How to Water Golden Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Quick Answer
Water golden pothos every 7 to 10 days in spring and summer, when the top inch of soil is dry. Stretch to 12 to 18 days in late fall and winter.
Soak until water runs out the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. Pothos forgive a missed watering far more easily than a soggy pot.
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How Often and How Much to Water
Adjust the sliders below for your pot size, light, and setting. The numbers assume a chunky aroid mix and a pot with drainage.
Setting
Every
9days
Use
1cup
Your Watering Rhythm Across the Year
Soil dries faster in the growing season, which varies by region. Slow down watering in the off-season to avoid overwatering.
Pacific
Mountain
Midwest
Northeast
Southeast
JFMAMJJASOND
Growing season
Growing season
9days
Resting season
3–4weeks
How to Water Your Golden Pothos
Soak deeply, drain fully. Pothos roots want a full wet-then-dry swing rather than constant dampness.
1
Pour room-temperature water at the soil line. Cold tap straight from the faucet can slow root activity in winter, but anything close to room temp is fine.
2
Keep pouring slowly until water runs out the drainage holes. That tells you the rootball is fully soaked instead of just the surface.
3
Empty the saucer or the cache pot after 10 minutes so the roots are not sitting in standing water.
4
Lift the pot before and after watering. The weight difference is the easiest cue you will use to time the next watering.
Should You Water Your Golden Pothos Today?
Always check before you pour. Pothos rot fast in soggy soil but bounce back from a dry spell, so when in doubt, wait another day.
Hold off
Leaves feel firm and look glossy
Vines hold their shape on the trellis or shelf
Top inch of soil still feels damp
Soil sits tight against the pot wall
Pot feels heavy when lifted
Ready for water
Leaves look dull or limp
Vines drooping down at the tips
Top inch of soil dry and crumbly
Visible gap between soil and pot wall
Pot feels almost empty
If Something Looks Off
Underwater and overwater can look alike on the surface. Both stop water from moving up to the leaves and you see drooping or yellowing either way. Use the rows below to tell them apart.
Underwatered
Soil
Bone-dry through the pot and pulled back from the walls
Leaves
Whole vine droops and leaves feel papery
Pace
Slow decline that bounces back within hours of soaking
Next steps
Set the pot in a basin of room-temperature water for 20 to 30 minutes so the dry rootball can rehydrate from the bottom
Drain fully and put it back in its usual spot
Expect the vines to lift back up within 6 to 12 hours
Existing damage will not reverse but the leaves still photosynthesize from the green parts. Wait for new growth before fertilizing
Overwatered
Soil
Stays dark and damp for days with a sour smell
Stem
Soft and blackening at the soil line
Leaves
Yellowing in patches with brown spots and stunted new growth
Pace
Sudden collapse that worsens even after you stop watering
Next steps
Stop watering and check for fungus gnats around the soil. Tiny black flies hovering at the surface are a near-certain sign the soil has stayed wet too long
Slide the plant out of the pot and trim any dark mushy roots back to firm white tissue
Repot in fresh chunky aroid mix and a clean pot with drainage holes
Wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry before the first watering
Remove leaves that have yellowed completely or rotted at the base
Got More Questions?
Should I water my hanging pothos more often than one on a shelf?
Slightly. A hanging basket usually has more airflow on all sides and the soil dries faster than a pot tucked against a wall.
Check the top inch of soil with your finger every few days and water when it feels dry. The calculator above accounts for pot size and light, but airflow can shave a day or two off.
Why are the variegated leaves turning solid green?
That is light, not water. Pothos variegation depends on bright indirect light. In a dim corner the plant produces more chlorophyll to compensate and new leaves come out greener.
Move it closer to a bright window and the next round of new leaves should show more variegation again.
How long can I leave it before a vacation?
About 2 weeks at most. Water deeply the morning you leave and move it slightly away from the brightest window so the soil dries more slowly.
For longer trips, set the pot inside a deeper saucer with an inch of water at the bottom. The soil will wick moisture as it dries. Drain the saucer the day you get back.
Can I use tap water?
Yes. Pothos handle ordinary tap water without any problems. Chlorine and fluoride at municipal levels are not an issue here.
If your tap is very hard, you may see a white mineral crust on the soil surface over time. Pour a few extra cups of water through the pot every few months to wash it through.
Should I water above or below the leaves?
Either works, but pour at the soil line rather than over the foliage. Wet leaves are harmless but they slow drying and can encourage fungus where they meet the stem.
Bottom watering, where you set the pot in a tray of water and let it wick up, is fine for pothos and a good occasional soak.
How long should I wait to water after repotting?
Wait 5 to 7 days. Repotting tears small roots and watering immediately into damaged tissue is one of the fastest ways to start root rot.
When you do water, soak deeply once and let the soil dry to the top inch before watering again. The plant will rebound from any droop within a day.
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About This Article
Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist
Editorial Process
Watering guidance verified against Epipremnum aureum growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
108,959+ Greg users growing this plant
USDA hardiness zones 10a–12b