Let’s talk about pothos (Epipremnum Aureum) – those lovely indoor plants that add a touch of green to any space. While they need humidity to thrive, they’re tough and can adapt to different environments.
Some folks suggest misting them with water to keep the air around them moist and happy. But is it actually doing anything worthwhile?
We’ll answer below and explain why misting could harm your plant rather than help it!
Answering the Question:&Nbsp;Should I Mist My Pothos?
In short, misting your pothos plant is not needed. Instead, you can improve the humidity around the plant by placing your pothos on a pebble tray or using a humidifier during the winter months.
You see, misting doesn’t actually do much to increase the humidity levels around your pothos. Those tiny water droplets look nice on pothos leaves but don’t stick around for long or add much moisture to the air.
What they can do, though, is linger on your plant’s leaves and create a cozy little spot for pest infestations such as mealybugs, fungus gnats, and spider mites and allow fungal diseases to take hold. Yikes!
So, if misting isn’t the answer, what is?
Watering Is More Important Than Pothos Misting
Watering your pothos is super important because it gives it the hydration it needs to grow healthy roots and thrive. Without water, your plant won’t be able to take in the essential nutrients it needs to grow and develop properly.
Conversely, watering is more crucial to your plant’s growth than misting is. Misting doesn’t have the same impact on root development as watering does. Just remember not to overwater your pothos. If excess water remains in the pot for an extended period, it can lead to root rot. Which is one of the main problems pothos owners have.
You’ll know you have rotting roots if you see leaves turning brown or yellow and mushy stems. Follow this guide to save your pothos from root rot.
As long as you’re regularly watering your houseplants, they’ll be on their way to healthy growth! So no need to mist pothos plants.
Note: We don’t recommend watering based on a schedule; instead, always use your finger to test for soil moisture in the top 1-2″ or a moisture meter.
Why People Think They Need To Mist Pothos
Imagine your Devil’s Ivy plant is like a human; its stomata are like tiny sweat glands. Just like how we sweat to regulate our body temperature, plants open up their stomata to exchange the air and release water vapor, a process called transpiration.
However, if the humidity is too low, the plant will lose too much water through its stomata, which it can’t afford to do. As a result, it keeps its stomata closed, which hinders its ability to exchange air and perform photosynthesis, leading to stunted growth and damage to the plant’s health.
So, plant parents think they need to mist pothos to meet the plants’ needs, But, maintaining the proper humidity levels is really what is needed for your plant’s well-being.
Remember, the health of your pothos depends on getting the proper care, including adequate humidity.
Not Misting Pothos, Watering & Still Having Problems… Then Increase Humidity
If you’re worried that your Golden pothos isn’t getting enough humidity, here are some signs to look out for crispy and brown leaf margins, wilting despite adequate moisture, and yellowing leaves.
However, these symptoms can also be caused by other factors like over-watering (which can lead to root rot), fertilizer burn, or exposure to direct sunlight. And if the leaf damage caused by low humidity is severe, it’s best to clip it off.
To ensure your pothos is healthy, make sure you’re providing the basics of 6-8 hours of bright indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, proper drainage holes, watering, fertilizer every two months, and a temperature range of 70-80°F.
While pothos can tolerate low humidity, they will thrive in higher humidity (over 50%) since they are tropical plants. You can use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels surrounding your plant. If low humidity is the issue, you can quickly fix it by following the guidelines in this pothos humidity article.
Grouping Plants Can Help
Gathering plants together can also help slightly increase the humidity levels in a room. This is because plants release a small amount of moisture into the air when they transpire.
However, it’s essential to be cautious when grouping plants together. Mixing plants that thrive in low humidity with those that need high humidity could cause problems for both. So, if you want to use this method to increase humidity, make sure the plants you group together have similar humidity requirements.
Remember, though, that grouping plants is just one method of increasing humidity and may not be sufficient on its own.
Skip Misting Your Pothos, Put Them in the Bathroom
Moving your pothos into a bathroom can be like moving into a greenhouse. And, since pothos like humidity, it will smile with each steaming hot shower or bath, especially during the dry months of winter in cold climates. But is equally effective in warm, dry climates.
The main thing to remember is to ensure the plant still gets enough bright indirect light while avoiding direct sunlight.
Here’s an excellent example of a Neon pothos in a bathroom. Notice how its leaf color really pops:
Faq
Do pothos like to be misted?
What pothos really likes is humidity. Since it’s a tropical plant it mimics its nattily habitat and will thrive. Misting often does more harm than good.
How often should I mist my pothos?
We suggest you should never mist your pothos. As when the proper plant care basics such as proper well-draining soil, humidity level, and watering habits are followed, misting pothos plants is unnecessary.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.