Golden Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Golden Pothos is one of the most popular and forgiving houseplants, with heart-shaped green leaves marbled in golden yellow. It tolerates neglect and low light, earning the nickname devil's ivy.
- Light
- Low to bright indirect light
- Water
- When top inch dries
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Golden Pothos, Epipremnum aureum, is among the world's most widely grown houseplants, beloved for being nearly indestructible. It is a trailing aroid vine native to the Solomon Islands.
Its heart-shaped leaves are glossy green streaked and splashed with golden yellow. It trails gracefully from shelves or climbs given support, and tolerates a wide range of light and watering conditions.
Nicknamed "devil's ivy" for being almost impossible to kill, it is the go-to choice for beginners, offices, and anyone wanting easy greenery.
How to identify it
Key features to recognize Golden Pothos:
- Leaves: heart-shaped, glossy, green with golden-yellow variegation
- Habit: long trailing or climbing vines with aerial roots
- Stems: flexible, rooting at the nodes
- Mature form: leaves enlarge and can fenestrate when climbing
- Growth: vigorous, vines reaching many feet long
Care & growing
Light: Tolerates low light but variegation is brightest in medium to bright indirect light.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries; very drought tolerant.
Soil: Standard well-draining potting mix.
Temperature: 65-85F (18-29C); keep above 50F.
Feeding: Balanced fertilizer monthly during growth; not demanding.
Propagation: Extremely easy from node cuttings in water or soil.
Habitat & origin
Native to Mo'orea in the Society Islands, with a natural range across Southeast Asia and the western Pacific, where it climbs forest trees as an aggressive vine.
In frost-free tropical regions it has naturalized and can become invasive, blanketing trees. As a houseplant it is grown across the globe and is one of the most common indoor plants.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my golden pothos losing its variegation?
Too little light causes leaves to revert to solid green. Move it to brighter indirect light.
How often should I water it?
Water when the top inch of soil is dry; it tolerates occasional drought better than overwatering.
Can pothos grow in just water?
Yes, it can live for a long time in a jar of water, though it grows best in soil long term.
Golden Pothos guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Golden Pothos.
