My Simple Secrets to Thriving Pothos and Ivy (And the Ugly Lamp They Love)

I’ve been sitting on writing this post all summer— you know… I meant to. But… Here we go. There’s something incredibly satisfying about bringing a little piece of nature indoors, isn’t there? For me, what started as a casual interest has blossomed into a genuine passion. I love my little indoor garden, and I’m happy to report that my plants are continuing to thrive.

It’s been a lot of learning, a little bit of trial and error, and a lot of patience, but my green friends are flourishing. I’m especially proud of two groups: my loyal Pothos and my two determined Ivy plants.

My Pothos has been with me for about two years now—it’s a cascade of vibrant green that just keeps going. The Ivys are newer; I snagged them at the end of the 2024 season from Walmart, and here’s a little win I’m still patting myself on the back for: I kept them alive and well all last winter while they were still in those tiny plastic grow pots!

The Big Spring Refresh

This past spring (2025), I knew it was time. I finally repotted everything! Providing them with larger pots, fresh soil, and a bit more space to spread their roots was exactly what they needed. It felt like graduating them from nursery school to their own apartments!

Since then, they’ve really taken off, and I wanted to share a few tips and tricks I’ve learned that have made all the difference in keeping my Pothos and Ivys happy, healthy, and growing.

My Simple Houseplant Care Secrets

1. Ditch the Tap Water

This has been a game-changer. I noticed a difference in my plants’ overall look and vigor once I switched from regular tap water to distilled water. Tap water often contains salts, chlorine, and minerals that can build up in the soil and potentially damage sensitive roots, especially in plants that are a little fussier, like Ivys. Making the switch to distilled water for their bi-weekly drink has really kept their foliage looking fresh and healthy.

2. Embrace the “Warm” Light

You don’t need fancy, expensive grow lights. Both my Pothos and Ivys seem to absolutely adore the light from an old, rather ugly floor lamp I have. It emits a warm, cozy light—not too harsh, yet sufficient to mimic the gentle sun they crave. I keep them positioned where they get this light for several hours a day, and they lean right into it.

3. Humidity is Happiness

Both Pothos and Ivy are tropical plants, so they love humidity. I have a small humidifier that I run just a few times a week, and they absolutely drink it in. I’ve found that this is often enough, but if I go a week without running the humidifier, they both really enjoy a quick misting with a spray bottle. That little spritz is a nice stand-in for the humidifier and keeps their leaves looking dewy.

4. The Bi-Weekly Sip

Thanks to the boost from the humidifier, I’ve found I only need to water my plants about every two weeks. Always check the soil first, of course—I stick my finger in about an inch—but for me, a regular schedule of once every 10 days seems to be the sweet spot.

5. Pothos Leaf TLC

This is a specific one for my Pothos. Over time, leaves can collect dust, which actually hinders their ability to photosynthesize. Every so often, I gently wipe the leaves with a soft, damp cloth. It’s amazing how much brighter and more vibrant the leaves look after a little spa treatment!

Let’s Talk Lighting Real Quick

And speaking of lighting, I have to admit, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. In my early enthusiasm, I invested in some rather fancy, special LED grow lights with all the bells and whistles—customizable light spectrums, time settings, the works. I thought I was giving my plants the absolute best, but it turns out, I was stressing them out! I sadly lost a few green friends before I realized these sophisticated lights were simply too intense. Desperate, I moved my surviving plants to the corner, where I had placed my unassuming, “ugly” warm light lamp, and within days, I saw a dramatic turnaround. It was a humbling lesson: sometimes, the simplest solutions are truly the best, and my plants have been thriving in that soft, warm glow ever since!

Key Takeaway

Caring for houseplants doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about observing your plants, sometimes trial and error, understanding their basic needs, and making small, consistent adjustments. Seeing those new leaves unfurl and watching my ivies start to climb is just the best reward.

Are you a plant parent? What’s the one simple tip that’s made the biggest difference in your houseplant’s life?

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