15 Summer Tricks to Keep Your Pothos Healthy

Pothos are known for being low-maintenance, but summer can still throw them off if you’re not paying attention. Extra heat and stronger light can dry them out faster than usual.

So how do you keep things steady when the temperature climbs?

These key summer care tips for your Pothos will help you adjust your routine to match the season. A few small changes with watering, placement, and humidity can keep your plant healthy and trailing happily all summer long.

1. Provide bright, indirect sunlight

Your Pothos does best in bright, indirect light. Direct sun can cause the leaves to burn and lose their healthy green color. Placing the plant near a window with filtered light is a great choice.

Sheer curtains or blinds work well to keep intense rays off the leaves. Avoid putting your plant right in harsh sunlight, especially during the peak summer hours.

Rooms with lots of natural light but no direct exposure will help your plant grow strong and healthy. If the leaves start looking pale, it might need a little more light, so you can move it closer to a brighter spot.

2. Water when top 1-2 inches of soil dry

Stick your finger into the soil about an inch deep before watering. When the top part feels dry, it’s time to add water. During summer, the soil dries out quicker, so check often.

Avoid watering before the soil loses moisture, since roots can rot if they’re always wet. Letting the soil dry between waterings helps your plant stay healthy.

Pay attention to the weight of the pot too. A lighter pot usually means the soil is dry. Remember, it’s better to underwater a little than to keep it soggy.

3. Increase humidity with a pebble tray

Pothos enjoy some extra moisture in the air, especially during dry summer days. A pebble tray is an easy way to boost humidity without taking up much space. Just fill a shallow tray with pebbles and a bit of water.

Set your plant’s pot on top so it isn’t sitting directly in the water. As the water evaporates, the air around your plant gets a little more humid. This simple method helps your pothos stay comfortable when the air conditioner is running or windows are open.

Remember to refill the tray as the water dries up. This trick works best when grouped with other plants, since several together can further raise the humidity level nearby.

4. Fertilize monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer

Summer growth means your plant uses up more nutrients, so adding food once a month really helps. Pick a balanced liquid fertilizer and mix it with water as the label suggests. Pour it into the soil when you water, not on dry soil.

Try not to use more than the recommended amount because that can do more harm than good. During the warmer months, a monthly schedule usually provides enough support without overloading the plant.

Skip fertilizer if your plant is struggling with pests or root issues. Healthy roots will benefit most from the extra nutrients. Always check that the soil is damp before feeding to prevent root burn.

5. Trim yellowing leaves promptly

Cutting off yellow leaves keeps your plant tidy and encourages healthier growth. They usually won’t turn green again after turning yellow, so it’s best to remove them as soon as you spot them.

Use clean, sharp scissors to snip the leaves at the base of the stem. This helps prevent any risk of spreading disease to other parts of your plant.

Regular leaf trimming can also help you spot signs of other issues early. Take a look at the remaining leaves to check they’re firm and green.

By staying on top of this simple task, you’ll give your plant the best chance to thrive through the hottest months.

6. Avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf burn

Afternoon rays tend to be the strongest, and your plant’s leaves can develop brown spots or faded patches if they’re exposed for too long. It’s best to keep it in a spot where strong sunlight won’t hit the leaves.

Bright, filtered light from a north or east window works well during the warmer months. You can also use a sheer curtain to cut down on harsh sun.

If your plant sits outdoors, choose an area with plenty of shade during those bright afternoon hours. This simple step will help keep the foliage looking healthy.

7. Use well-draining potting mix

Pothos do best when their roots don’t stay soggy for long. Choose a potting mix that drains quickly so excess water doesn’t pool around the roots.

Look for a mix labeled for indoor plants or one with ingredients like perlite, pine bark, or coconut coir. These all help water flow through easily.

Refreshing the soil once a year can also help prevent compacted roots. This makes sure the plant gets enough air and keeps it growing strong, especially during the busy summer months.

8. Repot every 1-2 years in spring

Repotting gives your plant extra space to stretch out and grow. Spring is the best time to do this because your plant is gearing up for new growth.

You’ll want to look for signs that it’s time, like roots poking out from the drainage holes or the soil drying out much quicker than usual. Choose a container just a bit bigger than the current one to avoid soggy roots.

Gently loosen the roots and knock off old soil before placing your plant into fresh potting mix. After you’re done, water it thoroughly and let it settle in a spot with indirect light.

9. Mist leaves occasionally to boost moisture

Summer heat can dry out the air in your home, making it tough for your plant to keep up. A light misting every few days helps give the leaves some extra humidity.

You don’t need to drench them – just a quick spritz is enough. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the plant. Early morning or late evening is a good time, since the sun is less intense.

This small step can help keep leaf tips from browning and support healthier growth during hotter months.

10. Remove dust from leaves gently

It’s pretty common for surfaces to collect a layer of dust during the summer, especially with open windows or fans running. Wipe the leaves every couple of weeks using a soft, damp cloth. This helps the plant get enough light.

A clean surface allows air to move around the foliage better. For tight spots, a soft brush or cotton swab works well. Skip using any harsh sprays or polishes on the leaves.

Be gentle and support each leaf with your hand while cleaning. Regular care keeps your plant looking fresh and lets you spot any changes quickly.

11. Keep away from cold drafts

Cold air coming in from windows, doors, or air conditioning vents can cause stress to your plant. It’s best to place your pothos where temperatures feel steady and comfortable for you.

Sudden drops in temperature might slow down growth or lead to wilting. Make it a habit to check for any chilly breezes, especially in rooms that get a lot of airflow.

If you need to open windows or run the AC, just move your plant a bit further away. Your pothos will thank you for the stable environment.

12. Check for pests like spider mites regularly

Keep an eye out for tiny bugs on your leaves, especially those that look like tiny moving dots or leave fine webbing behind. These pests can show up quickly during warmer months and often hide on the undersides of the leaves.

Take a close look whenever you water or clean your plant. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to spot any early signs and remove dust, which makes it harder for pests to settle in.

If you notice any bugs, a quick rinse in the shower or a spray of water outside can help. Catching issues early can stop them from spreading, so making this a habit will protect your plant all summer.

13. Use a moisture meter to avoid overwatering

A moisture meter (I really like this one) makes it much easier to check whether your plant really needs a drink. You just stick the probe into the soil and get a quick reading.

You won’t need to guess or poke your finger into the pot, which can damage roots or lead to confusion. This low-tech tool can help you avoid soggy roots and root rot.

During summer, the top of the soil might dry quickly, but the deeper soil can still be wet. A moisture meter checks this for you so you can water only when it’s truly needed.

It’s a small investment, but it can save your plant from a lot of stress and help it grow better all season.

14. Place near a north or east-facing window

You’ll get the best results when your plant gets bright, filtered light without harsh afternoon rays. North or east-facing windows are ideal because the sun’s not as intense on these sides of your home.

Morning sunshine from these windows gently lights up the area without overheating your plant. That helps keep the leaves healthy and vibrant all summer long.

Too much direct sunlight can scorch or pale the foliage. Keeping your Pothos by the right window helps avoid those issues and keeps growth steady.

15. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water

Sitting in waterlogged pots can lead to soggy roots, which may cause root rot. It’s easy to think more water is better during hot months, but too much can do more harm than good.

Make sure your pot has drainage holes so excess water has somewhere to go. After you water, check the bottom of the pot for any leftover water – empty it out if you see any pooling.

Let the top couple of inches of soil dry before watering again. This simple habit helps the roots get enough air and keeps the plant healthier during summer.

Understanding Pothos Plant Needs in Summer

Your Pothos will need you to pay closer attention to both its growth habits and watering during summer. Heat and longer daylight hours mean the plant’s routines and needs will shift from what you’re used to in cooler months.

Recognizing Seasonal Growth Patterns

During summer, you’ll likely spot new leaves and faster-than-usual growth along the vines. Bright, indirect sunlight helps fuel this increase, but too much can lead to leaf burn or faded colors.

Watch for:

• Longer stems with bigger gaps between leaves, which may mean it’s stretching for more light.
• Brighter leaf color, sometimes with more visible variegation if it’s getting enough sun.

Prune stray or leggy stems to encourage bushier growth. You can also check for roots poking out of the bottom of the pot, which could be a sign it’s time for a repot.

Interpreting Pothos Water Requirements

Summer warmth means you’ll need to water more often than in other seasons. The top inch of soil might dry out quickly, especially if your spot gets lots of natural light.

Make sure your soil drains well to avoid soggy roots. If you use air conditioning, it can dry out the air around your plant – consider misting occasionally or using a small pebble tray with water to help with humidity.

Common Summer Issues and How to Avoid Them

Hot, bright days are tough on your Pothos. Careful positioning and the right watering routine can prevent common summertime problems.

Managing Heat Stress in Pothos

Warm temperatures can stress Pothos, causing slow growth, limp leaves, and even wilting. When indoor temperature regularly rises above 85°F (29°C), your plant might stop thriving. Move it away from direct sunlight sources and avoid placing it near heat-generating appliances.

To help the plant cope, keep the room well-ventilated. Open windows or use a fan to circulate air, but never point cold air directly at the leaves. Check soil moisture more often, since heat causes water to evaporate quickly. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.

Set a reminder to check your Pothos more frequently during heat waves. Prolonged high temperatures can lead to root problems, so be sure the pot drains well and never sits in standing water.

Preventing Leaf Burn and Sun Damage

Too much sunlight can scorch Pothos leaves, leading to brittle, discolored patches. Direct midday sun, especially behind glass, can burn them. Choose a spot with filtered light, such as behind a sheer curtain or set back from a window.

Look out for pale spots, brown edges, or faded streaks – common signs of sun damage. If you notice these, move the plant farther from the window or use a light curtain to block direct rays. Rotate the pot every week so all sides get even exposure.

Helpful tip: If you need to move your plant outdoors in summer, place it under a balcony, awning, or trees where sunlight is indirect for most of the day. This lowers the risk of leaf damage and keeps colors vibrant.