Grouping indoor plants with suitable companions, such as the popular pothos, simplifies plant care and offers numerous benefits. We will delve into the top Pothos companion plants and discuss how combining them can improve your indoor gardening success.

Discover the potential that these plant pairings hold for your indoor oasis.

The 16 Best Pothos Companion Plants

Ideal pothos companion plants include those with similar care requirements and contrasting visual features. Combine climbing, upright, or patterned foliage plants to create a dynamic indoor garden. Experiment with diverse species to discover the perfect pairings for your home.

Here is a list of sixteen plants with details for some ideas:

1. Spider Plant

Spider plants are one of the most common houseplants, known for their long, thin foliage in green and white hues. They are relatively hardy and considered one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Spider and pothos plants together make great companions due to their similar light requirements, both preferring bright, indirect sunlight for 6 to 8 hours a day.

2. Snake Plant / Dracaena

Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria or Dracaena, are another excellent option for indoor gardeners who sometimes forget to care for their plants. Both pothos and snake plants are tropical plants that can tolerate some neglect, such as irregular watering and low-light conditions.

Sansevieria, typically grow between 3 to 4 feet tall and feature long straight foliage. Snake plants come in various varieties, each with unique features and growth patterns.

3. Jade Plant

Jade plants are succulents with glossy, bright foliage that resembles the jade gemstone. They can reach about 24 inches and do well when their soil dries.

They can tolerate drought-like conditions, making them a good companion for similarly low-maintenance pothos.

4. Begonia

Plants such as begonias have deep green foliage and produce small blooms in various colors. These plants have similar lighting requirements and are regarded as low-maintenance indoor plants.

This makes them an ideal companion for pothos, as you will only need to spend a little time caring for either plant.

5. Ficus Benjamina

Also called weeping figs, Ficus benjamina share similar watering needs and prefer the same bright, indirect light. This houseplant can flourish in your home for many years with proper care.

These plants have a weeping form with large, leathery, oval leaves that come in various shades of green.

6. Asparagus Fern

When combined, asparagus ferns and pothos plants create an eye-catching contrast between the bright, feathery fronds of the former and the deep, thick green foliage of the latter, making them an instant focal point in any room.

In addition, asparagus ferns are easy to grow and tolerant of various conditions, making them excellent companions for pothos.

7. Monstera / Swiss Chees Plant

Monstera deliciosa, or Swiss Cheese Plant, is a sought-after houseplant due to its large, glossy, and uniquely perforated leaves. In addition, the split leaves add a tropical touch to any space, making it a great companion for pothos.

In addition, Monstera plants prefer bright and indirect light and be watered when the top 1″ of soil becomes dry, similar to pothos’ care requirements. When grown together, these two plants create a lush, green, and exotic atmosphere indoors.

8. Peace Lilies

Peace lilies, or Spathiphyllum spp., are popular houseplants known for their dark green and shiny leaves and unique white flowers. The flowers, modified leaves called spathes, surround a central spadix that holds the actual, tiny flowers.

They prefer bright, indirect light and consistently moist soil, making them suitable companions for pothos in terms of care. Also, peace lilies are known for their air-purifying abilities, making them a beneficial addition to any indoor garden when paired with pothos.

9. ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a hardy, low-maintenance houseplant with a distinctive appearance. Its thick, glossy, green leaves grow in a zigzag pattern along the stem, providing an interesting visual contrast when paired with the trailing leaves of pothos. In addition, ZZ plants can tolerate lower light levels and require less frequent watering than pothos, making them resilient companions in care requirements.

Combining pothos with these companion plants allows you to create a visually appealing and easy-to-care-for indoor garden. In addition, each of these plants offers unique characteristics that complement pothos, making them excellent choices for enhancing your indoor plant collection.

10. Ponytail Palm

Ponytail palms have a unique appearance, with a shape similar to a ponytail and an unusual, dome-shaped stump. The stump gradually transforms into a slender stem adorned with clumps of long and leathery leaves as it grows upwards.

Due to their low-maintenance requirements and similar growing conditions to pothos, these plants make excellent companions.

11. Philodendron

Philodendrons are tropical houseplants with similar growing requirements as pothos, making them ideal companion plants. These plants act as natural air purifiers, improving air quality, and have large, shiny leaves that add a tropical vibe to a room.

As low-maintenance plants, they need 6 – 8 hours of indirect sunlight and minimal watering, making them easy to care for when grouped together.

12. Fittonia / Nerve Plant

Fittonia, also known as nerve plants, are low-growing plants with delicate, veined leaves in green, white, and pink shades. They thrive in bright, indirect light and high humidity, making them an excellent companion for pothos in a terrarium or other humid environment. Fittonia’s colorful foliage provides a beautiful contrast to pothos’ solid green leaves.

13. Hoya

Hoyas, or wax plants, are tropical vines with waxy leaves and fragrant, star-shaped flowers. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining potting soil that can dry out between watering.

Hoya and pothos trail beautifully and can create a lush, jungle-like display when grown together.

14. Peperomia

Peperomia plants are a diverse group of tropical plants with fleshy leaves and various textures, patterns, and colors. They do well in bright, indirect light, well-draining potting soil, and being allowed to dry out between waterings. In addition, Peperomia’s compact growth habit makes it an ideal companion for pothos in a small space, such as a windowsill or tabletop garden.

15. Tradescantia Zebrina

Tradescantia, also known as wandering jew, is a trailing plant with striking purple, green, and silver foliage. It prefers bright, indirect light and a well-draining potting mix that is consistently moist. Tradescantia’s vibrant colors and long, trailing stems make it an eye-catching addition to an arrangement.

16. String of Pearls

The string of pearls, also known as Senecio rowleyanus, is a unique trailing plant with small, spherical leaves that resemble pearls on a string. It prefers indirect (but bright) light and well-draining soil that can dry out before watering again.

String of pearls and pothos have long, trailing stems and can create a stunning hanging display when grown together.

Creating a Stunning Pothos Garden Display

To design an eye-catching pothos garden display, consider the following tips:

Use Diverse Containers

To enhance the visual appeal of your indoor garden, you can introduce a variety of container sizes, shapes, and materials. This will create a sense of depth and visual interest.

Arrange by Growth Patterns

Place taller plants towards the back and trailing plants on higher shelves or in hanging baskets to create a sense of depth and showcase all plants effectively.

Maximize Vertical Space

Utilize shelves, wall-mounted planters, or hanging baskets to make the most of vertical space and create a striking visual impact.

Group by Care Requirements

Simplify plant care by grouping pothos and companion plants with similar care requirements, such as light conditions or watering schedules.

Experiment with Color and Texture

Combine different pothos varieties and companion plants with contrasting foliage to create a visually appealing and dynamic arrangement, such as Neon pothos and Golden pothos.

The Art of Mixing Pothos with Other Plants

Companion planting, a time-honored gardening practice, offers advantages to both the gardener and the plants involved. Combining pothos with other plants enhances your home’s visual appeal and fosters more vigorous, healthier growth, as research demonstrates the positive impact of plant cohabitation.

Is Mixing Other Plants With Pothos Okay?

Looking to mix pothos with other plants? Pothos can be paired with plants that prefer indirect light and soil that isn’t too wet. Conversely, steer clear of plants that prefer alkaline soil, direct sunlight, or excessive watering. Ideal companion plants for pothos include Peace Lilies, Chinese Evergreens, and Philodendrons, as they share similar growing conditions and preferences.

Understanding Companion Planting

Companion planting involves placing plants with complementary characteristics close to one another to create a mutually beneficial relationship. This practice can help deter pests, enhance growth, and even improve the flavor of certain fruits and vegetables.

In the case of indoor gardening, companion planting can make it easier to care for your houseplants by grouping those with similar requirements together and creating a visually appealing display.

Benefits of Companion Planting with Pothos

Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is a well-liked indoor plant due to its attractive foliage and low-maintenance characteristics. When grown in combination with other plants, pothos can enjoy several benefits:

Improved growth: Plants grown together can help support one another, leading to healthier growth. Some plants release chemicals that can stimulate the development of their companions, while others can help to maintain the correct humidity levels around the plants.
Pest control: Some plants naturally repel pests, keeping them away from more susceptible companions like pothos.
Aesthetic appeal: Combining pothos with other plants can create a visually stunning display that enhances the beauty of your indoor garden.

Choosing the Right Companion Plants for Pothos

When selecting companion plants for pothos, it’s essential to consider their care requirements and compatibility with light, water, and nutrient needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Light requirements: Pothos typically thrives in bright, indirect light. Choosing companion plants with similar light needs is best to ensure that all plants receive the appropriate amount of sunlight.
Watering needs: Pothos prefers to have its soil dry out between waterings. Selecting companion plants with similar watering needs can help you avoid over- or under-watering your plants.
Nutrient requirements: While pothos isn’t a heavy feeder, pairing it with plants with similar nutrient requirements is essential. This can help ensure that all plants in the group receive the proper nutrition.
Growth habits: Consider the growth habits of the plants you combine with pothos. Some plants are more aggressive growers and could outcompete the pothos for space and resources.

Successful Companion Planting with Pothos

If you intend to mix pothos with other plants, knowing each plant’s specific requirements is vital to ensure their successful growth. This includes their light and water requirements, humidity, and preferred soil type.

This can be challenging if you have several plants, each with watering, lighting, and nutrient requirements. Here are some tips for creating a thriving pothos companion garden:

Group plants with similar needs: Try to group plants with similar care requirements to make it easier for you to maintain the right conditions for each plant.
Allow for adequate space: Ensure each plant has enough space to grow without competing for resources. This may involve periodically repotting plants to give them more room to grow.
Monitor plant health: Keep an eye on your plants’ health and address any issues as they arise. This may involve pruning, fertilizing, or adjusting your watering schedule.
Rotate plants as needed: If you have limited light or space.

Now, let’s cover the essential care requirements for pothos and their companion plants, ensuring a thriving indoor garden.

Caring for Your Pothos and Companion Plants

Watering

Pothos and most of its companion plants prefer to dry out between waterings. Therefore, allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Some companions, like peace lilies, may require slightly more frequent watering.

Fertilizing

During the growing season, it is recommended to fertilize your pothos and companion plants every 4-6 weeks using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. However, as growth tends to slow down in the winter months, it is advised to reduce the frequency of fertilization during this time.

Pot Size

on table showing the benefits of pothos plants.

Choosing the right size pot for your pothos and companion plants is crucial for their growth and overall health. The plants’ roots can become crowded and stunt growth if the pot is too small.

On the other hand, if the pot is too large, the soil may not dry out fast enough, leading to overwatering and root rot.

When selecting a pot for your pothos and companion plants, follow these guidelines:

Choose a pot that is 1-2″ larger in diameter than the current pot.
To avoid the accumulation of water in the soil, it is crucial to ensure that the pot has drainage holes.
Use a well-draining potting mix to help excess water drain away from the roots.
Consider each plant’s growth habits and root systems when selecting the pot size. Some plants may have deep roots and require a deeper pot, while others may have shallower roots and do well in a wider pot.

Pruning

To keep your pothos and companion plants in the desired shape and size, it is essential to prune them regularly. You can trim leggy growth or yellowing leaves to encourage fuller, bushier growth. This will help maintain the plant’s health and appearance.

Pest Control

Keeping a close eye on your indoor garden for common pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs is crucial. In case of an infestation, you can treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Maintaining proper humidity levels to prevent pests is essential, as some thrive in dry conditions. You can keep your indoor garden healthy and thriving by monitoring your plants regularly and taking appropriate measures.

Addressing Unique Plant Needs

Each companion plant may have specific care requirements. For example, snake plants prefer slightly drier soil, while peace lilies need more consistent moisture.

Be mindful of each plant’s unique needs and adjust care accordingly.

16 Pothos Companion Plants: Which Plants Go Together Best