Best Fertilizer for Pothos Plants – A Complete Care & Feeding Guide

Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy, are among the easiest and most popular indoor plants in Australia. Loved for their heart-shaped leaves, trailing growth, and tolerance of a wide range of conditions, they thrive with minimal care. However, providing the right fertiliser can take your pothos from a simple green vine to a lush, vibrant showpiece that grows faster and maintains rich leaf colour year-round.

Pothos Plant Overview & Key Varieties

Pothos is a tropical climbing and trailing vine native to the Solomon Islands, widely grown indoors as a low-maintenance houseplant. Its ability to tolerate low light and occasional neglect has made it a top choice for beginner and experienced plant owners alike. In Australia, pothos plants are commonly grown in hanging baskets, on shelves, or trained up moss poles for a vertical display.

Common types of pothos include:

Golden Pothos: Classic green leaves with golden-yellow streaks, fast-growing and hardy.
Marble Queen Pothos: Creamy-white variegation across green leaves, prefers brighter light to maintain patterns.
Neon Pothos: Bright chartreuse leaves that bring a pop of colour indoors.
Jade Pothos: Solid deep-green foliage, extremely tolerant of low-light conditions.

When given proper nutrition, these varieties produce denser foliage, longer vines, and more vibrant variegation. In nature, pothos climbs trees with aerial roots, but indoors, they adapt perfectly to water, soil, or semi-hydro growing methods.

How to Grow & Maintain Healthy Pothos

Growing pothos successfully indoors or in shaded outdoor spaces in Australia is straightforward, but understanding its preferences will help your plant thrive and produce dense, cascading growth. Whether planted in soil, water, or semi-hydroponic setups, pothos responds well to consistent care.

Sunlight: Pothos tolerates low light but prefers bright, indirect light for the best leaf colour and variegation. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves, and rotate the plant occasionally for even growth.

Soil & Watering: Use a free-draining indoor potting mix with perlite or orchid bark to prevent waterlogging. Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry. In water propagation, refresh water weekly and ensure roots remain submerged without stagnation.

Humidity & Temperature: Pothos thrives in typical indoor humidity but responds well to higher moisture levels, especially during hot Australian summers. Keep temperatures between 18–30 °C for active growth.

Pruning & Training: Trim long vines to encourage bushier growth and use cuttings to propagate new plants. Training vines along shelves, trellises, or moss poles mimics their natural climbing habit and encourages larger leaves.

Common issues include yellowing leaves from overwatering, pale growth due to nutrient deficiencies, and slow growth in low light. With correct watering and a seasonal feeding routine, pothos will remain an enduring, low-maintenance feature in your home or office.

Fertiliser Needs & Feeding Schedule for Pothos

While pothos is often praised as a “set-and-forget” plant, fertilisation dramatically enhances its growth rate and leaf colour. As a foliage-focused vine, it responds best to balanced nutrients that support healthy roots and leaves without forcing rapid, weak growth.

Nutritional Guidelines:

Moderate nitrogen for leaf and stem development
Balanced phosphorus and potassium for overall plant health
Micronutrients like magnesium and iron to prevent yellowing (chlorosis)

Seasonal Feeding Tips:

Spring–Summer: Fertilise every 4–6 weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser to drive active growth.
Autumn: Reduce feeding to once every 6–8 weeks as growth slows.
Winter: Pause fertilisation if the plant is dormant in cooler areas; resume in spring.

Recommended Product: For lush, vibrant pothos growth, use CompleteGrow Indoor Plant Food Concentrate Fertiliser 100ml. This balanced formula supports healthy roots, rich green foliage, and variegation without the risk of overfeeding.

FAQs – Pothos Care & Fertilisation

Does pothos need sunlight? It tolerates low light but grows best in bright, indirect light for vibrant variegation.
Can I grow pothos in water? Yes, keep the roots submerged in fresh water and change it weekly to prevent rot.
Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow? Likely due to overwatering or nutrient deficiencies; adjust watering and feed regularly.
Is pothos poisonous to cats? Yes, like most aroids, pothos can irritate pets if chewed.
How often should I fertilise my pothos? Every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser.