How to know when pothos needs repotting?

Author: Prof. Trystan Kertzmann II  |  Last update: Saturday, June 6, 2026

If it's been a while since you last repotted, if you see roots popping out the top or bottom of the pot, or if you see the soil pulling away from the edges of the pot, it's time to upgrade to a slightly larger pot! (2-3 inches larger than the root ball of your pothos plant is best.)

When should I repot my pothos plant?

In terms of the time of year, spring summer, and early fall is the best time for repotting. If you see significant root action coming out the bottom of the pot, then it's time to repot. If your plant has been in the pot for over 5 years, it would appreciate fresh potting mix and a bigger pot if needed.

How do I tell if my pothos is root bound?

5 Signs of a root bound pothos
  • Older leaves start to yellow and die off
  • You can see roots on the surface of the soil and under the pot
  • Pot is hard and cannot be squeezed
  • It has been more than a year since you last repotted it
  • No observable pest infections on the leaves or stems

Do pothos like small or big pots?

You should use at least a 12-inch pot and be sure it's good quality. If it breaks, you will be greatly disheartened because you will not be able to repot it.

What does a pothos look like when it needs to be watered?

A: You can recognize a dehydrated Pothos by its browning, droopy, or wilted leaves, and dry soil. Your Pothos will lack its glossy lock and natural vibrancy.

10 Common Mistakes To Avoid That Kill Pothos Plants

How do you know if pothos is thirsty?

If you use a moisture meter to determine the moisture level of the soil, you're looking for a reading of 2-3 to indicate that your pothos is ready for a drink. Pothos plants also tend to droop slightly when they're thirsty, which is a great reminder if you sometimes forget to water!

Should I mist my Golden Pothos?

Does my pothos need a humid environment? Pothos like humid environments, so you may want to mist the leaves or place the pot on a humidity tray. Alternatively, you can keep your pothos in a naturally humid spot, like a kitchen or bathroom.

Are pothos sensitive to repotting?

Now you know how and when to repot your pothos! Your plant's roots will be a little sensitive, so wait a month or so before you resume fertilizing your pothos with Pothos Plant Food or any other liquid or pellet fertilizer. Now your pothos will have room to grow lots of new, beautiful leaves and trailing vines.

What is the lifespan of a pothos plant?

Lifespan and Longevity

Golden Pothos plants boast a respectable average lifespan, typically ranging from five to ten years. However, with attentive care, these resilient houseplants can grace your space for much longer.

Do pothos like to climb or hang?

Do Pothos like to climb or hang? Pothos naturally vine horizontally or hang downward from their pot unless there is more sunlight to reach up for. Depending on your preferences, these laid-back, easy-to-care-for plants are willing to climb, trellis, weave, or dangle from a hanging basket.

Do pothos like to be crowded?

Your Pothos needs personal space, just like you do on a crowded bus.

How often should I water pothos?

Water your Pothos every 1-2 weeks, allowing soil to dry out between waterings. Expect to water more often in brighter light and less often in lower light. If the plant's leaves begin curling inward or the potting mix is dry, this is a sign you need to water it more often.

Do pothos get root rot easily?

If you are a homeowner or enjoy tackling indoor gardening challenges, pothos plants can be a great addition to your houseplant collection. But as with many foliage plants, there's always the risk of root rot if the environment is too wet.

Should pothos be wet or dry soil?

Pothos typically only need to be watered once every one to two weeks. If your plant is in bright light, it may need to be watered more than that, but usually, these plants don't need too much water in order to thrive and survive. A good rule of thumb is to let the top inch of soil dry out before you water again.

How to encourage pothos to climb?

Climbing: Pothos plants are natural climbers and can develop long vines with aerial roots. If you choose to let your Pothos climb, you will need to provide it with a support structure such as a trellis, Coir pole, or wall-mounted hooks. This allows the plant to grow upwards, creating an attractive vertical display.

How to make pothos bushier?

Pruning directly at the leaf nodes can help the plant to form more bushy foliage. However, the easiest way to get the desired bushy shape is simply to grow several pothos plants in one pot. Tip: Since devil's ivy is poisonous, always wear gloves when working with the plant – especially when pruning and repotting.

Can a pothos go 10 days without water?

Pothos can typically go about 10 days without water, depending on environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and the size of the pot. However, it's not a wise idea to leave your Pothos there without monitoring.

Do pothos need full sun?

Bright, Indirect Light: Pothos plants do best in bright, indirect light. Place your Pothos near a window with a sheer curtain, or in a spot that receives bright but filtered light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can burn the leaves and cause them to wilt.

Do pothos multiply?

Yes! Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate, especially when using the cutting method and rooting water. All you need is water, a jar, your pothos plant, and some scissors.

Do pothos like deep or wide pots?

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos plants have a spreading growth habit and are perfect for wide pots. They are adaptable to various light conditions and are low-maintenance. Succulent Garden: You can create a beautiful succulent garden in a wide, shallow dish or pot.

Do pothos go into shock after repotting?

The Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), a popular houseplant known for its resilience and ability to grow in low-light environments, exemplifies this adaptability. It can tolerate a range of conditions, making it less likely to experience significant shock when moved or repotted.

Do pothos like to be neglected?

Nearly foolproof even for beginners, pothos is forgiving of neglect, virtually pest- and disease-free, and is a great low-light indoor plant perfect for darker rooms and offices.

Does Golden Pothos like coffee?

Yes, Golden Pothos tends to thrive in soil with coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They contain essential nutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which all work together to improve the soil.

What does an overwatered pothos look like?

A: If overwatered, your pothos will typically show signs of yellowing and mushy leaves.

How to make pothos happy?

How to Grow and Care for Pothos
  1. Place it in bright, indirect light.
  2. Plant pothos in Miracle-Gro® Indoor Potting Mix.
  3. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry down between waterings.
  4. Feed pothos regularly with Miracle-Gro® Indoor Plant Food.
  5. Grow more pothos by taking cuttings from the vines.

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