Plant guide
ポトス
Watering rhythm
Every 5–7 days
Pothos is a trailing vine from the Araceae family, known for its distinctive heart-shaped green leaves. Native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, it's beloved by beginners for being incredibly easy to grow and forgiving. One of its best qualities is its ability to thrive even in low-light conditions, making it adaptable to almost any spot in your home.
Bright, indirect light is ideal, but pothos adapts well to lower light too. Keep temperatures comfortable between 15–25°C, and avoid anything below 5°C. Aim for humidity around 40–60%. Steer clear of direct sun and avoid placing it where air conditioning drafts will hit it directly.
Light and temperature change a plant's metabolism, so the ideal cadence shifts with the seasons.
Spring
Every 5–7 days
Summer
Every 4–6 days
Autumn
Every 6–8 days
Winter
Every 10–14 days
Water thoroughly when the soil surface feels dry to the touch—water until it drains from the bottom of the pot. The key to success is avoiding overwatering; sitting in moisture leads to root rot. Check your plant daily by feeling the soil with your finger to gauge whether it's dry or moist. Soft, limp leaves are your plant's way of asking for a drink.
Quick lookup from symptom to likely cause and action.
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves turning yellow and roots becoming mushy | Too much water or poor drainage is keeping the soil constantly wet. Pothos really dislikes sitting in moisture. | Stop watering immediately and move the pot to a well-ventilated spot. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. If roots are already rotting, consider repotting into fresh soil. |
| Leaves wilting and losing color | The plant hasn't had enough water for a while, or the roots are bound up and can't absorb water properly. | If the soil is bone dry, give it a thorough watering right away. If the problem persists, repot into a container one size larger. |
| Stems stretching out with large gaps between leaves | Not enough light—your plant is reaching and stretching to find it (called leggy growth). | Move it to a brighter location, or trim back the stems between March and May to encourage bushier growth from the side buds. |
| Brown spots appearing on leaves | Cold drafts or low temperatures, or possibly an early sign of disease or pest trouble. | Remove affected leaves if disease is suspected. Keep temperatures above 15°C and away from drafts. Check that humidity isn't creeping too high. |
| Tiny insects on leaf undersides or sticky residue on leaves | Spider mites or scale insects may have moved in. | Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove pests. If they keep coming back, use an insecticide made for houseplants. Regular humidity also helps prevent infestations. |
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