Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos)

Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as Golden Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is a highly adaptable and popular houseplant celebrated for its striking, heart-shaped foliage and remarkable resilience. Originating from the French Polynesian islands, it has become a ubiquitous indoor plant globally, thanks to its ease of care and air-purifying qualities. Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to grow, tolerating a wide range of lighting conditions and irregular watering.

Epipremnum aureum – Golden Pothos: An In-depth Look

Pothos plants feature glossy, heart-shaped leaves that vary in color from deep green to variegated patterns of yellow, white, or even light green. Its trailing vines can grow quite long, making it an ideal plant for hanging baskets or as a climbing vine with proper support.

Native: Native to Mo’orea in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, Epipremnum aureum has been widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical forests worldwide, often thriving in moist, shaded areas. It belongs to the arum family (Araceae), along with Zantedeschia (Calla Lily), Caladium (Angel Wing), Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant), or Colocasia (Elephant Ear).

Plant Type and Habit: This evergreen self-clinging vine is known for its ability to climb with the aid of aerial roots that attach to surfaces. In the absence of vertical support, it will trail, making it versatile in its presentation.

Size: In indoor settings, Pothos can trail or climb to over 6-8 feet in length (180-240 cm). Its growth can be easily managed with pruning to maintain the desired size and shape. In its native environment, it can grow to 20-40 feet (6-12 meters) with stems up to 2 inches in diameter (5 cm) in diameter, climbing using aerial roots that adhere to surfaces.

Flowers: Flowering is rare in household conditions, but in its natural habitat or under optimal growth conditions, it can produce a spadix surrounded by a green spathe. The bloom time is generally unpredictable.

Foliage: The plant’s vivid, variegated leaves are its most attractive feature, capable of brightening low-light areas. Young plants sport glossy, bright green, heart-shaped leaves, adorned with cream or yellow spots and streaks. Mature plants feature deeply lobed leaves, expanding up to 90cm in length.

Hardiness: Epipremnum aureum is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12, thriving in warm, humid environments but also adapting well to indoor climates. It is best suited to indoor environments where temperatures can be kept consistent, ideally between 60-85°F (15-29°C).

Award: Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.

Uses: Pothos is predominantly used as a decorative indoor plant, appreciated for its aesthetic appeal and air-purifying properties.

Toxicity: Pothos plants are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, causing mouth and stomach irritation and potentially leading to vomiting.

Drought: Pothos exhibits good drought tolerance, surviving periods of low water availability by storing moisture in its leaves and stems.

Benefits: The plant’s air-purifying capabilities are among its most celebrated benefits, with NASA studies citing its ability to filter out common indoor pollutants, improving air quality.

Pothos Plant Care

Caring for a Golden Pothos is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.

Light: Pothos prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions, making it versatile for different indoor settings. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil provides the necessary aeration and moisture retention.

Water: Water your Pothos plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry. It’s drought-tolerant, so it’s better to under-water than over-water. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Temperature and Humidity: Pothos prefers temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 85°F (29°C). Protect it from drafts and extreme temperatures to avoid stress. While Pothos does well in average home humidity levels, it thrives in higher humidity. If your home is dry, consider misting the leaves or placing a humidifier nearby.

Fertilization: Fertilize your Pothos with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in fall and winter.

Pruning: Regular pruning encourages fuller growth. Trim back any leggy vines to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning is also a good opportunity to propagate new plants.

Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one. Use well-draining soil and water thoroughly after repotting to help the plant settle. This simple step can rejuvenate your Golden Pothos, encouraging healthier growth.

How to Propagate Pothos – A Step-By-Step Guide

Propagating Golden Pothos is an easy and effective way to create new plants from your existing one.

Choose a Healthy Stem: Look for a healthy stem on your Pothos plant. Ideally, one that’s vigorous and has at least 4-6 leaves. Ensure the stem is free from any signs of pests or diseases.

Make the Cut: Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem just below a node (the point on the stem where leaves are attached). The node is where new roots will sprout, so it’s crucial for successful propagation.

Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaves closest to the cut end, leaving at least 2-3 leaves on the upper part of the cutting. This prevents the submerged leaves from rotting in water and focuses the plant’s energy on root development.

Rooting Medium: You have two options for rooting your Pothos cutting: water or soil.

• Water: Place the cutting in a glass or jar filled with room-temperature water, ensuring the node is submerged but the leaves remain above water. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
• Soil: Plant the cutting directly into moist potting soil, burying the node about 1-2 inches deep. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Location: Place your Pothos cutting in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the young cutting.

Wait for Roots to Develop: If you’ve chosen water propagation, you’ll begin to see roots forming within a few weeks. Wait until the roots are at least an inch long before transplanting to soil. For soil propagation, gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks; resistance indicates root formation.

Transplanting: Once your cutting has developed a healthy root system, you can transplant it into a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly after transplanting to help establish the roots in their new environment.

Aftercare: Continue to provide your new Pothos plant with bright, indirect light, and keep the soil evenly moist. With proper care, your propagated Pothos will grow into a full, lush plant.

Pothos: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

Pothos can encounter pests, diseases, and other common problems, especially when grown indoors.

Pests

Spider Mites: These tiny pests can be identified by the fine webs they weave on the plant. They cause yellowing or speckled leaves. Increase humidity around the plant and wash it with a strong stream of water. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests tend to cluster in leaf axils and under leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs or apply neem oil.

Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, brown, or pink, aphids typically feed in groups on the undersides of leaves. Combat them with a gentle spray of water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap to protect the plant’s health and appearance.

Scale insects: Hard or soft-bodied insects that attach themselves to the stems or leaves, causing yellowing and growth stunting. Scrape off with a fingernail or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used.

Diseases

Root rot:  Overwatering is the primary cause, leading to brown, mushy roots and yellowing leaves. Reduce watering, improve drainage, and repot the plant into fresh, well-draining soil. Severely affected roots should be trimmed before repotting.

Leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial infections can cause dark or black spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo. Increase air circulation, avoid wetting leaves when watering, and remove affected leaves. Fungicides or bactericides may be necessary in severe cases.

Common Problems

Yellow Leaves
One of the most frequent issues is yellowing leaves, often due to overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil is well-draining and allow the top inch to dry out between waterings. Yellow leaves can also indicate nutritional deficiencies, so a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season can be beneficial.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges
This problem is usually a sign of low humidity, which is common in indoor environments, especially during winter. Increasing humidity around the plant through misting, using a pebble tray, or employing a humidifier can alleviate this issue. Brown tips may also result from tap water chemicals, so using filtered or rainwater for watering might help.

Leggy Growth or Small Leaves
Leggy stems and smaller than normal leaves are typically signs of inadequate light. While Pothos plants can tolerate low light conditions, they thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Moving your plant to a brighter location can encourage fuller growth and larger leaves.

Leaf Drop
Sudden leaf drop can be alarming and is often a reaction to a drastic change in the plant’s environment, such as a sudden temperature drop, overwatering, or under-watering. Keeping your Pothos in a stable environment and adhering to consistent watering routines can prevent leaf drop.

Fading or Loss of Variegation
If your variegated Pothos starts losing its distinctive patterns, it might not be getting enough light. Variegation is best maintained under bright, indirect light. However, too much direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorching, so finding the right balance is key.

Curling Leaves
Curling leaves can indicate the plant is either too dry or exposed to too much direct sunlight. Check the soil moisture and consider relocating your Pothos to a spot with diffused light.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often to Water Pothos?

Water your Pothos when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 1-2 weeks, depending on the light and humidity levels in your home. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.

Are Pothos Toxic to Cats? Are Pothos Toxic to Dogs?

Yes, Pothos are toxic to both cats and dogs. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. Keep Pothos out of reach of pets.

Why Is My Pothos Turning Yellow?

Yellow leaves can result from several factors, including overwatering, poor drainage, or too little light. Ensure your watering schedule allows the soil to dry out between waterings, and provide bright, indirect light.

Where to Cut Pothos to Propagate?

To propagate Pothos, cut a stem just below a node (the point where a leaf grows from the stem). The cutting should have at least 2-3 leaves. Remove the bottom leaves to expose one or two nodes, which is where the roots will develop.

How to Make Pothos Fuller?

To encourage a fuller Pothos, regularly prune long vines just above a leaf node. This will stimulate new growth from the node, leading to bushier, more compact foliage. Additionally, ensure your Pothos receives adequate light to promote healthy growth.