Pothos is one of the most popular indoor plants and for a good reason. They’re easy to care for, can survive in low light conditions and are very forgiving when it comes to watering or fertilizing. However, there are many different types of pothos with different colors so let’s take a closer look at Baltic Blue Pothos!
The Baltic Blue plant has become an increasingly popular houseplant choice for its large, lush leaves and brilliant bluish-green coloring. While caring for a Baltic Blue is relatively straightforward, getting the watering schedule right is key to keeping your plant healthy and happy. This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know about how much watering your Baltic Blue plant needs.
Overview of Baltic Blue Plant Care
The Baltic Blue plant (Epipremnum Pinnatum ‘Baltic Blue’) is a variety of pothos that was developed by Costa Farms in 2022. It has similarities to the Cebu Blue variety but produces larger leaves that develop a distinct blueish hue as they mature.
In terms of care, the Baltic Blue has needs typical of most pothos:
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Light Bright, indirect light Can tolerate lower light but growth will be slower Keep away from direct sun.
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Temperature: Consistently warm, 65-85°F. Avoid cold drafts.
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Humidity Prefers moderate to high humidity, 50-60%
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Soil: Well-draining and nutrient-rich. Mix of potting soil, perlite/pumice, and orchid bark is ideal.
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Fertilizer: Apply diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season.
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Pruning: Trim overgrown stems to control size/shape.
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Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years in slightly larger container.
Getting the watering schedule right is crucial for the health of your Baltic Blue. Too much or too little water can cause issues like leaf yellowing, brown spots, and root rot.
How Often to Water Your Baltic Blue
There is no set watering schedule that will work for every Baltic Blue plant, as watering frequency depends on factors like:
- Plant size and age
- Time of year
- Temperature and humidity
- Type of container
- Amount of light
As a general guideline, you should check the top few inches of soil before watering and only water when it becomes mostly dry.
For smaller/younger plants:
- Water once the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
- This is usually every 7-10 days on average.
- Water until it runs from the drainage holes.
For larger/mature plants:
- Allow top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out before watering.
- Will likely need water every 10-14 days.
- Water thoroughly until excess drains from bottom.
During the winter months when growth slows, allow soils to dry out a bit longer between waterings.
Signs your Baltic Blue needs water:
- Soil is dry to the touch
- Leaves appear droopy or wilted
- Leaves feel thinner or more flexible
Signs of overwatering:
- Soil stays wet for a prolonged period
- Soft, mushy leaves
- Leaf yellowing or brown spotting
- Root rot
Watering Tips
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Always water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. Baltic Blues do not like to be kept consistently moist.
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Allow excess water to drain fully after watering before returning the plant to its decorative pot.
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Water early in the day to allow foliage to dry fully before night.
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Use room temperature water when possible. Cold water may shock roots.
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Consider using distilled or rain water to avoid salts and chemicals.
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Check soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil a few inches to check underneath.
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If pot feels very light when lifted, it likely needs water.
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Group plants together to increase humidity which allows longer intervals between watering.
Common Problems from Improper Watering
Underwatering and overwatering alike can cause issues for your Baltic Blue. Some common problems include:
Underwatering
- Dry, crispy leaves
- Brown leaf tips or edges
- Stunted or slowed growth
- Wilting, drooping leaves
Overwatering
- Yellow leaves
- Brown spots on leaves
- Leaf drop
- Soft, mushy leaves
- Root rot
Tip: If you notice any of these issues, adjust your watering schedule accordingly to resolve. Overwatered plants can be helped by repotting in fresh, dry soil.
Creating the Right Watering Schedule
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Observe your plant’s needs over time and adjust your schedule accordingly. Determine if your plant needs more or less frequent watering.
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Group plants with similar needs together. Plants that like more humidity can be grouped to extend time between watering.
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Use moisture meters and your finger to check soil. Don’t just water on a set timeline.
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Consider the plant’s location. Those in brighter or hotter areas may need more frequent watering.
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Water lightly more often for smaller pots that dry out quicker. Water thoroughly less often for bigger pots.
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Adjust for seasonal changes. Reduce watering frequency and amounts in winter when growth is slower.
Following these comprehensive watering guidelines will help ensure your Baltic Blue receives the moisture it needs to stay strong and beautiful in your home. Pay close attention to cues from your plant and tweak your schedule as needed. With a little care and observation, you can maintain optimal growing conditions for your Baltic Blue.
How to Propagate Baltic Blue Pothos?
Now that you know everything there is to know about the Baltic Blue Pothos, it’s time to learn how you can best care for your plant. Propagating Baltic Blue Pothos is easy and fun and you can do it yourself. Here are some ways:
- Cuttings – Take a stem with at least 3 leaves and place it in a container filled with moist soil. Cover the container with plastic wrap or tinfoil and leave it in indirect sunlight for 6-8 weeks. Your cutting will sprout roots from its nodes as well as new leaves! This is great if you want to create more plants of this variety without having to buy them from a nursery.
- Stems – Leave 1-2 leaves at the top of each cutting before planting them into pots filled with moistened soil (make sure there is no standing water). Keep them in bright, indirect light until they begin growing again then move them under brighter lights until they become large enough so that they fill out their pots (this usually takes 2 years). Once they are fully grown you can cut back on watering but still give them enough water so that their roots stay healthy during summer months when temperatures rise above 80°F/26°C. This method also works well if only one plant survives after being moved outside so keep those babies alive.
How to Repot Baltic Blue Pathos?
Repotting is a good way to improve the health of your plant, as well as ensure that it’s getting the right amount of water and nutrients. As with any other houseplant, you’ll want to check your Baltic Blue Pothos for signs of over or under-watering. If its leaves turn yellow and droopy on one side, it’s likely suffering from overwatering. If they turn brown and crispy around the edges, however, it may be dehydrated.
The best time to repot your plant is when its roots have filled up the pot it’s currently in (you can tell by pressing gently on the soil). If you see roots poking out through drainage holes at any point during this process, then don’t worry—they’ll adjust! Just make sure not too much water gets into those holes; otherwise, rot could set in quickly!
You should also consider upgrading your pot every few years if yours starts looking worn or dirty—this is especially important if you plan on keeping it indoors all year long rather than bringing it outside only during summer months (which most experts recommend). When selecting what type might work best remember that they need plenty of light but relatively little water so choose something with good drainage holes instead of those made out of plastic which tend to hold onto moisture longer than necessary.
Baltic Blue Care Guide
Should I water my Baltic Blue Pothos?
Allow most of the soil to dry out before watering your Baltic Blue Pothos. If the leaves start to droop slightly and the soil is dry to the touch then it is time to water your plant. Overwatered Pothos can get root rot easily so you want to pay attention to how your Pothos looks to see if it is showing signs of being overwatered or underwatered.
What kind of soil does a Baltic Blue plant need?
Like other Pothos plants, the Baltic Blue needs a well-draining soil. A standard houseplant potting mix with additional perlite added to it will work well for these plants. If the soil is too dense it will not allow the water to drain well and the roots will become waterlogged and start to get root rot.
What temperature do Baltic Blue Pothos need?
Baltic blue pothos need warm temperatures throughout the entire year. Its ideal temperature is 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything at 55 degrees or below will cause the plant to suffer from stunted growth, shock, and eventually kill the pothos. In most areas, the Baltic Blue pothos is grown as a houseplant.
How do you propagate Baltic Blue Pothos?
Propagating Baltic Blue pothos is done via stem cuttings, which requires cutting a 3 to 5 inch stem from the plant. Make sure the stem has a few leaf nodes, and then remove the bottom leaves. Root the cutting in either water or soil and, after about 4 weeks, roots should begin to form.