a couple of weeks. And it will still be capable of returning to great health if it gets a small amount of water. It can thrive in any place where people live, even more so outdoors.
Why Is Pothos Great for Beginners?
The Golden Pothos is a great houseplant for novices. They are perfect for novice gardeners or anyone who doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to plant maintenance—this foliage species can survive poor lighting conditions and irregular watering.
Overwatering is a common issue among houseplants, but not the Golden Pothos. It can easily survive a waterlogged environment, while other indoor foliage quickly suffers in the same situation. Its rotten roots could grow healthy again or re-establish themselves once the living condition changes.
Another thing, this species is great for beginners because it’s not particularly picky with pots and location. It can creep up a pole or grow in a hanging pot or basket. As it is a vine, the pothos is perfectly capable of trailing along the walls and the ceiling like a living curtain. It can essentially survive and flourish even when used as a low-maintenance desk plant that’s placed in a glass of water.
Where Do Pothos Plants Come From?
They (as in Wikipedia and Britannica) say that the Epipremnum aureum naturally grows in some areas in the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. But the species has become naturalized in many tropical countries in Asia, growing wildly even as far as Australia and South Africa.
Of course, you can see the species everywhere around the globe these days as indoor plants. You can find it in apartments, cafes, shops, and restaurants—just practically everywhere. When you search “pothos plant near me” you’ll most likely find that a shop in your local area sells one.
Can Pothos Plant Grow in Water?
Yeah, this species can grow in water. In fact, a Pothos Plant without soil can pretty much survive as long as it has access to water. To emphasize, it grows just as well in water as in a pot with soil.
It will live longer if you change the water every two to three weeks or once it looks cloudy. If you grow it in water, it pays to be extra mindful in ensuring your Pothos has better access to the right lighting conditions.
Are Pothos Plants Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is that, yes, the beautiful Pothos Plant is potentially toxic to both cats and dogs.
Like other toxic plants, the Golden Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalates. These are small crystals that work like microscopic needles when chewed and ingested. It may cause your cat or dog to experience severe pain, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, drooling and swelling.
The intensity of the symptoms could vary, depending on the amount of Pothos eaten and the animal’s size. If you suspect that your cat or dog ate parts and bits of the Pothos Plant, contact your vet right away.
Do Pothos Plants Like Coffee Grounds?
Yes, the Pothos Plant tends to like coffee grounds.
Coffee grounds are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, coffee grounds contain essential nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, that all work together to improve the soil.
Coffee grounds can help to regulate soil temperature and are an excellent way to encourage growth in your plant. Moreover, adding coffee grounds increases soil acidity while also providing a great source of nitrogen, which is beneficial to your pothos.