All types of Pothos plants, or Epipremnum aureum, do best in well-drained potting soil for pothos. Compacted pothos potting soil or mixtures without enough air pockets keep the plant’s roots too wet, leading to root rot on many indoor plants.
The best potting soil for pothos includes soil and soil-free mixtures with peat moss, vermiculite, or perlite. These mixtures are suitable for all pothos types, including golden pothos, marble queen, and jade pothos.
What Type of Soil is Best for My Pothos Plant?
Pothos plants, especially when potted in golden pothos soil, do not like sitting in water, and their pots must have drainage holes. If your Pothos sits in water too long, it will suffer a tremendous case of root rot sets in and plants fail to thrive.
The Pothos flourishes in well-drained soil. Soil that does not drain well can end up drowning the roots it’s meant to nourish.
Related: More on Pothos Root Rot
Well-Draining Soil Types
You can either mix your own soil mix for pothos or buy a pre-mixed soil. Either must be lightweight, not dense, and full of ample air space. This allows for absorption and efficient drainage.
Mixing Your Own
You will need a balanced mixture of ingredients for efficient drainage and adequate nutrition. A good combination contains most or all of the following components:
- Vermiculite – hydrated minerals used for water and nutrient absorption; aerates the soil
- Peat moss – a partially decomposed soil layer found in bogs; excellent for water and oxygen retention
- Perlite – a naturally occurring mineral that retains its shape, has pockets for air, and absorbs water quickly.
- Sand – used for extra drainage and air pockets
- Shredded Bark – adds air pockets and drainage
- Compost – adds nutrients to the soil (use compost outdoor plants only)
- Coco coir – an organic compound from the coconut tree. It adds to the absorbency, water retention, and drainage of potting soil. It is often used as a peat moss substitute.
NOTE: Don’t use garden soil even on outdoor plants. The soil is too heavy, good root growth difficult, and often fungus gnats can be an issue.is not
Pothos Soil Mix Recipe
The best potting mix for pothos that is well-draining and provides good air exchange is simple to make.
- 4 Parts Peat Moss or Coco Coir
- 2 Part Perlite
- 1 Part Vermiculite or sand
- 1 Part shredded bark
If you’re thinking about what soil to use for pothos and decide to make your own potting soil mixture, remember to test the pH level first. Pothos plants aren’t picky but prefer pH levels between 6.1 and 6.5.
Purchasing a Pre-Made Pothos Potting Mix
The easier and more popular option is to buy a high-quality potting mix for pothos from your local garden center. Look for compounds that contain perlite for adequate aeration.
Many potting mixes are soilless, and which means they’re sterile. This keeps pests and fungi out of your plant.
Soilless mixes are excellent for moisture absorption but do not provide organic nutrients for the soil. You will need to add these.
What Is A Pothos Plant?
Golden Pothos, is one of the vibrant pothos types, is a houseplant with waxy heart-shaped leaves and long ivy-like tendrils. It is easy to maintain and quite forgiving. They enjoy bright indirect light conditions
There are a few varieties of pothos types, such as:
It is also nicknamed Devil’s Ivy because killing this plant completely is almost impossible.
No matter the variety, whether it’s a Golden Pothos or Marble Queen, all Pothos have similar requirements for their potting soil for pothos.
Related: Details on Caring For Pothos Devil’s Ivy
Bottom Line
Whether you buy a pre-mixed soil for golden pothos or create your own, it must be well-draining and provide room for air for your Pothos roots to breathe.