Looking for an easy-to-care-for houseplant? Hawaiian pothos plants are perfect for beginners and professional gardeners alike. These plants are attractive, easy to maintain, and require little maintenance after initial setup.
The care instructions provided in this guide will help you keep your pothos plant healthy and thriving for years to come.
in this article:
About Hawaiian Pothos
The Hawaiian Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum ‘Hawaiian,’ is an easy-to-grow indoor plant that is classified as a vine and can reach up to ten feet in size. Due to their tropical look and feel, these plants are regularly used to brighten up offices and homes.
Typically, Hawaiian Pothos leaves are heavily variegated. Streaks of gold or cream line the surface of the leaves horizontally on a mid-green backdrop. This variegation helps this Pothos stand out in a crowd. The leaves are also heart-shaped, which can add to the uniqueness of this plant.
Like most Pothos, the Hawaiian is a vining plant that can be trained to grow on a trellis or support. The stems of this plant are very flexible and will coil around anything they can reach. This makes them a great choice for hanging baskets and other planters that require support.
Related: 20+ Types of Pothos and Varieties
| Botanical Name | Epipremnum aureum ‘Hawaiian’ |
| Common Name | Hawaiian Pothos |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Evergreen Vine |
| Origin | French Polynesia |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Height | 2-3 feet |
| Humidity | 50-70% |
| Light | Bright, Indirect Light |
| Bloom season | Spring (Rare) |
| Water needs | Low, Moderate |
| Soil | Well-Drained, Loamy |
| Tolerant | Drought |
| Toxicity | Toxic |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 11-12 |
Hawaiian Pothos Care
The Hawaiian Pothos is an excellent choice for beginners or those who want a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention.
Light
The Hawaiian Pothos does well in low-light environments but prefers bright, indirect light to shade.
To help your Pothos thrive, place it near a south-facing window or another sunny spot, provided it gets shade from direct sunlight.
Soil
The Hawaiian Pothos does best in well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
It can also handle poor soils with low nutrients as long as they’re fast-draining and retain a little moisture.
Water
The Hawaiian Pothos is a drought-tolerant plant that prefers moderate water. To keep your Pothos healthy, allow the top inch of potting medium to dry out before watering again. If you notice signs of wilting or drooping leaves, it’s time to give the plant a drink.
Avoid overwatering the plant, which can cause root rot.
Related: How Often to Water Pothos
Temperature and Humidity
These Pothos plants like it warm and humid. It will tolerate temperatures in the low- to mid-50s but prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Maintain humidity around 50 and 70%. You can use a humidifier or a water tray filled with pebbles to counter dryness.
Fertilizer
Pothos plants need little fertilizer. However, a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer once a month during growth will keep your Pothos healthy and vigorous.
From fall to winter, the plant enters a dormancy phase and should not be fertilized during this time.
Pruning
Pothos is an attractive plant that can grow quite large, so it’s a good idea to regularly prune your plant.
Use sharp, clean scissors without nicking the stems. Then, you can trim them back to create a bushier or fuller shape.
The best time to trim is when the plant is actively growing in spring and summer. Excess leaves should be removed from the bottom of your Pothos plant.
Potting and Repotting Hawaiian Pothos
Hawaiian Pothos can be repotted when it has outgrown their current container. The best time to repot a Hawaiian Pothos plant is at the beginning of spring when the plant is actively growing. However, you can repot your Pothos at any time of year as long as you provide the proper care afterward.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Cut away any dead or dying leaves.
- Remove the Pothos from its current container and gently shake off excess soil.
- Use a sharp knife to remove dead or diseased leaves if necessary.
- Fill the new pot up with well-draining potting mix until its halfway full
- Place the Pothos in its new container and backfill it with more potting mix.
- Water the plant thoroughly.
- Place in a bright spot and enjoy!
Propagating Hawaiian Pothos by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)
Hawaiian Pothos is a great plant to propagate by cuttings. It’s easy and inexpensive, and you can make as many plants as you want! These plants will also thank you by growing quickly and looking healthy.
The best time to take stem cuttings is in right at the start of spring when the plant is actively growing.
- Cut off a piece of stem that has at least two leaves on it, and remove any flower buds. Take cuttings between 3-6 inches long.
- Clean out the bottom half of the cutting, and dip it in rooting hormone.
- Plant these stem cuttings in a pot filled with potting soil.
- Put the pot in a warm, bright location and keep it moist but not soggy.
- The cuttings should root in about two weeks.
Blooms
Hawaiian Pothos are not known to flower indoors. They are primarily grown for their foliage and vining nature.
Toxicity
Hawaiian Pothos is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. If ingested, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It’s best to keep these plants out of reach if you have pets or children.
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.
Common Pests
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that can be difficult to control because they hide in crevices within the plant, making them hard to spot. Try wiping down the leaves with rubbing alcohol or soapy water to remove any visible pests and help prevent new ones from forming.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, hard-shelled parasites that feed on the sap of plants. They can be difficult to see because they tend to hide under leaves. If you see brown spots on your plant’s leaves and stems, it could be a sign of scale infestation. To prevent this pest from taking over your houseplant, use neem oil or soapy water to remove them from the surface of the leaves.
Spider Mites
Spider Mites are tiny arachnids that can be identified by webbing on leaves and small spots on leaves that look like dust. Control them by spraying the Pothos with a strong stream of water or using an insecticidal soap spray.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that can be green or black in color. They suck the juice from plants and can cause leaves to curl, turn yellow or brown, and drop off. The best way to control aphids is by washing them off with water.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy