How To Keep A Pothos Houseplant Happy & Healthy Throughout Winter

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When the landscape looks dull and gray outside, it's easier to appreciate the bright and cheerful greenery of indoor houseplants. Ensure your pothos (Epipremnum aureum) stays healthy and happy throughout the winter, or really any season, with four key tips. Make sure you keep your plant out of direct sunlight, water only when dry, tuck it away from drafts, and fertilize occasionally.

First, keep in mind that there are many varieties of pothos, and they sometimes have slightly different needs, depending on the specific cultivar. Some of them, like 'Jade,' are especially adaptable to shade. In general, however, when you're looking to care for vine houseplants, they all share some basic needs and characteristics, so some general strategies apply here — no matter the type.

Know that almost all kinds of pothos prefer indirect light, since many of them are native to jungles in Asia, where they're used to having at least some shade from tree canopies. Sun scorch can be a real issue for these otherwise no-fuss growers. You'll know they've had too much direct light if you start to see yellow spots on leaves that turn brown. Direct sun also might cause leaves to turn a paler, washed-out shade of green, so avoid putting pothos in sunny windowsills. Many varieties happily tolerate full shade, though sometimes growth can slow down if they're left too long in the dark. 

Are you wondering why your pothos leaves are turning yellow? Overwatering could be the cause. You only want to water this plant when the dirt feels completely dry. Too much water causes all kinds of problems, including root rot, a fungal infection that thrives in wet conditions. Poke your finger in the soil for a quick test, and if it comes out clean, then it's thirsty. 

Pothos are tropical varieties and hate the cold, so be sure to keep them away from any drafty windows or doors. This green vine, which thrives in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10-12, prefers the air to be humid and temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees. They can even die if the temperature drops below 50 degrees. Sudden temperature swings, either with a cold draft or by a dry heating vent, might also stress out your houseplant. 

Fertilize the soil every so often to safeguard its health as well. This means give it a little nutrient boost with houseplant food once a month or so in the winter. The best liquid fertilizer for indoor plants includes the most important nutrients: Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. (But most standard houseplant fertilizers will include these.) If you aren't sure where to start or which kind to buy, try Easy Peasy liquid indoor plant food. With these tips in mind, you can pick the perfect spot where your pothos is easy to take care of.