Golden Pothos (Devil's Ivy)
Epipremnum aureum
A trailing or climbing vine with heart-shaped, waxy green leaves that often show yellow or white variegation. It is a highly popular and resilient houseplant.
- Light
- Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight for 6-8 hours a day, but can adapt to low light environments (though growth will slow and variegation may fade).
- Water
- Water every 1-2 weeks or when the top 50% of the soil is dry. It is somewhat drought-tolerant; yellow leaves usually indicate overwatering, while drooping leaves suggest thirst.
- Growth
- Perennial evergreen vine; can reach 20-40 feet in the wild but usually stays 6-10 feet as a houseplant with a spreading or trailing habit.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect light for best growth, though it can tolerate low light. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Use well-draining potting soil and fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Growing details
Sunlight
Thrives in bright, indirect sunlight for 6-8 hours a day, but can adapt to low light environments (though growth will slow and variegation may fade).
Watering
Water every 1-2 weeks or when the top 50% of the soil is dry. It is somewhat drought-tolerant; yellow leaves usually indicate overwatering, while drooping leaves suggest thirst.
Soil
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with a pH range of 6.1 to 6.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 10-12; typically grown as an indoor plant elsewhere.
Growth habit
Perennial evergreen vine; can reach 20-40 feet in the wild but usually stays 6-10 feet as a houseplant with a spreading or trailing habit.
Bloom season
Rarely flowers in indoor cultivation; in nature, it produces an insignificant spathe and spadix.
Propagation
Easily propagated by stem cuttings placed in water or directly into moist soil, ideally including at least one node.
Common pests & issues
Prone to root rot if overwatered. Can occasionally attract mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Watch for browning leaf tips from low humidity.
Similar species
Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron) is very similar but has thinner leaves, more distinct heart-shaped bases, and lack the waxy texture of Pothos.
Interesting facts
It is nicknamed 'Devil's Ivy' because it is nearly impossible to kill and it stays green even when kept in near darkness.