Pothos Care Schedule
Epipremnum aureum
7 recurring tasks keep a pothos in good shape, across 6 categories. Budget roughly $10–120 a year at typical U.S. prices; 7 of them you can do yourself.
Fertilizing
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize DIY | Monthly | $0–15 | Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer; it is a light feeder that tolerates skipped doses. |
Grooming
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotate for Even Light DIY | Every 2 weeks | Free / DIY | Rotate the pot every two weeks so all trailing vines get even light and keep their variegation. |
| Dust Leaves DIY | Monthly | Free / DIY | Wipe the heart-shaped leaves with a damp cloth monthly to remove dust and keep them glossy. |
Pest
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Inspection DIY | Every 2 weeks | $0–10 | Check for mealybugs and spider mites along the vines, especially where leaves meet the stem. |
Pruning
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prune DIY | Every 3 mo | Free / DIY | Trim long vines back to a node to keep growth full rather than bare and leggy; cuttings root easily in water. |
Repotting
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repot DIY | Every 2 yr | $10–30 | Repot every 1-2 years when roots circle the pot or poke through drainage holes. |
Watering
| Task | How often | Est. cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water DIY | Every 9 days | Free / DIY | Water every 7-10 days when the top inch dries; pothos droops dramatically when thirsty and perks right back up. |
Common questions
Is Pothos toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or swallowed, typically causing mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting. Keep it out of a pet's reach, and contact your veterinarian or a pet poison line if your pet ingests it.
How often does a pothos need maintenance?
A pothos has 7 recurring tasks across 6 categories, ranging from frequent, quick jobs to once-a-year items. The schedule below lists each one with how often it's due and what it typically costs.
How much does pothos upkeep cost per year?
Budget roughly $10–$120 a year at typical U.S. prices. 7 of the 7 tasks are DIY-friendly, which pulls the actual number toward the low end.
What pothos maintenance can I do myself?
7 of the 7 tasks here are marked DIY. Those are routine, low-cost jobs that don't need a pro. Each row below notes which is which.
Intervals and costs are typical-case estimates for U.S. owners; your climate, usage, and local prices will shift them. Information here is general reference only and may be estimated or AI-assisted. It is not professional advice. Verify with a qualified professional before acting, and use it at your own risk. See our Terms & Disclaimer.