Golden pothos (devil's ivy)
Epipremnum aureum
Evergreen tropical vining houseplant with glossy heart-shaped leaves, often variegated (gold or white); hardy, low-light tolerant and easy to grow indoors.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: toxic
Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and swallowing discomfort. Skin contact may irritate; keep away from pets and children.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place golden pothos in bright, indirect light near an east- or north-facing window or a few metres from a south/west window. Avoid harsh midday sun that scorches leaves. It tolerates low light but variegation and vigor decline in dim corners.
Water
Water when the top 2–3 cm (¾–1¼ in) of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly until it drains and empty the saucer; do not let the plant sit in water. Reduce frequency in winter. Yellowing and soggy soil usually indicate overwatering.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity (40–60%). Increase humidity with pebble trays, plant grouping, occasional misting, or a humidifier, especially in dry winter indoor air.
Temperature
Keep between 10–32°C (50–90°F). Avoid temperatures below 10°C/50°F and protect from cold drafts and sudden drops.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellowing leaves
Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or natural older leaf drop.
Solution: Check soil moisture, reduce watering frequency, repot into fresh, well-draining mix if compacted, and trim affected leaves.
Brown, crispy leaf edges
Cause: Underwatering, low humidity, or salt buildup from fertilizer.
Solution: Slightly increase watering, raise humidity with trays or a humidifier, flush the soil to remove salts and trim damaged tips.
Leggy growth and loss of variegation
Cause: Insufficient light causes stretching and reversion to green in variegated types.
Solution: Move to brighter indirect light, prune back long vines to encourage branching and retain variegation.
Soft, mushy roots and black stems
Cause: Root rot from chronic overwatering and poorly draining soil.
Solution: Remove plant from pot, trim rotten roots, repot in airy mix with good drainage, and cut away affected stems. Reduce watering schedule.
✂️How to Propagate Golden pothos (devil's ivy)
Take 10–15 cm stem cuttings that include at least one visible node and 2–3 leaves. Root in water or a moist, well-draining potting mix by submerging the node (not just the leaves). Keep in bright, indirect light and warm conditions; change water weekly. Roots typically appear in 2–6 weeks. For air-layering, wound stem, wrap moist sphagnum and plastic, wait for roots then cut and pot. Division works when repotting large clumps.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Araceae
Native to: Native to the tropical South Pacific, particularly the island of Mo'orea in French Polynesia.
Natural Habitat: A climbing, often epiphytic vine of humid, shaded tropical forests. It grows on tree trunks and rocks in filtered light, high humidity and warm, stable temperatures.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering and pause fertilizing as growth slows. Keep plant in bright, indirect light, maintain humidity, and avoid cold drafts below 10–12°C (50–54°F).
Spring
Resume regular watering and begin monthly balanced fertilization. Prune to encourage bushiness, propagate cuttings, and repot if rootbound as growth resumes.
Summer
Provide brighter indirect light, increase watering frequency and humidity, and trim or train vines. Monitor for pests like spider mites and scale during warm months.
Fall
Gradually cut back on feeding and slightly reduce watering as daylight shortens. Move closer to light sources and check for pests before bringing plants into cooler indoor areas.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water pothos?
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry — typically every 7–14 days; reduce frequency in winter and always ensure good drainage.
Can pothos grow in low light?
Yes, pothos tolerate low light but growth slows and variegation fades. For best color and vigor, provide bright, indirect light.
Is golden pothos toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and digestive tract if ingested; contact a vet if your pet chews leaves.
How do I propagate pothos?
Take 10–15 cm stem cuttings with a node and root in water or moist soil in bright, indirect light; roots typically form in 2–6 weeks.
Why are my pothos leaves losing variegation?
Insufficient light is the common cause. Move the plant to brighter indirect light and prune reverted stems to encourage variegated growth.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025