TL;DR Even though pothos plants can surprisingly grow in plain water, they still struggle in soggy soil without good drainage — and there’s a big reason why.
You’ve probably seen those lush green pothos vines spilling beautifully from ceramic pots all over Pinterest or Houzz. But have you ever wondered if they really need good drainage—or if they can just live happily in that cute pot you found on sale?
Here’s the truth: pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum), also called devil’s ivy or golden pothos, might be some of the easiest plants to care for, but they’re not immune to drowning. In this article, you’ll learn exactly why drainage matters, what happens when your pot traps water, and the best way to keep your pothos thriving without stressing about every drop.
Understanding How Pothos Handles Water
Pothos plants are known as hardy plants, often recommended for new plant owners because they can handle a little neglect. Native to tropical climates, they naturally grow as climbing or trailing plants where rain drains freely through airy soil and tree bark.
In your home—whether it’s your kitchen, dining room, or pantry—they rely completely on you for that same balance. Their root system loves moist soil but not soaked soil. When there’s too much water and no drainage holes, excess moisture gets trapped at the bottom of your pot, starving roots of oxygen and eventually leading to root rot.
Think of it like this: pothos love a tropical vacation, but not being stuck underwater.
When pothos roots stay wet too long, you’ll start to notice yellow leaves, mushy stems, or even a sour smell coming from the soil surface. That’s the first sign that your plant’s roots are crying for help.
Why Proper Drainage Is Important
Good drainage isn’t just about water escaping—it’s about the plant being able to breathe. Here’s what proper drainage does for your pothos plant’s health:
- Prevents root rot by letting excess water escape instead of suffocating roots.
- Improves oxygen flow to the root system, encouraging stronger growth and new leaves.
- Maintains healthy microbes in the soil, which help break down nutrients your plant can actually use.
- Reduces fungus gnats and mold, since stagnant water invites both.
A good rule of thumb: every time you water, imagine the soil as a sponge. It should hold enough water to stay moist but still allow air pockets for breathing. That’s the balance that makes pothos—and other indoor plants like snake plants and spider plants—thrive.
Can a Pothos Grow Without Drainage Holes?
Technically, yes—pothos can survive in a pot without drainage holes. You’ll often see them displayed in decorative pots, cache pots, or ceramic pots that don’t have an outlet at the bottom.
But surviving isn’t the same as thriving.
When you trap excess water at the bottom of the pot, the roots can only absorb so much before drowning. The moist soil turns into a swamp, leading to poor drainage and eventually brown spots on the leaves or droopy stems.
If you absolutely love a certain decorative pot, you can still use it—just insert your pothos in a grow pot (a smaller plastic pot with drainage holes) inside it. That way, you can lift it out for bottom watering or to let it drain properly.
Now here’s the twist — pothos can actually thrive in water, just not in trapped water within soil. In a hydroponic setup, the root system adapts to a fully aquatic life, absorbing oxygen directly from water. That’s why you’ll often see stem cuttings of golden pothos growing happily in glass jars or vases filled with clean water.
In soil, though, it’s a different story. When excess water gets stuck and there’s no oxygen flow, the roots suffocate and rot. So while pothos can handle life in pure water, it can’t handle being in waterlogged soil.
Without proper drainage, you’ll need to water very sparingly—maybe every two to three weeks, depending on your light conditions and soil moisture levels.
How to Grow Pothos in a Pot Without Drainage
Let’s say you have no choice but to use a pot without holes—maybe it’s part of your bathroom vanities, chandeliers, bar stools, and outdoor lighting décor setup (hey, we’ve all been there). You can still pull it off with a little love and attention:
- Use a well-draining soil mix. Look for potting mix labeled for indoor tropical plants. A blend with perlite, coco coir, and orchid bark is ideal.
- Add a drainage layer—a thin base of small rocks, LECA, or pebbles at the bottom of your pot creates a buffer for excess water.
- Water with extreme caution. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Stick your finger in about 1–2 inches deep to check.
- Track soil moisture. A small soil moisture meter can be a lifesaver.
- Repot periodically. Salt and minerals build up over time. Fresh soil every 6–12 months keeps the roots healthy.
Here’s a quick visual walkthrough from West Coast Gardens showing how to grow plants in a no-drainage container safely.
Best Soil Mixes for Healthy Drainage
The best soil for pothos is light, airy, and slightly chunky.
Try this simple ratio for well-draining soil:
- 2 parts regular potting mix
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part orchid bark or coco coir
This setup mimics what pothos roots love in the wild—moist but never soggy. Avoid heavy garden soil since it holds too much water and compacts easily, suffocating roots.
If you’re experimenting with new plants, try different textures and see which gives you new growth faster. Each marble queen pothos, neon pothos, or golden pothos might prefer a slightly different balance depending on humidity and light conditions.
Top Pot Types for Ideal Drainage
1. Terracotta pots – These are classics for a reason. Clay pots breathe, allowing moisture to evaporate naturally. Great for beginners or frequent watering habits.
2. Plastic pots – Lightweight and great for retaining moisture if you tend to underwater. Just make sure they have drainage holes.
3. Self-watering pots – Perfect if you travel or forget watering days. They use a water reservoir at the bottom for slow, steady moisture.
4. Slip-pot method – Place a grow pot (with holes) inside a stylish decorative pot. It gives you the best of both worlds—function and aesthetics.
5. Unique “funky-hairdo” plant pots. Transform the look of your planter by changing the plants!
Signs Your Pothos Isn’t Getting Good Drainage
You’ll know your plant is unhappy when it starts showing these symptoms:
- Yellow leaves or soft spots
- Mushy stems near the base
- A musty or sour smell from the surface of the soil
- Soil that’s constantly wet days after watering
- Slowed or no new growth during the growing season
You might even see white variegation fading on your devil’s ivy leaves—an early indicator of poor oxygen and excess moisture.
If that’s happening, your plant is waving a big green flag that it’s time to fix the drainage problem.
How to Fix Drainage Problems Quickly
- Repot into a pot with drainage holes. Choose one size larger (a larger pot) than your current pot for space to breathe.
- Refresh the soil. Use a fresh, well-drained soil mix.
- Trim damaged roots. Cut away any brown, mushy parts with sterilized scissors.
- Adjust watering habits. Water less often—especially in low light conditions or during winter when growth slows.
- Add aeration materials. Mix in perlite, pumice, or orchid bark to help air circulate through soil particles.
Once revived, place it in bright light or indirect light to encourage recovery, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch green leaves.
If you’re unsure when’s the best time to repot, early spring (the start of the growing season) is ideal.
So, do pothos plants need good drainage soil or pot?
Absolutely—if you want your plant to thrive, not just survive.
While Pothos can handle short stints in pots without holes, and can even grow entirely in water, it’ll always do better with good drainage, well-draining soil, and space to breathe.
If you’re a new plant owner, play it safe—use a pot with drainage holes and a light, airy potting mix. It’s the best way to prevent root rot, promote new growth, and enjoy that lush jungle look everyone loves in their kitchen, bathroom, or dining room.
With a little care, your pothos will reward you with vines that trail beautifully across shelves, walls, and maybe even those best-selling ceiling lighting setups you’ve been eyeing.
And if you want a shortcut—remember, a happy pothos is one that can breathe, drain, and shine.