Pothos plants (botanically known as *Epipremnum aureum* or *Epipremnum pinnatum*) are absolute rockstars in the world of houseplants. They’re super popular because they’re incredibly low-maintenance, and honestly, they aren’t very picky about where you put them either.
The Best Spot for Your Pothos
When you grow Pothos indoors, they’re happy pretty much year-round in various spots. You can let them trail beautifully as hanging plants or give them a climbing aid like a moss pole to scale. If you place one near a wall, it’ll naturally start to climb. This is a great way to frame a window or even let the vines grow across the room for a lush, jungle vibe.
Temperature and Humidity
Since we’re keeping Epipremnum as an indoor plant, warmth is key. They love a cozy room temperature around 70°F (20°C). During the winter, just make sure the temp doesn’t drop below 60°F (16°C).
One thing Pothos really isn’t a fan of? Drafts. They can get pretty grumpy if they’re constantly hit by cold air, especially in the winter. In the summer, a little fresh air from a cracked window is fine, as long as the plant isn’t sitting directly in the line of fire.
As for humidity, these plants love a steamy environment (like a bathroom!), but they’re also perfectly happy in standard household air. They aren’t divas about it!
Lighting Needs
Pothos thrive in bright spots. They can even handle some sun, but you’ll want to avoid harsh, direct midday sunlight, which can scorch their leaves if they aren’t shaded. Your Pothos will be happiest in:
- Morning and/or evening sun
- Bright, indirect light (dappled shade)
- Tucked under the canopy of larger, leafier houseplants
They can also tolerate lower light or shadier corners. Just a heads-up: if you have a variegated variety (the ones with pretty yellow or white patterns), it might lose its coloring and turn solid green if it doesn’t get enough light. The plant does this to create more chlorophyll to soak up what little light it has!
Moving Your Plant
If you need to move your Pothos, it’ll usually tell you how it feels about the change. If the new spot has better light, you’ll see it grow much faster. If the light is worse, the plant might go into a bit of “shock” at first, but it’s a survivor and will eventually adapt to its new home.
Can They Go Outside?
Unlike many other houseplants that love a “summer vacation” outdoors, I wouldn’t recommend putting your Pothos outside. They’re sensitive to drafts and wind, and finding a spot on a porch or balcony that isn’t too breezy or too sunny can be a challenge. Plus, temperatures can be unpredictable—if it dips below 60°F at night, your Pothos won’t be happy. It’s usually best to keep this one safely tucked away indoors!
