Brainy Gardener

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest creative news from FooBar about art, design and business.

    What's Hot

    Botrytis Blight: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent the Gray Mold

    January 28, 2023

    Solving the Powdery Mildew Puzzle: How to Protect Your Houseplants

    January 28, 2023

    Crassula Red Pagoda: Growing And Care Guide

    January 27, 2023
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    Brainy Gardener
    • Home
    • Houseplants
    • Succulents and Cacti
    • Bromeliad
    • Contact
    Brainy Gardener
    Home»Houseplants»Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Growing and Care Guide

    Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Growing and Care Guide

    By Milo MasonDecember 22, 2022
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email

    Are you interested in growing your own Golden pothos plants? Do you already have a pothos plant but need some help learning how to care for it properly? Are you looking for information about common pests affecting your pothos plants and how to deal with them? If so, this guide is for you.

    Golden Pothos
    Golden pothos (author myimagine via depositphotos)

    This article will cover how to grow, maintain and care for your golden pothos plants. We’ll also look at common pests that may affect them and how to deal with them.

    Related: 20+ Types of Pothos and Varieties

    in this article:

    • care
    • pruning
    • repotting
    • propagation
    • blooms
    • pests
    • common-problems

    About Golden Pothos

    Golden Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum) are commonly available houseplants known for their trailing vines which can be trained along structures such as trellises or fences.

    They’re a great choice for busy people who want an easy-to-care-for plant that requires minimal attention. Pothos plants are also often used to decorate office spaces and other work environments because they do not require direct sunlight to thrive.

    They are also known as Devil’s ivy, Money Plant, Taro Vine, or even just Pothos. Their leaves are heart-shaped or oval with pointed tips and vary in color from dark green to cream. Pothos plants can grow up to 10 feet tall when trained on a trellis.

    Related: Philodendron vs Pothos: Similarities and Differences

    Cultivars of the Golden Pothos are myriad and incredibly popular in cultivation. You can’t go to a nursery or garden center and not find a variety of Pothos for sale.

    Rarer and more exotic Pothos varieties have some degree of variegation in various patterns, but the Epipremnum aureum, or the Golden Pothos, only features mild yellow variegation on its bright green leaves.

    Botanical NameEpipremnum aureum
    Common NameGolden Pothos, Devil’s Vine, Devil’s Ivy, Taro Vine, Money Plant
    FamilyAraceae
    Plant TypeEvergreen Vine
    OriginSouth Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Pacific Islands, West Indies
    MaintenanceLow
    Height20-40 feet
    Width3-6 feet
    LightBright, Indirect Light
    Bloom seasonRare
    Water needsLow, Moderate
    SoilWell-Drained, Loamy
    TolerantDrought, Low-light
    ToxicityToxic
    Hardiness (USDA)10-12

    Golden Pothos Care

    Caring for a Golden Pothos is easy. It is a very forgiving plant that can withstand a lot of neglect and abuse. As long as it has water, light, and warmth (but not direct sunlight), your Golden Pothos will be happy! The one thing to take note of is overwatering—they do not like to sit in water.

    Light

    Pothos do best in bright indirect light. Direct sunlight will cause the plant to wilt and become stressed, so avoid placing it there.

    The best place to put your Golden Pothos is near a window that gets direct sun for part of the day but not all day.

    Soil

    Golden Pothos plants do best in well-drained soil rich with organic matter. If you have loose, sandy soil that drains quickly, that’s ideal. If not, add peat moss or compost to your potting mix before planting your Golden Pothos.

    Water

    Like most indoor plants, Pothos love to be watered, but they don’t like to sit in water. Let the soil dry out between waterings. Golden Pothos plants are drought-tolerant and do well with infrequent watering.

    Avoid overwatering as this is the primary cause a pothos plant might die.

    Related: Underwatered vs Overwatered Pothos

    Temperature and Humidity

    These plants like warm temperatures, but they can tolerate cooler ones. The ideal temperature range for Golden Pothos is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, although they can be kept outside in warmer climates. In the winter, keep your Golden Pothos indoors, where it will stay warm enough to thrive.

    Maintain high humidity (50-70%) for the best results. Try misting your Golden Pothos plant regularly. You can also place your plant near a humidifier.

    Fertilizer

    Golden Pothos is a very easy houseplant to maintain. It does not require fertilizer to function, but it does help.

    You should fertilize your Golden Pothos plant every two weeks while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength.

    Golden Pothos Cheat Sheet
    Golden pothos cheat sheet (author tharakorn via depositphotos)

    Pruning

    Golden Pothos is very easy to prune. Simply remove dead leaves or those that are yellowing or turning brown. The plant will grow new ones in its place, so don’t worry about removing too much at once.

    If grown as a vine, you can prune the plant back to encourage it to branch out.

    Potting and Repotting Golden Pothos

    Golden Pothos can be potted or repotted at any time of year. If you’re growing your Pothos in a container, it’s best to repot it when the roots begin to fill up the pot and completely surround it.

    This will ensure the plant has good drainage and can continue growing. You should also repot your Golden Pothos if it begins showing signs of root rot, which can occur if there isn’t enough oxygen in its soil mix.

    Spring or summer is the optimal time to repot your Pothos. This allows plenty of time for the plant to become accustomed to its new pot before winter arrives and it stops growing.

    Prepare

    • Select the pot. Choose a pot with plenty of drainage holes and a wider diameter than the current pot. Clay or terracotta pots are generally preferred, but plastic pots can work as well.
    • Choose the soil. High-quality potting soil will ensure that your Pothos has good drainage and the nutrients it needs to thrive. Look for a mix that includes peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. These ingredients will also help keep the soil light and airy so that roots have room to grow.
    • Select a Spot. The best location for your Pothos is in indirect light. A south-facing window is ideal, but any light that’s not too bright or direct should work. Keep the plant away from drafts and vents.
    • Gather the tools. You’ll need a pair of gardening gloves, a spade or trowel, and pruning shears.

    How to Repot (Step-by-Step)

    1. Remove the Golden Pothos from its current pot and gently shake off any excess soil.
    2. Use the pruning shears to cut off any dead or rotting leaves.
    3. Fill the new container with soil, leaving a couple of inches of space at the top.
    4. Gently place your Pothos into their new home and firm down around the roots with your hands.
    5. Water well to settle in the plant’s new environment.

    Propagating Golden Pothos by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)

    Stem cuttings are one of the easiest ways to propagate Pothos. The new plant will grow from a cutting you take from your existing plant, which can be done at any time of year (preferably spring) and in any location. To start propagating golden Pothos by stem cuttings:

    1. Choose a healthy, mature stem with at least three nodes (where leaves emerge from the stem).
    2. Cut the stem just below a node with pruning shears.
    3. Use sharp scissors or a knife to remove any leaves on the bottom half of your cutting.
    4. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and let it rest for an hour or so.
    5. Plant the stem cutting in a pot filled with moistened soil, just like you would for a seedling.
    6. Cover the cutting with mulch or sphagnum moss to keep the humidity high, and place it in a warm area with indirect light.
    7. Water well and keep the potting medium slightly moist until new growth appears.

    Related: How to Propagate Pothos Plants

    Blooms

    Golden Pothos almost never bloom in their entire lifetime. Flowers are rare for these plants and rarer still for plants grown in cultivation. But, since these plants are primarily grown for their attractive leaves and variegation, a lack of blooms is no loss to anybody.

    Hand Holding Green Epipremnum Aureum Pot
    Hand holding green epipremnum aureum pot (author aphichart via depositphotos)

    Toxicity

    Golden Pothos Pothos is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. It can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. The plant may also irritate the skin. Keep it away from children and pets to avoid accidental poisoning.

    NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.

    Related: Are Pothos Toxic to Cats and Dogs?: A Guide to Pet Safety

    Common Pests

    Mealybugs

    Mealybugs are soft, slow-moving pests that suck the sap from the Pothos. They feed on young shoots, flower buds, and stems, causing them to wither and die. Mealybugs are difficult to spot but can be identified by their cottony white masses or clusters on leaves or stems. The best way to control mealybugs is by using insecticidal soap spray or horticultural oil in early spring before new growth appears.

    Scale Insects

    Scale insects are small, immobile white or brown creatures that live on the plant’s leaves and stems. They secrete a sweet fluid called honeydew that attracts ants. Ants protect scale insects from predators and clean their bodies in exchange for the honeydew they produce. Scale insects can be difficult to handle because they tend to spread quickly over large areas of foliage. Use neem oil or insecticidal soap to help control scale insects.

    Spider Mites

    These tiny pests suck the sap from the leaves, which causes wilting and brown spotting. You may also see webbing on the undersides of leaves, especially if you have multiple plants in one container. If you suspect that your plants have spider mites, spray them with water from a misting bottle or hose daily until all signs of damage disappear.

    AVOID

    • Overwatering
    • Placing under harsh sunlight
    • Using poorly drained potting mediums
    • Fertilizing during dormancy

    Common Problems

    Yellowing Leaves

    Yellowing leaves can be caused by many different factors, including lack of light and improper watering. If your Golden Pothos is not getting enough sunlight or is overwatered, then its leaves will likely turn yellow. Yellowing leaves are also a sign that the plant is not receiving adequate nutrients through its roots. You can correct this problem by repotting your plant in new soil that contains additional fertilizer or by pruning away parts of the Pothos that are dead or dying.

    Related: Why Are Your Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow

    Brown Leaves

    Brown leaves often indicate that the plant is not receiving enough moisture, either because of a lack of regular watering or a dry atmosphere. Increase your watering frequency gradually until you see the leaves visibly recover their color. You can also try placing the plant somewhere more humid, like a kitchen or a bathroom. Alternatively, you can use a humidifier or water tray to increase the amount of moisture in the air.

    Leggy Growth

    If your plant has become leggy, it may mean that you are not providing enough light. Try moving the Pothos to a brighter location, like near a window or under a fluorescent light. Alternatively, you can provide more indirect light by placing a thin barrier between the plant and the sun so that it is not directly exposed to the direct sun.

    FAQ

    Moderately so. Golden Pothos plants contain calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the skin and mouth, causing burning sensations and swelling. While the plant is not life-threatening, it should not be eaten or consumed by anyone.

    It is primarily used as an ornamental houseplant because of its attractive leaves and ability to grow almost anywhere. However, the Golden Pothos is also a good air purifier and can help reduce asthma symptoms. It also filters out benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene from the air.

    The Golden Pothos is safe to keep in the bedroom if you keep it away from children and pets. It is a poisonous plant if ingested, so make sure to keep it out of reach. 

    The Golden Pothos plant has a lifespan of anywhere between five and ten years. It will grow to be between one and ten feet tall, depending on the size of the pot it is kept in and how much you allow it to grow.

    If your Golden Pothos plant is drooping, it’s likely because it needs more water. The root system of the pothos plant is not very deep and can dry out easily if you don’t keep the soil moist enough. If you notice that your plant has stopped growing and started to droop, give it some more water.

    1. Golden Pothos Toxicity. ASPCA
    2. Royal Horticultural Society. RHS
    Share. Facebook Pinterest Tumblr Email
    Milo Mason

    Milo Mason is a self-proclaimed plant whisperer. With a passion for gardening, houseplants, and all things outdoors, Milo has been cultivating indoor plants for the past five years with an interest in perennials and succulents. He enjoys sharing his insights and research on plant species when it comes to care tips.

    Related Posts

    Botrytis Blight: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent the Gray Mold

    Solving the Powdery Mildew Puzzle: How to Protect Your Houseplants

    Earwigs: Guide To Identify, Control, And Prevent

    Comments are closed.

    Don't Miss

    Botrytis Blight: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent the Gray Mold

    Solving the Powdery Mildew Puzzle: How to Protect Your Houseplants

    January 28, 2023

    Crassula Red Pagoda: Growing And Care Guide

    January 27, 2023

    Earwigs: Guide To Identify, Control, And Prevent

    January 27, 2023
    About Us
    About Us

    Brainy Gardener is a gardening blog that offers practical, real-life tips and inspiration to help you know how to garden successfully. The website has in depth, well written and clear articles on all sorts of topics and plants, from hydroponics to specific plants like daisies or succulents, houseplants, plant problems

    Email Us: info@brainygardener.com

    Our Picks

    Botrytis Blight: How to Recognize, Treat and Prevent the Gray Mold

    January 28, 2023

    Solving the Powdery Mildew Puzzle: How to Protect Your Houseplants

    January 28, 2023

    Earwigs: Guide To Identify, Control, And Prevent

    January 27, 2023

    Subscribe to Updates

    Get the latest gardening tips from Brainy Gardener.

    © 2023 BrainyGardener.com. All rights reserved.
    • Home
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms of Use
    • Contact

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.