Pothos is an easy-to-maintain houseplant. It is kept widely by house plant enthusiasts across the world. Their minimal care needs make it an ideal plant for enthusiasts who have just started off the hobby. However, to ensure that the pothos grows well, it is necessary to provide the right kind of growing conditions for the plant.
High-quality soil which meets the plant’s requirements is a primary factor for healthy pothos. So, what kind of soil do pothos need?
What kind of soil is best for pothos?
All kinds of pothos do best in soil that is well-drained and aerated. It is best to go for potting mixes best suited for the pothos. Another alternative is to make your potting mix using regular soil, pat moss, vermiculite, or perlite. Such a potting mix is best suited for your pothos.
Pothos Soil requirements
So, let us explore more about the type of soil your pothos needs to grow well–
Drainage
The pothos needs well-drained soil. A soil that retains excessive water can be fatal for the pothos. It can lead to water stagnation and cause infections such as root rot which can eventually kill your pothos. So, it is important to choose well-drained soil. Also, use a pot that has proper holes to facilitate drainage.
Water retention
Similarly, if the soil you use has no water retention capability, it will cause problems. So, if your soil has too much sand and gravel, the water will runoff. Once the water runs off, there is likely no water for the roots to absorb. It will cause the plant to begin to turn dry and crispy. If left unattended, the plant is likely to die due to a lack of water.
Aeration
If the soil for your pothos is too compact and clayey, there will likely be less amount of air present in it. The roots absorb air from the soil, and if there is no air to absorb, it will lead to suffocation. It can cause severe damage to the roots as well as the plants. So, it is important to ensure that the soil you use is well aerated.
Further, as the roots develop, the soil becomes compact. So, over time the aeration of the soil reduces. So, it is important to ensure that the plant is repotted at least once every year to ensure a healthy plant.
Nutrient-Rich Soil
Another important factor is the nutrients in the soil. Since the plant absorbs most of its nutrients from the soil it is important to use soil that is rich in nutrients. It can be done by mixing equal parts of regular potting mix and peat moss, along with some perlite, compost, and vermiculite. An easier alternative would be to use a store-bought potting mix suited for your pothos.
Thus, these are the steps that you need to keep in mind while choosing the right kind of soil for your pothos.
