Do Pothos Like Humidity: Understanding the Needs of Your Indoor Plant

Oleh Norma Purdy June 17, 2023 Post a Comment

Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is a popular indoor plant that is loved for its low maintenance and air-purifying properties. Despite being easy to care for, pothos can sometimes be tricky to keep healthy, especially when it comes to humidity levels. In this blog post, we'll explore everything you need to know about whether pothos like humidity and how to maintain optimal humidity levels for your plant.

What is Pothos?

Before we dive into pothos' humidity requirements, let's take a quick look at what makes this plant so special. Pothos is a member of the Araceae family and is native to French Polynesia, Fiji, and other Pacific islands. It is a vine plant that can grow up to 10 feet long and has heart-shaped leaves that come in various shades of green, yellow, and white.

Pothos is an ideal indoor plant because it can tolerate low light conditions and does not require frequent watering. It is also known for its air-purifying properties, which can help improve the air quality in your home or office.

Do Pothos Like Humidity?

The short answer is yes, pothos likes humidity. However, it is important to understand that pothos can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, from dry to humid. Ideally, pothos prefers moderate to high humidity levels between 40-60%.

If the humidity level drops below 40%, pothos may to suffer from dry air, which can lead to brown, crispy leaf tips and edges. On the other hand, if the humidity level is too high, it can create a breeding ground for pests, such as spider mites or mealybugs.

To maintain optimal humidity levels for your pothos, you can use a hygrometer to measure the humidity levels in your home. If the humidity level is too low, you can increase it by using a humidifier, placing a tray of water near your plant, or grouping your plants together to create a microclimate.

How to Increase Humidity Levels for Pothos

Here are some tips on how to increase humidity levels for your pothos:

Use a Humidifier - A humidifier is an easy and effective way to increase humidity levels in your home. You can place a small humidifier near your pothos or use a larger one to humidify the entire room.
Group Your Plants Together - Grouping your plants together can help create a microclimate that is more humid than the rest of your home. This is because plants release moisture through transpiration, which can help increase humidity levels.
Use a Pebble Tray - Place a layer of pebbles at the bottom of a shallow tray and fill it with water until the water level is just below the top of the pebbles. Place your pothos on top of the pebbles, making sure that the roots do not come into contact with the water. The water will evaporate, creating a humid microclimate around your plant.
Mist Your Pothos - Misting your pothos with water can help increase humidity levels temporarily. However, be careful not to mist your plant too often as this can lead to fungal growth or waterlogging.
Use a Moisture Barrier - You can also create a moisture barrier around your pothos by placing a plastic bag over the pot or covering it with a cloche. This will help trap moisture around your plant and increase humidity levels.

Signs of High and Low Humidity Levels

It is important to be able to recognize the signs of high and low humidity levels in your pothos. Here are some common signs to look out for:

Signs of Low Humidity

Brown, crispy leaf tips and edges
Leaf drop
Slow growth
Brittle stems

Signs of High Humidity

Yellowing leaves
Fungal growth
Pest infestations
Root rot

How to Reduce Humidity Levels for Pothos

If the humidity level in your home is too high, you can reduce it by using a dehumidifier, opening windows and doors, or using fans to circulate air. You can also move your plants to a less humid area of your home, such as a room with better ventilation.

In conclusion, pothos likes humidity, but it is important to maintain optimal humidity levels to keep your plant healthy and thriving. By using a hygrometer to measure humidity levels, using a humidifier, grouping your plants together, using a pebble tray, and misting your plants, you can help create the ideal environment for your pothos to grow.

Remember to keep an eye out for signs of high and low humidity levels, and take steps to adjust the humidity levels if necessary. With these tips, you can enjoy a lush and healthy pothos in your home or office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How often should I water my pothos?

A1: Pothos should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This usually means watering once a week, but it can vary depending on the humidity levels in your home.

Q2: Can pothos survive in low light conditions?

A2: Yes, pothos can survive in low light conditions, but it may not thrive. Ideally, pothos prefers bright, indirect light.

Q3: What kind of soil is best for pothos?

A3: Pothos prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mixture of potting soil and perlite or sand can work well.

Q4: Can I propagate my pothos?

A4: Yes, pothos is easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Simply cut a stem below a node and place it in water or soil until it develops roots.

Q5: How do I prune my pothos?

A5: You can prune your pothos by cutting off any dead or damaged leaves or stems. You can also trim back the plant to promote bushier growth.

Q6: Can pothos grow in water?

A6: Yes, pothos can grow in water, but it may not be as healthy as a plant grown in soil. If you choose to grow your pothos in water, make sure to change the water regularly and add nutrients to keep the plant healthy.

Q7: What kind of pests can affect my pothos?

A7: Pothos can be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, and thrips. Regularly inspect your plant for signs of infestation and take steps to control pests if necessary.