Plant Care

How to Water Pothos: The Foolproof Beginner Method

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Learn the foolproof method for watering pothos plants that prevents overwatering and keeps your devil's ivy thriving year-round.

JJessica Chen

October 30, 2025

Person checking pothos soil moisture with finger test for proper watering timing — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Water pothos when top 25-50% of soil feels dry, typically every 7-14 days. Plants droop dramatically when thirsty, making timing obvious.

TL;DR

Watering pothos is incredibly forgiving—check the top 25-50% of soil and water when dry. These plants actually prefer to dry out between waterings and will droop dramatically to tell you they're thirsty. Overwatering causes more problems than underwatering, so when in doubt, wait another few days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water my pothos plant?

Water your pothos when the top 25-50% of soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 7-14 days depending on season, pot size, and environmental conditions. Use the finger test rather than following a strict calendar schedule—stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil, and if it feels dry, it's time to water. Summer growing season requires more frequent watering (every 7-10 days), while winter dormancy extends intervals to 10-14 days or longer.

Why are my pothos leaves drooping after watering?

If leaves droop immediately after watering, you likely have overwatering or drainage problems. Healthy pothos should perk up within 2-4 hours of proper watering. Drooping after watering indicates waterlogged soil that prevents roots from absorbing oxygen. Check for drainage holes in your pot, ensure excess water can escape, and consider if you're watering too frequently. Drooping before watering is normal and means your plant is thirsty.

Can I use tap water for my pothos?

Yes, most tap water works fine for pothos plants. However, if your tap water is heavily chlorinated (you can smell it strongly) or very hard (leaves white spots on dishes), consider letting water sit overnight before using or switching to filtered water. Signs that water quality might be an issue include persistent brown leaf tips despite proper watering practices. Simple solutions include filling your watering can after each use to let chlorine evaporate or using a basic water filter.

What happens if I overwater my pothos?

Overwatering causes yellow leaves that fall off easily, musty soil odor, and potentially root rot. Unlike underwatering (which shows dramatic drooping but quick recovery), overwatering damage develops slowly and can be serious. Signs include soft brown or black spots on leaves, black mushy roots, and a sour smell from soil. Stop watering immediately, check roots for rot, and repot in fresh soil if necessary. Prevention is key—always let soil dry appropriately between waterings.

Should I water pothos more in summer?

Yes, pothos needs more frequent watering during summer growing season (June-August). Longer daylight hours, higher temperatures, and active growth increase water uptake. You might need to water every 7-10 days instead of winter's 10-14 day cycle. However, always use the finger test rather than assumptions—air conditioning can create drier conditions requiring more water, while high humidity might actually reduce needs. Watch for new growth as your signal that growing season has begun.

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Tagged with

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Written By

Jessica Chen

Jessica transformed her small Brooklyn balcony into a thriving container garden after moving to New York City. What started as a pandemic hobby turned into a plant care consulting business serving urban apartment dwellers across the city. She specializes in small-space gardening, indoor plant troubleshooting, and helping clients keep houseplants alive in less-than-ideal conditions (dim light, dry heat, tiny spaces). Jessica completed a home gardening certificate program and shares her plant wins and failures on her modest Instagram following. Her partner, Maya, jokes that their apartment is now 40% plants, 60% living space. Jessica's passionate about making plant care accessible to renters who think they don't have room to garden.