Golden Pothos

The golden pothos is a low-maintenance houseplant with glossy, heart-shaped leaves and a vining tendency ideal for hanging from shelves or placing in baskets. 

The golden pothos’ other popular name, “devil’s ivy,” derives from its robust growth and propensity to survive even under the most trying circumstances. To put it simply, you can neglect this plant quite a bit and it still won’t likely perish. It makes the ideal first indoor plant because it isn’t fussy about the soil it is in and does well in both low and indirect light.

Let’s explore more about the golden pothos and why it is such a good houseplant for novices and experienced plant parents alike!

What is the Golden Pothos?

Epipremnum aureum, known collectively as the golden pothos, devil’s vine, or devil’s ivy, is a climbing plant from the family Araceae. The pointed, heart-shaped green leaves of this unique vine, which has its origins in the Solomon Islands, can occasionally be variegated with white, yellow, or light green striations. The golden pothos grows fast, often gaining between 12 and 18 inches in length in a month, and is a superb indoor plant all year round. This species can grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12, though it tends to do better indoors with the proper care requirements met.

How to Care for Golden Pothos

Golden pothos vines can be taught to grow on supports to mimic the look of twining, but they do not naturally cling to trellises and other supports as plants like ivy can. Although most are managed at a much shorter, more manageable length, pothos specimens are sometimes seen growing up to 30 feet long when used as indoor plants. You can hang your pothos on hooks to allow it to trail down walls and over window frames if you decide to let it develop into a long vine. Shake the vines loose occasionally to prevent them from becoming a tangled mess since vines left to grow on their own might become knotted. The golden pothos is a great choice for workplaces and dorm rooms since it can still survive in low-light conditions or in environments with just fluorescent illumination. That being said, this species prefers bright, indirect light.

Between waterings, golden pothos plants prefer for the soil to be entirely dry. The plant’s roots will decay if left in persistently moist soil. The plant might suddenly collapse or develop black patches on its leaves, both of which are signs that the soil has been kept overly moist. When it requires water, this plant will let you know! Drooping and other dramatic displays often mean your golden pothos needs water. The plant will lose some leaves if you wait until the leaves begin to shrink.

Golden pothos prefer room temperatures that range between 65 and 75 degrees F, and they should be kept at temperatures that are continuously above 50 degrees F. Also, pothos plants like high humidity levels. Keeping the plant in a generally humid part of the house, like the kitchen or bathroom, can enhance the humidity surrounding it. There is no need to buy a humidifier because the plant is quite resilient and can survive in areas with low humidity. If your space is particularly dry, though, a humidifier or tray of water near the plant could be beneficial.

Golden pothos like both sun and shade, but you must keep an eye on it if there is too much of either. The golden pothos plant favors indirect, strong light when planted indoors. Insufficient light can cause variegated plants to lose their leaf pattern and turn entirely green. The variegation is often restored by moving them to brighter areas of the home. Leaves that seem suddenly pale indicate that the plant is getting too much sun and should be moved away from its light source.

Golden pothos plants do well in regular potting soil that drains well. Pothos flourishes in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. It can survive in a variety of environments, including neutral and slightly acidic environments. Pothos plants don’t require a lot of fertilizer, either. However, because most potting soils lack minerals, you should feed the plant once or twice a month with any balanced houseplant fertilizer to improve nutrition. Avoid fertilizing your pothos is the wintertime or during particularly cold autumn periods.

How to Propagate Golden Pothos

Golden pothos propagation is easy when stem cuttings are used. Pothos cuttings prefer to first grow in water. To begin, choose a healthy stem with at least three leaves, and cut it at an angle about a half-inch or inch below the lowest leaf node using a sterile, sharp cutting instrument. You don’t need to remove the other leaves.

From there, remove the lowest leaf from the stem. Do not let the remaining leaves touch the water when you place the stem in a vase or jar of water. Transplanting the cutting into a container containing potting soil as soon as new roots that are several inches long have appeared, which should happen over the course of a few weeks, will allow it to start building a solid root system. Keep the soil damp but not soggy and place the pot in an area with good indirect light.

The Benefits of Golden Pothos

The golden pothos is one of the plants NASA suggests for purifying the air. It purges the air of benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene. In fact, a famous NASA study found that one of the top houseplants for eliminating toxins was the golden pothos!

Golden pothos are excellent for individuals who are new to owning plants and want something simple to start with, those who travel often and are always on the move and might not have time to water regularly, and those who want a tropical vibe in their space. Golden pothos can also be helpful for plant parents who want a lovely visual effect on their space but only have small places to keep their plants in.

How to Repot a Golden Pothos

After about two years after purchasing your golden pothos, check the roots to see if they are root bound. If it’s time to repot, use a new pot with an additional two inches in diameter. Use containers with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging of your pothos’ roots. Just as well, to avoid problems that come from overwatering and root damage, always use a well-draining soil mix. It is recommended to wait to repot your pothos until the spring or summer. Long vines should be delicately tied to keep them out of the way as you repot your plant.

As mentioned earlier, you can simply cut the vines off and start a new plant if they become too disorganized and untidy for your liking. Your current plant will also see fresh growth as a result of this.

Common Pests and Issues to Watch Out For

Pests can occasionally cause issues for pothos. Observe your plant and give it a once-over each time you water it. Examine the surrounding soil, the underside of the leaves, and the stems. Golden pothos can develop mealybugs, scale, or mites. If the infection is not quickly identified and treated, it can spread to other plants in your home. Sadly, all plants are susceptible to these problems, so keep an eye on all of your plant companions! Other than that, this plant is fantastic for low-maintenance indoor gardening and rarely attracts many pests.

Typically, the long green tendrils on this trailing plant dangle downward as they develop. Your plant may be reaching too far for the light source if it appears to be growing leggier. To promote healthy development, relocate the plant to a location with better lighting while keeping it out of direct sunlight. In order to help fill out the container, you can also clip a few stems and root them back into the pot.

While your golden pothos prefers to dry out between waterings, it will also let you know right away when it needs water. It’s probably underwatered if your plant’s leaves are starting to droop and curl at the ends. When a pothos’ leaves feel crunchy to the touch or turn brown, it’s likely that it’s getting thirsty.

Should I Clean My Golden Pothos?

You can, but don’t do so too often. You can wash your plant by placing it in your shower with warm running water for a few minutes. You can also fill a watering can with filtered water and rinse the leaves of the plant. By simulating tropical rainfall, which happens naturally in their native tropical habitat, these plants can handle the occasional cleaning. Let the water drain from its drainage holes and naturally air dry. Its leaves can also be cleaned by spritzing with a water bottle filled with filtered water. Some plant enthusiasts prefer to manually clean leaves by wiping any dirt or debris off with a moist cloth.

How Big Do Golden Pothos Get?

When growing on trees in the wild, golden pothos plants may reach heights of up to 60 feet; in non-tropical outdoor climates, they can reach heights of up to 20 feet; and indoors, they typically vine six to 10 feet. 

In the wild, their leaves can reach a length of three feet or more. However, indoors, they normally reach a length of four to eight inches.

Are Golden Pothos and Philodendrons the Same Plant?

Golden pothos and philodendrons are both part of the same plant family. Pothos plants and philodendrons are two distinctive and distinctive houseplants, while having a virtually identical look to one another. The easiest method to tell them apart is by their leaves. Unlike philodendrons, which have subtle heart-shaped leaves that are enormous, thick, rough, and waxy, pothos plants have prominent heart-shaped leaves that are thinner, softer, and smoother.

Are Golden Pothos Toxic?

Yes. The golden pothos is a somewhat poisonous houseplant despite being fairly common. The plant contains calcium oxalate, which is composed of small crystals and is a contact irritant, in all of its components. That includes stems, vines, leaves, flowers, etc. Consuming pothos might result in indigestion, intestinal pain, mouth and throat swelling, and a burning sensation in the sinuses. This plant should be planted with caution around curious pets and young children due to its toxicity.

The golden pothos is a classic houseplant beloved by many, and for good reason. This stunning plant is a must-have for its hardy foliage, ease of care, and beautiful heart-shaped leaves. The golden pothos would definitely make an excellent addition to your home or office, provided you can give it the very minimal care it needs.

Up Next:

• Manjula Pothos: Discover This Beautiful Houseplant
• How To Propagate Pothos: 5 Simple Steps
• 10 Bathroom Plants That Absorb Moisture

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Firn