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Pothos care
Epipremnum aureum · Araceae
Also called Golden pothos, Devil's ivy, Taro vine.
A climbing aroid from the Society Islands of French Polynesia, now one of the most common houseplants in the world. Indoors it stays in its juvenile form, with glossy heart-shaped leaves on long trailing stems that suit shelves and hanging baskets. It copes with low light and the odd missed watering.
Light
Bright IndirectWatering
WeeklyDifficulty
EasyPets
Toxic to cats and dogsHeight indoors
1-2.5 m
Growth
Moderate
Temperature
18-29 °C
Not below 13 °C
Humidity
50% - 70%
Likes humid air
Soil pH
6.5-7.0
Slightly acidic soil
Native to
- French Polynesia
Through the year
Water when the top few centimetres of soil are dry, then soak the pot and let it drain; in winter every 2 weeks is usually enough.
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Spring
WeeklyRepot if roots poke out of the drainage holes and start feeding again.
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Summer
WeeklyWater more often and keep it out of strong sun through glass.
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Autumn
Every 2 weeksStop feeding and let the soil dry a bit more between waterings.
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Winter
Every 2 weeksKeep it away from cold windows and drafts and water sparingly.
Feeding
Every 8 weeks in spring and summer. Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Skip feeding in winter.
Care tips
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Let it dry a little
It does better slightly on the dry side than in constantly wet soil.
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Pinch for fullness
Cut long, bare vines back in spring so the plant branches near the pot.
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Root cuttings in water
Any piece with at least one node roots in a glass of water within a few weeks.
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Give it a pole for bigger leaves
When it climbs a support in good light, the leaves grow noticeably larger.
Common problems
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Root rot
What you seeLeaves yellow and wilt and the stems turn soft and dark at the soil line.
What to doCut away mushy roots, repot in fresh, airy mix and wait until the topsoil is dry before watering.
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Faded variegation
What you seeNew leaves come out smaller and plain green instead of marbled.
What to doMove the plant to a brighter spot with no hot direct sun.
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Mealybugs
What you seeWhite, cottony clumps in leaf joints and along the stems.
What to doDab each clump with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and repeat weekly until none return.
Pets
Is pothos safe for cats and dogs?
Toxic to cats and dogs. Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; chewing causes mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting.
Good to know
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In the wild the vine climbs trees by its aerial roots and its leaves can grow close to a metre long, with splits and holes like a monstera.
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Botanists once treated it as a form of Epipremnum pinnatum before recognising it as a separate species.
