If you’re looking for a houseplant that’s easy to care for and visually appealing, look no further than the pothos plant. Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular plant choice. Here are just a few reasons why pothos make great houseplants.
Maintenance
Pothos plants are incredibly low-maintenance. They can live in a wide range of lighting conditions, from bright indirect light to low-light areas. They’re tolerant to a variety of temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about keeping your home at a specific temperature. Unlike many other houseplants, pothos don’t require frequent watering. They’re also able to survive periods of drought, making them perfect for busy people.
To keep your pothos happy, water your plant every 1-2 weeks, but let the soil dry out between waterings. If your plant is in low-lit area, it may need to be watered less frequently compared to one in sunnier conditions. Signs you are overwatering include: yellowing leaves or black stems. Wilting and dry potting soil are signs that your plant is thirsty.
Another method of keeping this plant alive is by putting the plant directly into water. Find a node, which is spot where the leaf and petiole attaches to the main vine, and place that area in the water. In just a few weeks will you will see roots begin to develop. Keep the water fresh by occasionally changing it out.
Benefits
Another reason that pothos plants make great houseplants is that they also purify the air in your home. In fact, NASA included pothos plants in their list of air-purifying plants. They’re able to remove harmful pollutants like formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene from the air, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve the air quality in their home.
Because they grow quickly, are low maintenance, and are easy to propagate they are very affordable plants. In Florida, pothos can also be found growing wild. They love to climb so when they are given the chance they will attach to trees and shrubs.
Bringing plants in your home can also benefit your mental health. They can help with relaxation by decreasing stress and improving your overall mood.
Beauty
With their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, pothos can add a beautiful touch of nature to any room in your home. You can display these plants in a number of ways, from hanging baskets to tabletop planters. They can also be trained to grow on a trellis or moss pole. There are many varieties of pothos including:
- Marble Queen
- Global Green
- Cebu Blue
- Neon
- Snow Queen
- Baltic Blue
- Harlequin
- Manjula
- Glacier
- N’Joy
- Jade
- Jessenia
Their foliage can add texture and color to any space. Because they’re so easy to propagate, you can easily create new plants from cuttings to add even more greenery to your home.
Disadvantage
Inside the leaves and stems of the pothos plant is a toxin called calcium oxalate. If your pet were to bite or chew the foliage, the toxin can release and can cause burning and irritation of the mouth, drooling, vomiting, decreased appetite, and difficulty swallowing. If you have pets, keep this plant away from them by having it on a higher shelf where they can’t reach it. There are many pet friendly plants available if this is not an option for you.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, air-purifying, versatile, and beautiful houseplant, look no further than the pothos plant. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why pothos is such a popular choice among houseplant enthusiast. So why not add one (or several) to your home today?