Do you have a pothos plant that seems to be dripping water everywhere? Youre not alone! Pothos plants are notoriously tricky to care for, as they can be easily overwatered or underwatered.
In this article, youll find out why your pothos is dripping water, how to check the potting mix and drainage holes, and how to protect your pothos from overwatering.
Well also provide additional pothos care tips for a healthier and happier plant.
So, if youre wondering why your pothos is dripping water, read on for the answers you need!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Pothos plants are known for their ability to tolerate low light and irregular watering, but they should not be kept overly wet.
If your pothos is dripping water, it could mean that you have been overwatering it and the soil is too saturated.
You should reduce the amount of water you give it, or check to make sure the drainage holes are not blocked and the soil isnt compacted.
You may also need to repot it into a pot with better drainage.
What Is a Pothos Plant?
A pothos plant, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant with attractive, heart-shaped leaves.
It is a fast-growing vine that can reach lengths of up to 20 feet, and it is an easy-care plant that can thrive in many different conditions.
The leaves of the pothos plant range from bright green to variegated, and they can tolerate low-light situations and temperatures as low as 50F.
Pothos plants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they are also said to have air-purifying qualities, making them a great option for any indoor space.
They are also relatively easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and occasional pruning to keep them looking their best.
However, when a pothos plant starts to drip water, it can be a source of frustration.
This is usually caused by overwatering, or by the soil becoming overly saturated.
So, why is your pothos dripping water, and what can you do about it?.
Why Does My Pothos Plant Keep Dripping Water?
Its easy to see why pothos plants are so popular; with their attractive heart-shaped leaves and vibrant colors, theyre great for adding a splash of life to any indoor space.
However, if youve noticed that your pothos is frequently dripping water, it could be a sign of a problem.
The most common cause of this is overwatering, but it could also be due to the potting mix becoming overly saturated.
When pothos plants are overwatered, the soil can become saturated and water can become trapped in the roots.
This can cause the plant to start dripping water, as the soil cant absorb any more and the excess has to be released.
Additionally, if the potting mix is too high in organic matter, it can become waterlogged, leading to the same issue.
The good news is that this issue is relatively easy to fix.
The first step is to stop watering the plant, allowing the soil to dry out completely before adding more water.
Its also important to check the drainage holes in the pot, as these can often be blocked, preventing water from escaping.
If the drainage holes are blocked, you can use a tool to unclog them.
Taking these steps will help ensure that your pothos plant stays healthy and happy, without dripping water.
How to Check the Potting Mix
Checking the potting mix for your pothos plant is an important step in ensuring your plants health and well-being.
When the soil is too wet or soggy, it can lead to water dripping from the plant.
To check the soil, the best way is to stick your finger into the soil and feel for moisture.
The soil should be slightly damp but not overly wet or soggy.
If the soil is too wet, its likely that too much water has been given to the plant, either from overwatering or from the potting mix becoming overly saturated.
The best course of action is to stop watering the plant and allow the soil to dry out completely before adding more water.
Its also important to check the drainage holes of the pot to make sure that water can escape freely.
Make sure that the holes arent blocked by any debris or dirt.
If the holes are blocked, it can cause the soil to become too waterlogged and lead to your pothos dripping water.
Another way to check the potting mix is to conduct a soil test.
A soil test can help you determine the moisture content of the soil and whether or not it needs to be adjusted.
You can purchase a soil tester online or in garden stores.
Once youve conducted the test, youll be able to determine if the soil is too wet or too dry and make the necessary adjustments.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your pothos stays healthy and happy, without dripping water.
How to Check the Drainage Holes
Checking the drainage holes of a pothos pot is an important step to take if your plant is dripping water.
This is because the drainage holes are what allow excess water to escape the pot, thus preventing the potting mix from becoming overly saturated.
To check the drainage holes, start by removing the plant from the pot and inspecting the base.
If the drainage holes are clogged with soil, roots, or other debris, then they will need to be cleared out in order to allow water to escape.
Once the drainage holes are cleared, the pot can be filled with fresh soil and the pothos can be replanted.
It is also a good idea to check the drainage holes after each watering.
This can help to ensure that the holes are not blocked, which would prevent any excess water from escaping.
If the drainage holes are clogged, then you can use a thin object such as a skewer or a chopstick to gently remove any debris that is blocking them.
Once the holes are cleared, you can then return the plant to its pot and continue with your watering schedule.
Finally, it is also important to make sure that the pot has a drainage tray or saucer to catch any excess water that may escape through the drainage holes.
This tray or saucer should be emptied regularly so that the potting mix does not become overly saturated.
If the pot does not have a drainage tray or saucer, then one can be purchased at a local gardening store or online.
By taking the time to check the drainage holes of a pothos pot, you can help to ensure that your plant stays healthy and happy without dripping water.
This can ultimately save you time and energy in the long run, as it can help to prevent any issues from occurring in the future.
How to Stop the Water Dripping
When it comes to keeping your pothos from dripping water, the first step is to stop watering the plant.
This is because overwatering is one of the primary causes of water dripping from the plant.
If the potting mix is already overly saturated, it’s important to allow the soil to dry out completely before adding more water.
This can be done by either taking the existing potting mix out of the pot and allowing it to dry in the sun, or by simply not watering the plant for a few days.
In addition to stopping the watering, it’s also important to check the drainage holes of the pot.
This is because if the drainage holes are blocked, the water won’t be able to escape, causing the soil to become overly saturated.
Make sure the potting mix isn’t clogging the holes, and if necessary, remove any blockages to ensure the water can escape freely.
These simple steps can help ensure that your pothos stays healthy and happy, without dripping water.
If you follow these steps and the water is still dripping, it may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough light or that the pot is too small.
In these cases, it may be necessary to repot the plant or move it to a brighter location.
By learning how to properly care for your pothos, you can keep it from dripping water and ensure that it stays healthy and happy.
Protecting Your Pothos from Overwatering
When it comes to preventing your pothos from dripping water, the best way is to avoid overwatering it in the first place.
To achieve this, it’s important to understand your pothos’ watering needs and create a watering schedule that meets those needs.
The amount of water your pothos needs will depend on the type of soil it’s planted in, the size of the pot, and the temperature and humidity of the room it’s in.
Most pothos prefer soil that is slightly moist, but not soggy.
To check the moisture level, stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle.
If it is still damp, then you don’t need to water it yet.
If it is dry, then it’s time to water.
Make sure to water thoroughly and deeply, until you see water coming out of the drainage holes.
It’s also important to ensure that your pothos is planted in a pot with good drainage.
If the drainage holes are clogged, the water won’t be able to escape, resulting in soggy soil and waterlogged roots, which can lead to your plant dripping water.
To avoid this, make sure to check the drainage holes every few weeks and clear away any debris or dirt that has accumulated.
Finally, it’s important to make sure that you’re not over-fertilizing your pothos.
Too much fertilizer can cause the soil to become overly saturated, which again can lead to your pothos dripping water.
If you choose to fertilize your pothos, be sure to follow the instructions on the package and use a diluted solution.
Additional Care Tips for Your Pothos
In addition to being mindful of the amount of water your pothos receives, there are a few other tips you can keep in mind to ensure your pothos stays healthy and happy.
First, pothos plants prefer indirect sunlight, so make sure to place them in an area of your home or office that gets plenty of indirect light.
Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to scorch, and will likely cause your plant to become droopy and limp.
Second, be sure to check the soil of your pothos regularly.
If the soil feels damp, then its time to wait a few days before watering again.
If the soil feels dry, then its time to water your pothos.
When you do water, make sure you give the plant enough water to thoroughly moisten the soil, but not so much that the water pools in the pot or runs out of the drainage holes.
Third, be sure to fertilize your pothos regularly.
Like most plants, pothos need nutrients to stay healthy and vigorous.
A water-soluble fertilizer, like a 20-20-20 fertilizer, applied at about half the recommended amount, should be applied monthly during the growing season.
Finally, its important to prune your pothos regularly.
Trim off any yellow or brown leaves, as well as any long straggly stems.
Pruning helps keep your pothos looking neat and tidy, and encourages new growth.
By following these simple care tips, you can ensure that your pothos stays healthy and happy, without dripping water.
Final Thoughts
Taking proper care of your pothos is essential for keeping it healthy and happy.
By understanding why it’s dripping water and taking the necessary steps to ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering, you can keep your pothos plant looking beautiful and thriving for years to come.
Don’t forget to check the potting mix and drainage holes regularly, and water your pothos only when the soil has dried out completely.
With the right care, your pothos will be the envy of all your houseplant-loving friends!.