Golden pothos, also known as devil's ivy, necessitates specific care to ensure its thriving. Here's a rundown on how to look after these fascinating houseplants.
In the realm of indoor plants, the golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) stands out as a popular choice due to its hardiness and attractive foliage. To help you care for and propagate this versatile plant effectively across various growth conditions, we've compiled essential guidelines.
### Care for Golden Pothos
Golden pothos thrives best in bright, indirect light, such as near east- or west-facing windows. However, it can tolerate low light conditions as well. Avoid direct sunlight that can scorch the leaves[1]. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally standard houseplant or aroid mix, to ensure roots do not sit in water[2]. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common issue, so it’s better to underwater than to overwater[3]. Provide a balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly during spring and summer to promote healthy growth and lush foliage[4]. Golden pothos is excellent for hanging baskets or tall plant stands where its trailing vines can cascade beautifully[5].
### Propagation of Golden Pothos
Propagation is recommended every 12–18 months to keep vines lush, full, and to replace leggy older growth[6]. Choose a healthy vine with 4-5 leaves and cut just below a node using clean pruning shears or scissors[7][8]. Cuttings can be rooted in a glass of water or directly in moist, well-draining soil. Once roots develop to several inches long, transplant to soil in a pot with drainage holes[2][8]. Avoid propagating during winter when the plant's growth slows down; spring and summer are best for successful rooting[9]. Place newly potted cuttings in indirect light, keep the soil slightly moist but not wet, and avoid direct sun until established[10].
### Variations in Growth Conditions
While golden pothos can adapt to low light, it grows faster and has brighter variegation in more bright indirect light[11]. Different golden pothos varieties may need slight adjustments, but all benefit from similar watering and fertilizing regimes[12]. In higher light settings, be cautious to avoid direct sunlight exposure which damages leaves, while in very low light, growth may become leggy and variegation dull[13].
By adjusting care based on light levels and regularly pruning and propagating, golden pothos will flourish as a robust and attractive indoor plant across varied environments[14]. Wiping the leaves of golden pothos removes dust, keeping them shiny and aiding in respiration[15]. Golden pothos plants can reach up to 2 meters in height[16]. In spring to autumn, allow the compost to dry out between waterings, and water sparingly in winter[17]. Epipremnum aureum is the most widely available variety of golden pothos, with large, glossy leaves with cream and yellow streaks[18]. If you're buying golden pothos to climb, a support such as a moss or coir pole will be necessary[19]. When repotting golden pothos, use soil-based or house plant compost in a pot that neatly fits the rootball[20]. Golden pothos (Epipremnum or Scindapsus) is a house plant known for its heart-shaped foliage that trails or climbs[21]. If a golden pothos plant appears flat and lacklustre, it may require watering[22]. Golden pothos can be trained up a moss or coir pole, hung from a shelf or mantelpiece, or cascading from a hanging basket[23]. Epipremnum aureum 'N'joy has attractive leaves that are variegated with cream[24].
Remember, golden pothos is toxic to humans and animals if ingested, and its sap can be a skin and eye irritant[25]. Always handle with care and keep out of reach of curious pets and children. With the right care, you can enjoy the beauty and resilience of golden pothos in your home for years to come.
[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [2] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos/ [3] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [4] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos/ [5] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [6] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [7] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [8] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos/ [9] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [10] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos/ [11] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [12] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [13] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [14] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [15] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos/ [16] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos/ [17] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [18] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [19] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos/ [20] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos/ [21] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [22] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm [23] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos/ [24] https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos/ [25] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/ivy/propagating-golden-pothos.htm
- Cultivating a lush home-and-garden, the golden pothos can be successfully grown in hanging baskets or tall plant stands for an appealing home decor.
- Golden pothos, being adaptable to varied growth conditions, is an excellent choice to brighten up different areas of your home as either a trailing plant or a climber.
