The Hawaiian Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Hawaiian’) is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant foliage and trailing growth. Its ease of care makes it a favored choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. This cultivar adds a tropical touch to indoor settings.
Identifying Hawaiian Golden Pothos
Distinctive Leaf Size and Coloration
Hawaiian Golden Pothos is a cultivar of the standard Golden Pothos, distinguished by its larger leaf size. Its leaves often grow significantly bigger than a typical Golden Pothos under similar conditions. While both plants have heart-shaped leaves, the Hawaiian variety tends to have slightly more rounded tips.
The variegation on Hawaiian Golden Pothos leaves is lighter, often creamy yellow or even white, compared to the deeper yellow flecks of standard Golden Pothos. This lighter coloration can darken to golden yellow in higher light, but remains less intense than other Golden Pothos varieties. The stem can also appear more yellowish.
Growth Habits
This plant has a vining growth habit. Its stems can trail from hanging baskets or shelves, creating a cascading effect. Alternatively, it can be trained to climb on a moss pole or trellis, where its aerial roots will attach for support.
Hawaiian Golden Pothos has a fast growth rate. Under ideal conditions, it can grow approximately 12 inches or more in a few months, with vines reaching several feet indoors. This vigorous growth contributes to its lush appearance.
Hawaiian Golden Pothos Care
Light Requirements
Hawaiian Golden Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light. This environment encourages vibrant variegation. While it tolerates lower light, insufficient light may cause variegation to fade, resulting in more solid green foliage and slower growth.
Avoid direct, intense sunlight, as it can scorch leaves, leading to yellowing or browning. If moving the plant from a low-light area to a brighter one, gradually introduce it to prevent shock.
Watering Needs
This plant prefers its soil to dry out slightly between waterings. To determine if watering is needed, insert a finger about an inch deep into the soil; if it feels dry, water the plant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage.
When watering, saturate the soil until water drains from the pot’s bottom. Empty any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot. Watering frequency decreases during cooler winter months when growth slows.
Soil and Potting
Hawaiian Golden Pothos grows well in a well-draining, light, and airy potting mix. A standard houseplant mix amended with perlite or orchid bark ensures proper aeration and drainage. The pot should always have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Repot every one to two years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound, such as roots emerging from drainage holes. When repotting, select a container only one to two inches wider in diameter to provide room for growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Hawaiian Golden Pothos prefers consistent warm temperatures, ideally 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid placing the plant near drafts or cold windows, especially during winter, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress the plant.
The plant prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally between 50-70%. While it tolerates average indoor humidity, additional moisture promotes vigorous growth. To increase humidity, use a humidifier, place the pot on a pebble tray, or occasionally mist the leaves.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring and summer), Hawaiian Golden Pothos benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a general-purpose indoor plant fertilizer monthly or every other month. Ensure the soil is damp before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.
Propagating Hawaiian Golden Pothos
Propagating Hawaiian Golden Pothos is achieved through stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is during the plant’s active growing periods in spring or summer.
To take a cutting, select a healthy stem and use clean, sharp scissors or shears to cut just below a node. A node is a small bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Each cutting should have at least two to three leaves, with the bottom leaf removed to expose the node.
Cuttings can be rooted in either water or soil. For water propagation, place the cutting in a clear container of room-temperature water, ensuring the exposed node is submerged and leaves remain above the waterline. Change the water weekly. Roots form within a few weeks, and once they are about an inch long, transplant the cutting into soil.
For soil propagation, plant the cutting directly into a small pot with a light, well-draining potting mix, burying the node. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and place the pot in bright, indirect light. New growth indicates roots are developing.
Common Problems and Solutions
Hawaiian Golden Pothos is a resilient plant, but issues can arise, signaling a need to adjust care. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, especially with consistently wet soil or mushy stems. Wilting leaves can suggest underwatering or root rot from overwatering.
Browning leaf tips or edges often point to insufficient humidity or underwatering. Leggy growth with long, sparse vines indicates insufficient light, causing the plant to stretch. Brown patches on leaves can result from direct sunlight exposure.
Pest issues can occur, with spider mites and mealybugs being common culprits. These pests can cause small spots on leaves or leaf deformation. Addressing these problems involves reassessing watering habits, adjusting light exposure, increasing humidity, or using insecticidal soap for pests.