Pothos Fertilizer Needs - Pothos Plant Food Tips

Do pothos need fertilizer? These beautiful, easy-to-grow plants require little care and will even tolerate a certain amount of neglect. In fact, if you forget about feeding pothos, the plant will continue to grow. However, a little fertilizer will give the plant a boost. Here are a few tips on pothos fertilizer needs.

Feeding Pothos: Do Pothos Need Fertilizer?

Potting soil often comes with fertilizer pre-mixed, so if the soil is fresh, you won’t need to worry about feeding pothos for about six months. After that, regular feeding will replace depleted nutrients. 

What Is the Best Pothos Fertilizer? 

It isn’t necessary to use a special pothos plant food and any good quality, all-purpose fertilizer will work. 

Water-soluble fertilizer is easy to use and it’s difficult to make a mistake, however, the amount suggested on the label is usually too strong and may burn your plant. Take a look at recommendations provided by the manufacturer and then mix it to half strength. Mix the fertilizer in a watering can and use it to water your plants. One feeding of water-soluble fertilizer every two to three weeks is generally plenty. 

You can also use dry, granular, or powdered fertilizer. Read the label carefully, as the amount will vary depending on the size of the container and other factors. Be conservative, as the amount recommended is usually on the high side. Again, half-strength is a good rule of thumb. Never use dry fertilizer on dry soil. 

Some people like to use a slow-release fertilizer, which breaks down slowly and provides nutrients over a period of time. Typically, one application lasts three or four months. 

Understanding pothos fertilizer needs doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a couple of basic things to remember:

1. Don’t overdo it. Too little fertilizer is always better than too much.
2. Feed your pothos when the plant is actively growing during spring and summer, and then give it a rest during fall and winter. Resume feeding pothos when the days are getting longer in late winter or early spring, beginning with a light application.