How to Grow & Care for Golden Pothos

 

Epipremnum Aureum, most commonly known as Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, or less commonly known as Hunter’s Rove, is one of the most common houseplants to date. They have a reputation for being one of the easiest houseplants to care for, and are often recommended to beginner plant parents. There are many different types of Pothos, the most common being the Golden Pothos. Native to Southeast Asia, they can be found growing in tropical forests where they grow along the trunks of trees or as ground cover. Golden Pothos are identifiable by their heart shaped leaves with yellow/white variegation and by their trailing nature. 

Light Requirements

Golden Pothos will survive in a variety of lighting conditions. To ensure that your Pothos will thrive and live it’s best possible life in your care, bright indirect light is best. They will even tolerate low light, but won’t grow as quickly as they would in bright indirect lighting. The golden variegation that gives the Golden Pothos it’s name will become more pronounced in brighter light. However, avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves and will often lead to a yellowish, washed-out look. 

Watering and Humidity Levels

Golden Pothos will do well in regular household humidity below 40% but will also thrive in higher humidity environments. 

Water when the top two inches of soil is dry by giving the plant a generous amount of water, until the water is running out of the pot’s drainage hole. If it’s been too long since their last watering, they will let you know by wilting and drooping leaves which will perk back up after a good drink. Avoid over-watering, as this can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. 

Soil/ Fertilizing 

Your Pothos will prefer a well draining soil mix. This can contain a mix of regular potting soil, orchid bark, perlite, coco coir, and other additions that promote drainage.

Fertilizing your plant will ensure that it continuously has access to the nutrients it needs for optimal growth. You can fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. (Our all-natural Elixir is a great one!) If using another brand, be sure to always dilute your fertilizer and start by using about 50%-60% of the manufacturer's recommended amount, and monitor your plant’s reaction. Too much fertilizer too quickly can lead to fertilizer burn. 

Propagating Golden Pothos

Want to propagate your plant in order to share it with your friends, start a new plant or to make your existing pot fuller? Golden Pothos are extremely easy to propagate. All you need to do is cut below a node (a small brown nub that is just below a leaf), plop it in a vessel filled with water in a sunny spot, and wait 4-6 weeks for roots to start appearing. Change the water every 1-2 weeks to prevent the water from getting mucky. 

Once there are enough roots, you can keep your cuttings in water, or transfer them to soil.

Decor and Styling

Pothos’ easy care nature makes them a versatile styling addition to many spaces. Place the plant at your height of choice and arrange the vines to cascade down a shelf for a dramatic look. You can also style your plant by having the vines run along your walls, securing them with tiny command clips or clear tape to create a beautiful living wall in your space. Place your plant in a hanging basket or macrame hanger and hang it from the ceiling for an exotic jungle look, or to free up floor and desk space. These plants will also beautifully compliment a wall planter whether the vines are short or trailing. You can even secure them to a totem or moss pole for a fuller, tree-like look and to encourage larger leaves and fenestrations. 

Common Problems

Under-watering

Symptoms : wilting, droopy leaves and dry soil, and sometimes brown, crispy leaves. 

Solution: Give the plant a good drink, letting the water run through the bottom of the drainage hole but make sure to let the soil almost dry out before watering again. 

Over-watering

Symptoms: Yellowing leaves, black or mushy roots, damp soil.

Solution: Let the plant dry out in between watering. If roots are mushy, remove plant from soil, remove mushy roots, and pot in fresh soil. 

Pests 

As a preventative measure, wipe leaves with a neem oil solution and inspect for visible pests on watering days. Don't forget to look on the soil and under leaves! Since Neem Oil is somewhat difficult to work with (it's very thick at room temperature), our all-natural Plant Tonic acts as pest control and a leaf shine! Diatomaceous Earth is also an inexpensive way to get rid of pests. 

Toxicity

Golden Pothos is considered toxic to people, cats and dogs if consumed. 

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About the Author

As the creator of @plantiesinaknot, Tonniece Richards shares what she has learned by caring for her plants throughout the years. She provides plant tips, and shares her plant wins and fails with her followers. She believes in the importance of improving mental heath and well-being through plant care.