8 Reasons A Pothos Should Be Your First House Plant

When I first got into house plants, I had no idea where to start. There are so many different types, each with their own care needs, and I wasn’t exactly confident in my plant-parenting skills. That’s when I stumbled across the (amazing!!) pothos plant, and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer.

This plant was not only easy to care for, but it also gave me the confidence boost I needed to keep expanding my collection which has ultimately over the years led to where I am now- the proud owner of an indoor jungle haha!

If you’re new to house plants or just looking for something low-maintenance and rewarding, the pothos is hands-down the best plant to start with. In this post, I’ll share 8 reasons why the pothos should be your first house plant—it’s basically the perfect “beginner plant” that’s almost impossible to kill and looks amazing in any space.

Let’s dive into why this plant is an absolute must for every new plant parent!

8 Reasons A Pothos Should Be Your First House Plant

8 Reasons A Pothos Should Be Your First House Plant

Why you should start with Pothos plants:

1. They’re Basically Impossible to Kill

Okay, let’s start with the best part: pothos are super hard to kill!

Trust me, I’ve gone through phases of forgetting to water my plants for weeks at a time, and my pothos never batted a leaf. If you’re new to the plant world and a little nervous about keeping something alive, pothos are the perfect confidence booster.

They’re like the plant version of that one awesome friend who’s totally chill and just goes with the flow. They don’t need constant attention, and they forgive you for neglecting them every once in a while.

Whether you overwater or underwater, a pothos will give you plenty of time to correct your mistake before throwing in the towel.

2. They Thrive in Low Light

One of the biggest struggles with house plants is figuring out how much light they need. Some plants are picky and need perfect lighting conditions, but pothos? Not so much.

These beauties are adaptable and can handle a range of light levels, making them ideal for those of us who don’t live in sun-drenched apartments. Whether you have a bright, sunny window or a dimly lit corner, your pothos will thrive. Of course, they prefer some indirect sunlight, but they won’t throw a fit if they’re not basking in it 24/7. This flexibility makes them perfect for apartment dwellers or anyone who doesn’t have a house full of natural light.

3. They Clean the Air

Not only are pothos super easy to care for, but they also work hard to keep your home healthy. Yup, these little green wonders are air purifiers. Pothos plants are known for removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air, making them great for indoor environments. If you want to freshen up your space without investing in a fancy air purifier, just get yourself a pothos. They’ll clean the air while looking cute—and honestly, what more could you ask for in a plant?

4. They’re Incredibly Low-Maintenance

If you’re someone who’s busy, forgetful, or just plain lazy when it comes to plant care (no judgment!), pothos is your perfect match. These plants don’t demand a lot of attention. You don’t need to worry about fussy things like special soil, constant repotting, or complicated watering schedules. A little bit of water every now and then, a spot with indirect light, and you’re good to go!

Plus, they’ll remind you if they need something by drooping their leaves slightly, and they perk right back up after a quick drink. It’s like they know you’re doing your best and are totally okay with it.

5. They Grow Like Crazy

One of the most rewarding things about having a pothos is how fast they grow. You can actually see the progress week by week, which is super motivating for plant beginners. Pothos love to trail, and those vines can get long, creating an instant jungle vibe in your home.

Want a hanging plant that cascades beautifully? Pothos. Want a plant that you can train along a bookshelf or windowsill? Pothos. Their fast growth means you’ll see results quickly, which is always fun when you’re just getting into the plant game. Plus, if you want to fill your space with greenery, you can easily propagate them and have even more pothos in no time.

6. They’re Easy to Propagate

Speaking of propagating—pothos make it so easy! One of the coolest things about pothos is how simple it is to make new plants from cuttings. Just snip off a section of the vine, pop it in water, and watch the roots grow. It’s literally that simple. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can plant your new baby pothos in soil, or just let it live in water if you prefer a hydroponic setup. Propagating pothos is a great way to learn more about plant care, and it’s super satisfying to watch something you cut grow into a full-fledged plant. Plus, you can share your new plant babies with friends, which is always a fun bonus!

7. They’re Affordable

Let’s be honest—some house plants can get pricey, especially if you’re after something rare or exotic. But pothos? They’re incredibly budget-friendly, even if you’re just starting out.

You can pick one up at most garden centers or even big box stores for under $10, which makes them an accessible option for anyone looking to dip their toes into plant parenthood. And because they grow quickly and propagate easily, you can get a lot of bang for your buck. In no time, you’ll have multiple plants from that one affordable pothos, making it the gift that keeps on giving.

8. They Look Amazing Everywhere

Pothos plants are like the perfect accessory—they go with everything. Whether your home decor is modern, boho, minimalist, or anything in between, a pothos will fit right in. You can hang them in baskets, trail them along bookshelves, or let them climb up a trellis. Their heart-shaped leaves and flowing vines add an effortless touch of greenery to any space. Plus, they come in a variety of types (like Golden Pothos, Marble Queen, and Neon Pothos), so you can mix and match different looks in your home. No matter where you put them, they’ll instantly make your space feel more vibrant and alive.

And lastly I wanted to of course share a picture of my first pothos which was my first
(successful!) plant that really motivated and inspired me to get into house plants:

Also, we call her Jane from Jane the virgin because she is the “mother” of endless propagations… my husband came up with. No surprise there!

Talk Plant To Me

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