What Is the Easiest Plant to Grow Indoors?

Pothos rarely develops pest or disease problems.

With its ability to grow in just about any lighting situation and tolerance of dry soil, pothos is the easiest houseplant to grow. It is a vining plant known botanically as Epipremnum aureus.

Identification

Pothos produces long, trailing stems that reach 8 feet long or more. The glossy, heart-shaped leaves are 3 1/2 inches long by 5 inches wide at maturity. Some varieties are variegated. Pothos is native to the Solomon Islands, according to the University of Florida.

Features

Pothos grows well in hanging baskets and in small containers climbing up an upright support, such as a moss pole. The vine also can be trained to grow across surfaces, such as walls.

Types

Common pothos varieties include Golden Pothos, which has green leaves and yellow variegation, and Marble Queen, which has green leaves marbled with white. Green Genie is a compact plant with leaves that are 2 to 2 1/2 inches wide by 3 to 4 inches long.

Requirements

Pothos can take low to bright light. It requires watering when the first two inches of soil has dried and can grow in any type of potting soil. Fertilizing is necessary just twice a year.

References

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Houseplants For Beginners-Philodendron and Pothos
• "The Complete Houseplant Survival Manual;" Barbara Pleasant; 2005
• University of Florida: Plant Breeding News-Pothos

Resources

• University of Florida, IFAS: Potho Production Guide