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 — 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 real number toward the low end.
What pothos maintenance can I do myself?
7 of the 7 tasks here are marked DIY — 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 and may be estimated or AI-assisted — not professional, medical, or veterinary advice. Verify against your owner's manual, a professional, or your vet before acting. See our Terms & Disclaimer.