Hanging pothos
Discover watering, soil, fertilizing, pests, styling, and troubleshooting tips for Hanging Pothos from our experience growing and caring for it in our Brooklyn home!
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Hanging pothos care guide
care at a glance
How to care for Hanging pothos?
Pothos, also called Devil’s Ivy, is a fast-growing, low-maintenance trailing plant that thrives in nearly any indoor setting.
- Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry, and allow excess water to drain.
- Tolerates low to bright, indirect light and prefers temperatures between 65–85°F.
- Toxic to pets if ingested, causing oral irritation and vomiting (ASPCA).
- Plant in a well-draining potting mix with perlite; fertilize monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid feed.
- Common issue: yellowing leaves from overwatering—check drainage and let soil dry more between waterings.
- Propagate easily by placing stem cuttings with at least one node in water or moist soil.
2. Care mistakes we have learnt to avoid with hanging pothos
- Letting the top of the pot stay too dry because the vines look healthy: Hanging pothos often hide soil dryness behind lush trailing leaves, and ours crisped at the crown long before the vines showed stress. The roots at the top die back first, which makes the whole plant thin out over time. Now we water from above slowly until the entire top layer is evenly soaked.
- Hanging it too far from the window because “pothos tolerate low light”: Trailing pothos lose variegation and shrink leaf size dramatically when light comes only from the side or below. Ours grew long, bare vines with tiny leaves even though it was technically “alive.” We keep our hanging ones no more than 2–3 feet from a bright east or west window so light actually hits the top growth point.
- Using a deep hanging pot that stays wet at the bottom: Deep pots hold onto moisture that pothos roots don’t use quickly, especially when hanging away from airflow. We had root rot on one plant even though the vines looked fine for weeks. Now we use wide, shallow hanging pots with chunky soil so the bottom never gets swampy.
- Watering the same in winter because the plant still looks full: In Brooklyn winters the vines stay pretty, but the root ball drinks much less because the soil stays cold. We overwatered one plant for months thinking the lush foliage meant it was thirsty. Now we lift the pot to check weight and water far less in winter even if the plant looks vigorous on top.
3. A real issue we have had with hanging pothos plant in our home
Bald, leggy vines even while the plant looked “lush” from below: We were surprised when new leaves kept getting smaller and farther apart, almost like the plant was aging overnight. The real cause wasn’t fertilizer at all—it was that the top of the plant wasn’t getting enough direct light, even though the trailing vines were thriving. Once we moved the whole pot closer to the window so the crown got morning sun, the next few nodes filled in and the leaves sized up again.
lineage and Symbolism
The Hanging Pothos (aka Epipremnum aureum) from the Araceae family has heart-shaped leaves, dappled in golden hues or marbled whites that create flowing, and elegant trails. It makes a great trailing plant near windows of our living room, but It fits perfectly in kitchens, bedrooms, or even a cozy bathroom! it can stretch up to 10 feet or more if it’s happy. A fun fact: this plant is so hardy, it can even grow in water alone!
The Hanging Pothos symbolizes perseverance and growth – best suited for Taurus known for their patience and dedication to nurturing plants
$44
“These plants are lush and healthy. My fish will love them to help keep the water parameters healthy. (Bare roots, no dirt.)”
what we wish we knew before buying hanging pothos
Hanging pothos look full online, but they thin out fast if the crown doesn’t get strong, direct-facing light: We assumed long vines meant the plant was thriving, but the top kept balding while only the ends stayed pretty. The truth is that a hanging pothos needs the top growth point lit directly, not just the trailing vines receiving side light. Once we learned that and kept the pot within a couple of feet of the window, the plant finally grew dense instead of stringy.
Plant that pairs well with similar care needs
Light and placement
What is the light requirement for Hanging Pothos?
We recommend placing your hanging pothos in bright, indirect light for best growth. A spot near an east-facing window works wonders, we aim for about 6 to 8 hours of indirect sunlight each day. If placed in a dim corner, it will still survive, but if its a variegated type, it might fade. Golden and neon pothos tolerate low light much better!
How to know if Hanging Pothos is not getting right amount of light?
When it’s getting too much light, the leaves can scorch, turning yellow or brown. And if it’s getting too little light, we might see slower growth and the leaves losing their vibrant variegation, turning a solid green. They also become leggy – meaning the gap between the leaves on the stem starts to wide if they get insufficient light.
Where to place Hanging Pothos and where to avoid?
We recommend placing your hanging pothos near an east or north-facing window. The gentle morning sunlight from an east window is perfect. In summer, we suggest pulling it back a bit if it’s near a west or south-facing window since the midday sun can get too intense. During winter, you might want to move it closer to a window, as the lower light levels require more exposure. Avoid dark corners or places with no natural light—while hanging pothos is hardy, too little light will stunt its growth and reduce the vibrancy of its leaves.
how does hanging pothos behave through seasons?
Spring: quick rebound and fuller growth at the crown
Growth picks up fast, especially at the top where new leaves cluster. We water a bit more because the soil dries evenly again in brighter light. We give a light fertilizer every 3–4 weeks to encourage bigger leaves near the base. The only issue is pale new growth if it’s hung too far from the window, so we keep it close during this season.
Summer: longest vines and fastest drying soil
The plant grows aggressively, often adding inches a week. We water more often because hanging pots dry faster in cross-breeze. We move it slightly back if leaves get sun-spotted from strong afternoon light. Heat brings fungus gnats if the pot stays damp, so we keep the mix airy.
Fall: slowdown and the start of leaf shrinkage if light drops too fast
Growth slows and the top nodes space out more. We start watering less because cooler rooms keep the soil moist longer. We pull the plant closer to the window to keep leaf size from dropping. The main issue is sudden legginess, so we prune lightly to redirect energy.
Winter: sparse growth and very slow drying times
The plant barely grows, and new leaves come in much smaller. We water sparingly—every 10–14 days—because cold soil stalls roots. We keep it at our brightest window but away from radiators so the crown doesn’t crisp. Our biggest issue is overwatering masked as “winter thirst,” so we go by pot weight, not the vines.
Soil
What soil composition to use for Hanging Pothos?
We recommend a mix of 60% well-draining potting soil and 40% perlite or coarse sand – this keeps the roots aerated while allowing excess water to drain. If you tend to water less frequently, adding loam into the mix (50% potting soil, 30% perlite, 20% loam) helps retain some moisture. Keep the pH slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0-7.0. Using topsoil isn’t necessary as standard potting mix will do the work for this hardy plant.
Best soil to use for Hanging Pothos?
This is a great standard soil mix for your indoor hanging pothos and this will help pot at least 4-5 6 inch pots!
Temperature and Humidity
What is the best temperature condition for Hanging Pothos?
Your hanging pothos thrives best between 65-85°F. If you’re in a warmer region, keep it away from direct heat sources such as radiators or windows as too much heat can cause wilting or leaf burn. In colder areas or winter months, avoid drafts or temperatures below 50°F, which can lead to leaf discoloration or drop. If the leaves start curling or browning at the edges – it’s a sign the plant is too cold. Misting occasionally or using a humidifier around it during drier/colder months wil do wonders for this already hardy plant.
What is the best humidity condition for Hanging Pothos?
Hanging pothos thrives in moderate humidity – ideally between 40-60%. Adding humidifiers in drier regions helps prevent the leaves from curling or browning at the tips. And too much humidity can lead to fungal growth or yellowing leaves – if you notice water droplets forming on the leaves, it’s a sign the air might be too humid, and better air circulation could help.
fertilizer
What is the best fertilizer composition to use for Hanging Pothos?
We recommend using a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 to mimic the nutrient-rich forest floors of its natural tropical habitat. The key nutrients to focus on are nitrogen: for leafy growth, phosphorus: for root development, and potassium: for overall health. Fertilize once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), and stop the rest of the year.
For a simple DIY recipe: mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts (for magnesium) with 1 teaspoon of baking soda (for root health) in a gallon of water. Use it monthly to boost growth naturally.
How and when to fertilize Hanging Pothos?
We recommend fertilizing your hanging pothos every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. Use a diluted liquid fertilizer at half strength and apply it directly to the soil, avoiding the leaves to prevent burn. Always water the plant before applying fertilizer to prevent root damage.
What are the signs Hanging Pothos needs food?
We usually notice slow or stunted growth, pale or yellowing leaves, or reduced variegation. Also as a general rule, if you have maintained all the light, and watering and humidity conditions as explained above, and still the plant looks generally dull, then you know it is time to fertilize
Best fertilizer to use for Hanging Pothos?
Pots and planters
What are the best pots to use for Hanging Pothos?
We recommend using medium-sized pots, around 6-8 inches, to give the roots space without overwhelming the plant. Choose lightweight materials – plastic or resin – to avoid stressing the hanging fixture. Make sure the pot has good drainage holes to prevent root rot. A round or shallow shape works well to allow the vines to cascade over the edges.
Watering
How and When to water Hanging Pothos?
Your hanging pothos prefers moderate watering – water it when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry, generally every 2 weeks, adjusting based on season: more frequently in summer and less in winter. Better to underwater than to overwater for this plant as it’s root will rot.
If you’re using a well-draining mix with perlite or loam, water thoroughly until it flows out of the drainage holes. Water in the morning to give the soil time to dry during the day
what are the Signs of over or under watering Hanging Pothos?
Overwatering your hanging pothos leads to yellowing leaves, mushy stems, root rot with a musty smell. The leaves may also feel soft and start dropping. Underwatering typically shows up as wilting, browning leaf edges, and crispy, dry soil – this however is rare for this plant.
If the plant looks droopy but perks up after watering, it’s a clear sign it was too dry, and a sign to alter your watering schedule for the season.
pruning
When to prune Hanging Pothos and why?
Pruning your hanging pothos keeps it healthy and encourages fuller growth by removing dead or leggy vines. Prune in spring or early summer. If you notice long, bare vines with few leaves- or if it looks too heavy and unbalanced, it’s time for a trim
how to prune Hanging Pothos?
Use clean, sterilized, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut just above a node (the point where leaves and roots emerge as shown in the image) to encourage new growth at that spot. Aim to remove yellowing leaves, dying vines, or overly long stems – but avoid cutting more than a third of the plant at once to prevent shock
how to care after pruning Hanging Pothos?
Water the plant lightly and keep it in bright, indirect light to help it recover. Watch for new growth, which typically starts within a few weeks!
propagating
When to Propagate Hanging Pothos?
Propagating your hanging pothos is easiest through stem cuttings. Water propagation is the most beginner-friendly and visually rewarding. The best time to propagate is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
how to Propagate Hanging Pothos?
Cut the Vine: Using clean scissors, cut a healthy vine just below a node (the point where leaves and aerial roots grow).Make sure the cutting is about 4-6 inches long.
Prepare the Cutting: Ensure the cutting has at least 3-4 leaves. Remove the bottom leaves to expose the node and leave the top leaves intact.
Water and Position: Put the cutting in a jar of water, submerging the node while keeping the leaves above the waterline. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Keep this in bright indirect light for a couple of weeks and you’ll start to see growth.
how to care after propagating Hanging Pothos?
Once the roots are 2-3 inches long, transfer the cutting to a pot with well-draining soil. After propagation, water sparingly – once in 2-3 weeks – and keep it in indirect light.
Troubleshooting common issues
1. Why are the leaves of my Hanging Pothos drooping?
Cause: Underwatering or overwatering. Lack of water causes the leaves to wilt, while too much water leads to root rot.
Solution: Immerse your index fingers 2-3 inches in the soil and check to see if it’s soggy, if so let it dry out before watering again. if it’s too dry, water thoroughly until the water drains out of the drainage holes
2. Why is the color of my Hanging Pothos fading?
Cause: Nutrient deficiency, or low light.
Solution: Move the plant to a spot with indirect light, use sheer curtains where necessary, and use the fertilizer recommended above, applying only to the soil avoiding the leaves and preparing the plant by watering before hand.
3. Why are the leaves of my Hanging Pothos yellowing?
Cause: Overwatering, or low light.
Solution: Reduce watering if the soil is soggy, move to brighter indirect light. A lot of times yellow leaves are just a result of aging, go ahead and prune them.
4. Why are there Brown tips to the leaves of my Hanging Pothos?
Cause: Dry air, underwatering, or salt buildup in the soil from tap water.
Solution: Increase humidity around the plant by misting or using a humidifier. Water with distilled or filtered water to avoid salt buildup.
5. Why are there spots on leaves of my Hanging Pothos?
Cause: Fungal infection, or too much direct sunlight burning the leaves.
Solution: Improve air circulation – consider putting them outside in a shaded place, and remove affected leaves. You can also consider using a fungicide or neem oil to get rid of the infection – Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water and a few drops of mild dish soap to help the oil stick. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and mist the entire plant and repeat every 7-10 days until the spots clear up.
6. Why are there leggy stems on my Hanging Pothos?
Cause: low light conditions makes the plant stretch to find more sun.
Solution: Prune back leggy stems and move the plant closer to a light source.
7. Why is my hanging pothos shedding leaves?
Cause: Sudden changes in environment, such as temperature drops
Solution: Keep the plant in a stable environment, avoid cold drafts, placing near heaters or AC.
curated styling tips
1.Bedroom Wall Climber: Train your hanging pothos to climb a trellis or wire grid mounted on the wall behind your bed. The vines will grow vertically, adding a green, serene backdrop. Since pothos thrive in moderate light and temperatures, a bedroom is an ideal spot for its growth. Use soft ties to encourage the vines to spread upwards. This natural leafy headboard doubles as a living art installation!
2.Living Room Corner Ladder: Set up a decorative wooden ladder in the corner of your living room and let your hanging pothos climb or cascade down from the top. Its trailing vines will create a beautiful green waterfall effect. The natural wood of the ladder pairs perfectly with the plant’s vibrant green hues. You can easily adjust watering since the pot will be easily accessible too!
3.Window Frame Drapes Train your pothos to vine around a window frame using small hooks or clips to guide the vines along the edges. Over time the vines will frame the window, while allowing the sunlight to filter through its leaves. This setup mimics nature’s way of growing around tree trunks and creates a living!
FAQ
Is Hanging Pothos toxic to pets?
Yes, hanging pothos is toxic to pets. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing if ingested
Does Hanging Pothos like to be placed outside in summer?
Yes, it can thrive outdoors in warm, shady areas. But avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. If the nighttime temperatures drop below 50°F, bring it back indoors.
What are advantages and disadvantages of Hanging Pothos?
Advantages include its low maintenance and air-purifying qualities. The downside is that it can become leggy in low light and is toxic to pets
How big does a hanging pothos grow?
Indoors, it can grow up to 10 feet or more, with its vines trailing beautifully down. if pruning is done properly, we have one of our pothos going up to 15 feet as well!
Can I train my hanging pothos to climb?
Yes, you can train it to climb by guiding its vines up a trellis or along a wall – use soft ties or hooks to support the stems as they grow toward the light
tips from trusted blogs online
- “I’ve had better luck when I DON’T change the water regularly (*gasp*). I just keep it topped up. But change the water if you see it turning murky, but that’s rare.” Source: Reddit
- “Golden pothos really don’t like their roots disturbed… after repotting they often go limp and have leaves yellow and die. All you can do is keep watering like normal and wait.” Source: Reddit
- “Too big pot = too much wet soil = prolonged wet feet and an unhappy plant! … it is recommended to increase by 1″ diameter at most.” Source: Reddit
- “Cutting just below a node again and setting in water with no hormone in a sunny windowsill. I think variegated pothos take longer to root than completely green pothos.” Source: Reddit
- “They release a hormone that aids in rooting. I almost never change the water when propping them and I only top it off.” Source: Reddit
