Are you having trouble deciding what type of pot to use for your pothos? Well, you are not alone. Choosing the right pot is the key to a thriving plant. However, not all pots are created equal, so different types should be used depending on their use.
Here are some general rules you should follow when selecting pothos pots, and some of our top picks to help you find the perfect one!
Stop! Is This a New Plant?
When bringing a new pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum) home, it is recommended that you leave it in its original pot for at least six months before repotting. This will give the plant time to adjust to its new environment and establish a robust root system.
Don’t worry; you can still put the plastic grow pot into a decorative pot (cachepot) that matches your home decor. We recommend this; it is our preferred method of potting all our plants.
How Are You With Watering?
First, consider your watering habits. If you tend to overwater your plants, use pots made of porous materials such as clay- terracotta, concrete, or wood. These materials will absorb moisture away from the soil faster than other materials, preventing root rot caused by too much water.
However, if you forget to water your plants, you should choose pots made of materials that retain moisture, such as glazed ceramic, glass, or metal. These materials will keep the soil moist for extended periods.
What About Depth… Do Pothos Need Deep Pots?
Well, here’s the deal: pothos plants are known to have a relatively shallow root system, so they don’t necessarily need deep pots. In fact, using a pot that’s too deep can sometimes do more harm than good.
Here’s why: If the pot is too deep, the soil at the bottom can become waterlogged, leading to root rot and other nasty problems. Not fun! Plus, a pot that’s too deep can also make it harder for water to reach the plant’s roots, which can cause it to dry out and wilt.
So, while pothos plants don’t necessarily require deep pots, choosing a pot that’s the right size for your plant is still essential. A pot that’s too small can restrict the growth of the roots, while a pot that’s too large can cause the soil to stay too moist for too long. This applies when repotting your pothos as well.
7 Types of Pots for Pothos & Recommendations
“Any container will do for Devil’s Ivy, as long as it’s got drainage holes,” say the experts. And while pothos may not be too particular about the materials, some pots work better than others.
In the world of indoor gardening, the correct container can make all the difference for your plant’s health and vitality. We’ll cover the main types below and offer suggestions to help you choose. The pots are typically available in different sizes, so you can fit one no matter how small, or large your plant is currently.
Choose wisely, my friend! Here are some of our favorite picks (click on the pictures for more information and pricing. Note: they are affiliate links¹):
1. Terracotta Clay Pots
Terracotta pots are the plant world’s superheroes, loved by novice and seasoned gardeners alike. They are the go-to choice for many plant enthusiasts because they are affordable, versatile, and incredibly attractive with their signature reddish hue.
Crafted from coarse and porous clay that’s been baked to perfection, these pots are like magic for your plants. They allow air and water to pass through their pores, providing a well-draining environment ideal for houseplants like pothos.
Plus, unlike glazed pots that trap moisture, terracotta pots allow excess moisture to escape, preventing your plant from drowning in a pool of water.
So if you want to give your pothos plant the gift of a superhero, terracotta pots are the way to go!
Note: With terracotta pots, water mineral deposits will sometimes appear, and white fuzzy mold on the pots. Don’t worry; this is normal and easily cleaned.
This is a set of two terracotta pots in sizes 4″ and 6″, with a drainage hole in the bottom.
If you have a mature pothos plant and need a larger terracotta pot, this set may work. They’re white in color and have a macramé wrap.
2. Ceramic Pots
Get ready to add some personality to your pothos plant with these unique and stylish ceramic pots!
Glazed and unglazed pots are available, with the former having a coat of lacquer that helps prevent the potting soil from drying out too quickly. However, it also means you must be careful not to overwater your pothos.
On the other hand, unglazed ceramic pots can help prevent overwatering but may require more frequent watering.
3. Nursery Pots / Plastic Pots
In the realm of pothos pots, plastic reigns supreme. They offer a cornucopia of options, from their widespread availability to low prices. With various colors and designs, finding the perfect pot to complement your style is effortless.
Yet, as with all good things, there is a caveat. Plastic pots do not have the absorbing capacity of their counterparts, which can result in overwatering and eventual harm to your beloved pothos.
Nevertheless, they serve as a boon for hanging pothos plants that tend to be neglected and overlooked. In addition, by retaining moisture, plastic pots serve as a shield for forgetful gardeners who may neglect to water their pothos for a few days.
The feather in plastic pots’ cap is their lightweight nature, which makes them ideal for mounting on walls and ceilings. This attribute is especially crucial for those with drywall or hollow plaster, as it provides extra protection for your home.
Here are some of our top picks:
These plastic nursery pots offer excellent drainage and are perfect for cachepots.
These plastic pots have are a bit more fancy than the standard nursery pots. But, do not have as much drainage.
4. Hanging Basket Pots
Plastic pots are a highly practical option for hanging pothos plants, and the white hanging pots under discussion are a prime example of their functionality.
Not only do they come with a removable drip tray, but the water level is also easily visible even when the tray is attached. This feature ensures that maintaining ideal moisture levels for your pothos is a breeze and helps avoid overwatering.
Moreover, these pots are available in various colors, including sophisticated dark gray, so you can choose the one that best complements your aesthetic preferences.
Another benefit of hanging planters is that it makes the pothos inaccessible to pets or children. This is important because these plants can be toxic. So, keep an eye on the vines as they drape downward to prevent toxicity.
This level of versatility and functionality makes plastic hanging basket pots a wise choice for any indoor gardening enthusiast.
Sometimes hanging baskets do not include a drainage tray (important for pothos). This one does include a tray.
This hanging basket is frosted black in color, but does not have a drainage tray. You’ll need to use a nursery pot inside of it.
5. Metal Pots
Metal pots offer a durable alternative for your pothos. Unlike ceramic or terracotta pots, metal ones are less prone to breakage and come in various metal materials, including aluminum, that can add interest to your indoor garden.
However, it’s worth noting that metal rusts over time, which can affect the pot’s appearance. Metal pots are also generally heavier than plastic ones and less flexible.
It’s important to check if the metal pot already has drainage holes. It is harder to add them later on.
Alternatively, you can use the metal pot as a decorative cover (cachepot) for the pothos grow pot with drainage holes. This way, you can still enjoy the metal pot’s aesthetic value without worrying about drainage.
If your pothos is on the smaller side this set of metal pots are excellent.
For mature pothos houseplants, the above metal pot is a good choice.
6. Self-Watering Pots
While self-watering pots may not be the most recommended option for pothos, some indoor gardeners swear by them. These innovative pots come with an inner and outer container and are designed to make watering a breeze.
They can significantly reduce the time and effort you need to spend watering your pothos and also take the guesswork out of knowing when your plant needs watering. They are particularly useful for people who forget to regularly water their plants.
However, there are some downsides to self-watering pots, and the most significant disadvantage is the increased risk of overwatering.
As you may know, overwatering plants often leads to root rot and other issues. So, while self-watering pots can be convenient, it’s essential to monitor your pothos carefully to avoid any potential problems.
What is great about the above pot is that it has excellent drainage, while allowing self-watering.
You can also make your DIY self-watering indoor plant pot by using the method in this video:
7. Fabric Pots
Fabric pots are an eco-friendly and low-maintenance option for houseplants that dislike waterlogged soil, such as pothos. And are an excellent option for beginners.
They are made of breathable material, similar to terracotta, but are lightweight and durable.
These pots can be used alone or placed in a more substantial container, such as a metal or wooden holder. They also work well in hanging baskets.
While the above fabric pot is made for growing plants, below are pots that are more for decoration. You should use them as a cachepot.
What Size Pothos Planter Is Best
When selecting the optimal pot for your beloved pothos, size matters. As tempting as it may be to opt for a larger pot that dwarfs your plant, doing so can cause more harm than good.
The golden rule to adhere to is to choose a pot that’s only about 2 inches larger in diameter than the root ball or the old smaller pot of your pothos.
While it may be tempting to believe that your plant will eventually grow into its spacious surroundings, the reality is that this can be detrimental to your plant’s well-being.
For example, a pothos pot that is too big for your plant can interfere with the plant’s ability to absorb essential nutrients and water, leading to stunted growth and increasing the likelihood of fungal diseases.
To ensure that your pothos thrives and flourishes, opt for an appropriately sized pot.
How Do You Know if a Pothos Needs a Bigger Pot?
When your pothos’ roots begin to grow out of the drainage holes or the top of the potting mix (signs your pothos is rootbound), it’s time to find a larger pot. Another sign of a pot that is too small is when water runs straight through it.
Don’t Forget Your Home Decor
When deciding the best pot for your pothos, aesthetics can play an important role.
You want to avoid placing rustic-looking pothos with modern decor or vice versa, as this can create a jarring effect on your home decor.
Therefore, it’s essential to select a pot that matches the style and ambiance of your home while also complementing the beauty of the plant.
The variety of pothos could also impact your pot choice. Some cultivars, like the Neon pothos, have extremely bright green heart-shaped leaves. While the more common Golden pothos will have a deeper green color with yellow variegation.
FAQ About The Best Pots For Pothos
Are terracotta pots good for pothos?
Terracotta pots are a tried and true classic for growing houseplants, and pothos is no exception. These pots have been used for centuries due to their many benefits.
For one, they are made from natural clay material that provides adequate drainage for your plants. Moreover, their porous nature allows for airflow, which helps prevent root rot.
One thing to remember when using terracotta pots for pothos is that they are more absorbent than other materials. This means that the soil inside the pot may dry out faster, so you’ll need to water your plant more often.
Place the pot on a drip tray to catch excess water and increase humidity levels around the plant to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly.
Can pothos grow in small pots?
Pothos can grow in a slightly small pot to prevent them from becoming too big. Although a smaller pot is not good, too large is also. A pot should not be more than 2 inches larger than its root ball or current pot.
Pot depth is also important, as the roots need enough space to absorb nutrients and water but not so deep that it becomes difficult for the plant.
Does the Pot Have to Have Drainage Holes?
To prevent the occurrence of fungal diseases, it is best to grow pothos in pots with drainage holes, especially at the bottom.
Without good drainage, excess water can cause the soil to become too moist, increasing the risk of root rot, a severe fungal disease that can affect pothos. That is also why we recommend potting mediums¹ that improve drainage but retain some moisture, such as coco coir and perlite.
Using a pot with proper drainage holes on the bottom of the pot can help reduce the risk of root rot and keep your plant healthy.
What kind of pots does pothos like?
The pots pothos plants like are the right size (2″ larger than old pot), have drainage holes, and fit your decor, climate, and plant leaf color.
References
1: Effects of Different Pot Mixtures on Pothos (Epipremnum aureum Lindl. and Andre ‘Golden Pothos’) Growth and Development. (n.d.). Retrieved March 4, 2023, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/211547556_Effects_of_Different_Pot_Mixtures_on_Pothos_Epipremnum_aureum_Lindl_and_Andre_%27Golden_Pothos%27_Growth_and_Development
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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.