These days, the pothos plant is very famous, especially among people who like plants. The air is really clean because it’s so easy to take care of. That could be why it’s in so many modern American houses.
The National Gardening Association recently did a poll and found that pothos is one of the most popular houseplants in the United States right now. And here’s something crazy: sales rose by 37% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
What does pothos have to do with plants? We’ll learn about all the great reasons to keep this easy-to-take-care-of home plant around, along with helpful tips from experts and reliable sources.
Air-Purifying Powerhouse
One great thing about the pothos plant is that it can make the air in your home much better. NASA did this amazing study in the late 1980s and found that pothos is great at getting rid of formaldehyde, benzene, and other bad things in the air.
These dangerous chemicals are often found in everyday home items, building materials, and furniture. They can make your lungs hurt, give you headaches, and even cause long-term health problems.
A scientist at UC Berkeley named Dr. Emily Williams says that the pothos plant is great at cleaning the air. Because it can soak up toxins, it’s great for places like homes and businesses where people move around a lot.
Easy to Care For
Pothos plants are also great because they are very easy to take care of. This makes them perfect for people who have never grown plants before. These tough plants do well in all kinds of conditions; they can handle low light, being ignored sometimes, and even droughts.
Botanist and author of “Indoor Plant Paradise,” Emma Thompson, says it’s almost impossible to kill a pothos plant. She thinks it’s a great choice for people who want some plants in their home but don’t want to take care of hard-to-take-care-of ones.
Here are some expert tips for keeping your pothos plant healthy and happy:
- Water only when the soil is partially dry, avoiding overwatering.
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth, but pothos can adapt to low-light conditions.
- Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth and remove any yellow or dead leaves.
- Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for indoor plants.
The Visual Appeal and Adaptability of Pothos Plant
There are many useful things about the pothos plant, and it also makes any room feel more beautiful and natural. It has heart-shaped leaves and lush green vines that come in a lot of bright colors, like basic green, yellow, white, pink, and funky patterns of red.
Designer Sarah Davis says, “The pothos plant is a real chameleon.” Because it’s so flexible, it looks great in any style of home, from modern and simple to rural and bohemian.
This plant will bring life and warmth to any room, whether it’s in a hanging basket, on a shelf, or hung from a tall planter.
Pothos Plant Varieties to Consider:
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Golden’)
- Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’)
- Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’)
- Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’)
Mental Health and Well-being
In addition to being helpful and looking nice, the pothos plant can also help your mental health and make you happier in general.
Researchers have found that having plants in your home can help you feel better, be less stressed, and get more done.
Dr. Jennifer Lee, a clinical psychologist and supporter of nature-based therapy, says that having plants in our homes and workplaces can help us feel more connected to nature, which can be very powerful and relaxing.
“The pothos plant in particular is a great choice for those who want to bring a touch of nature into their home in an easy-care way.”
It’s clear that this easy-to-find vine is becoming a must-have for city folks as more people want pothos plants.
The pothos plant has something for everyone: it cleans the air, is easy to take care of, looks nice, and might even help your mood. So get one (or more than one!) for inside and try it out for yourself.
Frequently Ask Questions
Are pothos plants really good at getting rid of bad things in the air?
Yes, pothos plants are pretty good at cleaning the air of formaldehyde, benzene, and trichlorethylene. This process is known as phytoremediation.
If you want to clean the air inside your home, how do pothos plants compare to other plants?
The Clean Air Study by NASA found that English ivy, peace lily, pothos, and snake plants are some of the best indoor plants for cleaning the air.
Is there anything bad that could happen if I grow a pothos plant inside?
The pothos plant is mostly safe, but some of the crystals it has can be slightly harmful to people and pets. Be sure to keep them out of reach of kids and animals that might be interested.
Are pothos plants good for your mental health and work?
An interesting study even found that keeping an indoor plant like a pothos can help you relax, feel better, and keep up with things at home or at the office.
In general, how long do pothos plants stay?
Many pothos plants live for many years if they are well cared for. Some have been kept indoors for over 20 years.
Do pothos plants need to be in the sun?
No, pothos plants do not need a lot of direct light. They can also handle low light levels and the cold. That’s why they work so well in places that don’t get a lot of natural light.
How often should you water a pothos?
Pothos plants can go without water for a while; they only need to be watered when the top layer of soil feels dry. Root rot can happen when there is too much water.
Do pothos plants need dirt to grow, or can they grow in water too?
Yes, you can grow pothos plants in water instead of dirt. That looks great! What a great way to show off their plants. Did you know that some kinds of pothos are better at making the air clean?
How big can a pothos plant get if you grow it inside?
Pothos plants can get really tall—up to 20 feet or more—if you give them the right conditions and care for them well. To keep them from getting too big, you will need to prune them often.
