Golden Pothos

How to care for Golden Pothos

Light

Golden Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light, which encourages strong variegation and vigorous growth. It will tolerate low-light conditions better than most houseplants, though leaves may become more uniformly green and growth will slow considerably in dim spots. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it will scorch the leaves and cause the variegation to bleach out.

Watering

Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of compost feels dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain freely from the pot. Overwatering is the most common cause of decline; the roots are susceptible to rot in persistently wet compost. Reduce watering frequency in autumn and winter when growth slows, and always use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.

Soil and potting

A well-draining, peat-free multipurpose compost suits Golden Pothos well. To improve drainage and aeration, incorporate around 20-30% perlite or coarse grit into the mix. The plant tolerates a slightly acidic to neutral pH, roughly 6.1-6.5, and will not thrive in compacted or waterlogged compost.

Feeding

Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser at half the recommended strength once a month during the active growing season from spring through summer. No supplementary feeding is necessary in autumn and winter when growth is minimal. Over-fertilising can cause fertiliser salt build-up, which may lead to brown leaf tips and root damage.

Humidity and temperature

Golden Pothos tolerates the average humidity found in most UK homes, typically 40-60%, without difficulty. For best results and to reduce the incidence of brown leaf edges, a slightly higher humidity of 50-70% is beneficial, achievable by grouping plants together or using a pebble tray with water. Maintain temperatures between 15 and 29 °C; the plant is sensitive to cold draughts and should never be exposed to temperatures below 10 °C.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years in spring when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes or the plant becomes visibly pot-bound. Choose a new pot only 2-3 cm larger in diameter than the existing one, as an excessively large pot retains surplus moisture and increases the risk of root rot. Gently loosen the root ball, remove any dead or rotted roots, and pot into fresh compost.

Pruning

Prune Golden Pothos freely to control length, encourage bushier growth, or remove leggy, pale stems. Cut just above a leaf node using clean, sharp scissors or secateurs. Removing older stems at the base periodically refreshes the plant. Any removed healthy stem sections can be used directly for propagation.

Is Golden Pothos toxic?

Common problems

How to propagate

Stem cuttings in water

Cut a healthy stem section of 10-15 cm with at least one or two nodes, remove leaves that would sit below the waterline, and place in a glass of water in bright indirect light. Roots typically develop within 2-4 weeks, after which the cutting can be potted into compost.

Stem cuttings in compost

Prepare a cutting as above and insert directly into moist, well-draining compost, ensuring at least one node is buried. Cover loosely with a clear bag to maintain humidity and place in a warm, bright spot; roots usually establish within 3-6 weeks.

Layering

Pin a long stem to the surface of a separate pot of compost using a hairpin or bent wire, ensuring a node is in contact with the soil. Once roots have formed and new growth is visible, sever the stem from the parent plant.

Where Golden Pothos comes from

Native to Society Is.. Now naturalised or cultivated in 40 other regions worldwide.

Story and origins

The genus name Epipremnum derives from the Greek words 'epi', meaning upon, and 'premnon', meaning a trunk, referring to the plant's habit of growing upon and clinging to tree trunks in its native habitat. The species epithet 'aureum' is Latin for golden, a reference to the yellow variegation characteristic of the plant. The common name 'Devil's Ivy' stems from its extraordinary resilience; it remains green and continues to grow even in conditions of very low light where most plants would perish, an almost supernaturally tenacious quality.

Epipremnum aureum was first formally described by English botanist Frederic Barkly Sander in 1908, though it had been in cultivation in European glasshouses prior to this. The species originates from Mo'orea in French Polynesia, from where it was distributed across tropical regions, becoming naturalised throughout Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean. It rose to prominence as a houseplant during the mid-twentieth century owing to its remarkable hardiness under indoor conditions. In parts of Asia, particularly China, it is known as 'Money Plant' and is associated with good fortune and prosperity, often placed in homes and businesses as a symbol of positive energy. Its ease of propagation and sharing has made it a culturally ubiquitous plant in homes across the globe.

Varieties to know

Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen'

Heavily variegated with white and cream streaking throughout the leaves; slower growing than the species due to reduced chlorophyll.

Epipremnum aureum 'Neon'

Produces striking, uniform chartreuse to bright lime-green leaves with no variegation; particularly vivid in bright light.

Epipremnum aureum 'Pearls and Jade'

Developed by the University of Florida; features smaller leaves with white and silvery-grey variegation on the margins, often with green streaking within the white areas.

Epipremnum aureum 'Golden Queen'

More heavily gold and yellow variegated than the standard species, with large portions of each leaf appearing yellow.

Epipremnum aureum 'Manjula'

A patented cultivar with wide, slightly wavy leaves showing a blend of white, cream, green, and yellow variegation; each leaf is distinctly unique.

Fun facts

• In the wild and under ideal conditions, Epipremnum aureum leaves can grow to over 90 cm in length, far larger than the small leaves typically seen on indoor specimens.
• Golden Pothos has never been observed flowering in cultivation; it only blooms in the wild when it has climbed to a sufficient height and maturity in tropical conditions.
• NASA's 1989 Clean Air Study included Golden Pothos as one of the plants tested for the removal of indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, though subsequent research suggests the effect in real home conditions is minimal.
• The species is classified as an invasive plant in several tropical regions, including Sri Lanka, Hawaii, and parts of Southeast Asia, where it smothers native vegetation on forest floors.
• Epipremnum aureum is considered functionally extinct in its native wild habitat on Mo'orea due to habitat destruction, meaning nearly all specimens worldwide derive from cultivated stock.

Golden Pothos FAQ