The Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a durable houseplant known for its vibrant foliage. It is commonly referred to as Devil’s Ivy due to its tenacious ability to survive in challenging conditions and its vigorous, trailing growth habit. The plant is characterized by glossy, heart-shaped leaves that often display attractive yellow or cream variegation. Its vining nature makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or for training to climb vertical supports.
Optimal Placement and Light Needs
The Golden Pothos thrives best when situated in an environment that provides bright, indirect sunlight. Placing the plant near an east or west-facing window, where the light is filtered or gentle, is ideal for promoting healthy growth and maintaining the distinct yellow and green marbling of the leaves. While this plant can tolerate lower light conditions, insufficient illumination will cause the variegated sections to fade, potentially leading the leaves to revert to a solid green color as the plant attempts to maximize chlorophyll production.
Household temperatures between 60°F and 85°F are well-suited for the Pothos, reflecting its tropical origins. Shield the plant from sudden temperature drops below 50°F and from cold drafts, which can cause leaf damage. While adaptable to average indoor humidity, the plant will flourish in conditions between 40% and 60% humidity.
Watering Schedule and Soil Composition
The most common mistake in Pothos care is overwatering, which can quickly lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out significantly between applications; specifically, the top two inches should be completely dry before watering. To check the moisture level, insert a finger into the soil, and if it feels dry at that depth, water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
Any pot used for a Golden Pothos must include drainage holes to ensure excess water can escape and prevent the roots from sitting in soggy conditions. The proper soil mixture must be well-draining and aerated to prevent compaction around the roots. A standard indoor potting mix amended with materials like perlite or orchid bark will enhance drainage. During the active growing season (spring through summer), the plant benefits from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every one to three months.
Managing Growth Through Pruning and Propagation
Regular pruning is necessary to manage the Pothos’s size and encourage a fuller, more compact appearance. Trimming back “leggy” vines (long, bare sections with few leaves) prompts the plant to branch out closer to the base. Using clean, sharp scissors or shears, make cuts just above a leaf node, which is the small bump on the stem where a leaf or aerial root emerges.
The sections removed during pruning can be used to propagate new plants easily. Propagation requires a stem cutting that includes at least one node and a few leaves. The cutting can be placed directly into a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Alternatively, plant the cutting directly into moist, well-draining soil, burying the node one or two inches deep. Roots typically develop within a few weeks in a bright, warm location, allowing the new plant to be potted once the roots are at least an inch long.
Troubleshooting Common Care Issues
Observing the leaves often reveals the plant’s condition, with yellowing foliage being a common sign. If the leaves are turning yellow, especially the older leaves near the base, the cause is likely overwatering, which leads to root suffocation and rot. Conversely, brown tips or crispy edges usually indicate underwatering or consistently low humidity levels.
If yellowing is accompanied by dark spots or mushy stems, the plant may have advanced root rot, requiring the removal of affected roots and repotting into fresh soil. Pothos plants can occasionally attract common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Regular inspection of the undersides of the leaves helps catch infestations early, which can typically be treated with an insecticidal soap or a diluted rubbing alcohol solution.
Mandatory Safety Warning:
Epipremnum aureum is toxic if ingested by humans or pets, including cats and dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause irritation of the mouth, throat, and stomach. Keep this plant out of reach of children and household animals.