What to Do With Pothos in November – 6 Ways to Keep Your Devil’s Ivy Lush and Thriving Through Winter

Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to care for, but even this famously forgiving plant needs a little extra attention as November brings shorter days, cooler temperatures, and the start of the heating season. Also known as devil’s ivy, its trailing stems and glossy, heart-shaped leaves make it a popular choice for adding greenery to shelves, hanging planters and empty corners. However, the change in seasons can affect how well it grows, meaning a few adjustments to its usual care routine are worthwhile.

When it comes to pothos plant care, understanding how the changing seasons affect its growing conditions is key to keeping it healthy. As daylight becomes increasingly limited, pothos naturally slows its growth and needs less water and nourishment than it does during the warmer months. Indoor heating can also create drier conditions, while cold drafts from windows and doors can put this tropical plant under unnecessary stress.

Fortunately, there is no need for an extensive winter care routine. A little attention to watering, light and temperature will help keep your pothos looking its best throughout November and into the colder months ahead.

1. Reduce Watering as Growth Slows

One of the most important things to do with pothos in November is adjust your watering routine. As daylight hours decrease and temperatures cool, the plant's growth naturally slows, meaning it will use less water than it did during the growing season. Continuing to water as frequently as you did during spring and summer can leave the potting mix excessively wet, increasing the risk of root rot. Instead, check the soil before reaching for your watering can.

A good rule is to allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. An XLUX Soil Moisture Meter from Amazon is a useful little investment if you're unsure when to water, giving you a clearer indication of how much moisture remains around the roots. Alternatively, a Bloem watering can from Target makes it easier to water directly into the soil without splashing the foliage or surrounding surfaces.

When it is time to water, give the plant a thorough drink until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot, then empty the saucer so the roots are not left sitting in water. Avoid following a rigid watering schedule, as the amount of moisture your pothos needs will depend on its position, pot size and indoor temperature. A plant in a bright, warm room may need watering more frequently than one in a cooler, shadier spot.

2. Move Your Pothos Somewhere Brighter

Although pothos is well known for tolerating lower-light conditions, November is a good time to reconsider where to place pothos in your home. With shorter days and weaker winter sunlight, a spot that provided plenty of light during summer may now be too dark.

Ideally, place your pothos somewhere that receives bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is a particularly good choice, while south- or west-facing windows can also work if the foliage is protected from harsh direct sunlight. If your plant needs raising closer to a window, an attractive plant stand from IKEA is a practical addition.

Variegated pothos varieties, such as Marble Queen and Pearls and Jade, need sufficient indirect light to maintain their distinctive leaf patterns. If your home is particularly dark, an LED grow light from Amazon can provide some additional illumination. Avoid leaving pothos in a dark corner simply because it tolerates shade, as its growth may slow and its foliage may lose some vibrancy.

3. Keep It Away From Cold Drafts and Radiators

Pothos is a tropical plant, so maintaining a relatively warm and consistent indoor temperature is important as November temperatures drop. Check where your plant is positioned, particularly if it sits on a windowsill, near an exterior door or close to a heating vent. Cold drafts can damage the foliage, while the hot, dry air from radiators and heating systems can cause leaves to develop brown, crispy edges.

Try to keep your pothos at a comfortable room temperature and avoid moving it between particularly warm and cold environments. A digital indoor thermometer and hygrometer from Amazon can help you monitor temperature and humidity around your plant.

If indoor heating makes the air particularly dry, a small Levoit cool-mist humidifier from Amazon can help improve the surrounding conditions. If you usually keep your pothos near a window, make sure its leaves are not touching cold glass, especially overnight.

4. Give the Leaves a Little Extra Attention

With less natural light in November, keeping your pothos leaves clean helps it make the most of the daylight it gets. Dust gradually accumulates on the broad, glossy leaves, so take a few minutes to wipe them gently with a soft, damp cloth, supporting each leaf as you clean. Alternatively, microfiber plant-cleaning gloves from Amazon make it easy to reach around delicate leaves and remove dust without damaging the foliage.

This is also a useful opportunity to inspect the plant more closely. Look underneath the leaves and along the stems for signs of common houseplant pests, including spider mites and mealybugs. If you spot an infestation, Bonide Insecticidal Soap can help tackle common pests, as long as the label lists your plant and the pest. Test on a small area first.

5. Hold Back on Fertilizer Until Spring

It can be tempting to keep feeding your pothos throughout the year, particularly if you are keen to encourage long, trailing stems. However, November is generally a good time to reduce or stop fertilizing. As the plant enters a period of slower growth, it has less need for the additional nutrients supplied by houseplant fertilizer. Continuing to feed when it is not actively growing can result in an unnecessary build-up of nutrients in the soil.

Put your regular feeding routine on hold for the winter, then resume using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once new growth begins to appear in spring. A Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food from Walmart or Espoma Organic Indoor and Outdoor Plant Food from Amazon are both options to consider when it's time to restart feeding.

There is no need to compensate for slower growth by giving your plant additional fertilizer. Maintaining suitable light, temperature and watering conditions is far more important at this time of year.

6. Tidy Up Long or Damaged Vines

November is not the time for extensive pruning, but you can still prune pothos lightly if its stems have become particularly long, straggly or uneven. Use a pair of Fiskars Loop Micro-Tip Garden Snips from Amazon to remove damaged leaves and trim back any vines that have outgrown their space. This can help keep the plant looking neat, particularly if you grow it in a hanging basket or on a high shelf.

If you want to encourage a fuller appearance, you can also take a few stem cuttings to propagate new pothos plants. Each cutting should include at least one node, which is the small bump on the stem where roots can develop. Place the cuttings in a Fiskars glass propagation station filled with water until roots form.

However, if your pothos is looking healthy and you are happy with its shape, there is no need to prune it simply because November has arrived. More substantial pruning and repotting are generally best left until spring, when the plant is returning to active growth.

Pothos is easy to care for, but a few seasonal adjustments in November will help it through the winter. Focus on maintaining healthy foliage, avoiding overwatering and providing consistent warmth and light. With the right care now, your plant will be ready for fresh growth when spring arrives.