Golden Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
The ultimate beginner plant — fast-growing, nearly indestructible, and gorgeous trailing from any shelf or hanging basket.
Overview
Golden Pothos is arguably the most popular houseplant in the world — and for good reason. It's nearly indestructible, grows in almost any light condition, and produces beautiful trailing vines with heart-shaped green and yellow variegated leaves. It's often the first plant people successfully keep alive, and it remains a favorite even for experienced collectors. NASA studies have shown it's effective at filtering indoor air pollutants.
Care Requirements
Light
Low to Medium Indirect Light — tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light
Water
Every 1–2 weeks — allow top 1–2 inches to dry out completely
Humidity
Low to Moderate — adapts to average home humidity
Soil
Standard well-draining potting mix
Temperature
60–85°F (16–29°C)
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer
Detailed Care Guide
Light
- Tolerates a wide range of light — from low to bright indirect
- Grows fastest and produces the most variegation in medium to bright indirect light
- Can survive in very low light but growth slows significantly
- Avoid direct sun which bleaches the leaves
Watering
- Water every 1–2 weeks — allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out completely
- One of the most drought-tolerant houseplants — it will tell you when it needs water (leaves will slightly droop)
- Ensure good drainage — root rot is possible with consistent overwatering
- Reduce watering in winter
Soil
- Standard well-draining potting mix works perfectly
- Not fussy about soil — almost any mix will do
- Add 20% perlite for improved drainage if desired
- Repot when roots start coming out of drainage holes
Temperature & Humidity
- Tolerates a wide temperature range — 60–85°F (16–29°C)
- Adapts to average home humidity — no special humidity requirements
- Can handle slightly cooler temperatures than most tropicals
- Avoid freezing temperatures
Difficulty Level
Beginner — the ultimate starter plant. Tolerates neglect, low light, irregular watering, and average humidity. If you've struggled with plants before, start here.
Extra Notes
Toxic to cats and dogs — causes oral irritation and GI upset if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets. Golden Pothos is one of the best air-purifying plants available. The longer the vines grow, the more impressive the display — let them trail from a high shelf for a dramatic effect.
Pro Tip
To encourage larger leaves and faster growth, give your Pothos a moss pole or let it climb a wall. Climbing triggers the plant's natural growth response and produces significantly larger leaves.
New to this plant?
Just Received This Plant?
If you just received a cutting or node: this is one of the easiest cuttings to root. Place the node in a glass of water — make sure the node is submerged but any leaves stay above water. Put in bright indirect light and change water every few days. Roots appear in 7–14 days. Once roots are 1–2 inches long, pot into standard potting mix. Water thoroughly and place in medium indirect light. New leaves will appear within 2–4 weeks.
If you just received a potted plant: unbox and place in medium indirect light. Water if the soil is dry. Golden Pothos is one of the most adaptable plants and adjusts quickly with minimal stress. Expect some minor yellowing of lower leaves in the first week — normal. Do not fertilize for 4–6 weeks. If the plant came in a hanging basket, find a bright spot and let the vines trail naturally.
Basic Care Instructions
Place in low to medium indirect light, water every 1–2 weeks allowing the top inch or two to dry completely, and keep in average home humidity. Fertilize monthly in spring and summer. One of the most forgiving plants you can own.
Propagation
The easiest plant to propagate. Cut just below a node (the brown bump on the stem), place in water, and roots appear in 1–2 weeks. Each node cutting can become a full plant.
Common Problems & Fixes
Yellowing leaves
Overwatering — let soil dry out more between waterings
Pale, washed-out leaves
Too much direct sun — move to bright indirect or medium light
Slow growth
Increase light and start fertilizing monthly during growing season
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