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Home > Plant Care Guide > Golden Pothos

How to Care for Golden Pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Symbolism

Happiness, good fortune, determination to achieve one's goals, wealth

Water

Every week

Sunlight

Full shade

Basic Care Guide

Water

Golden pothos requires a humid environment. Keep potting soil moist in spring, summer, and autumn. Water the golden pothos every day in summer. Don't water when the temperature is high at noon, but in the morning or evening. Water once every 4-5 days in spring and autumn.

Ensure the soil is not too dry or wet while keeping the soil moist at all times. Avoid standing water at the bottom of the pot, which makes the plant prone to root rot and withered leaves. In winter, only water when the soil surface is dry. Too much water and wet soil in winter reduces the cold resistance of golden pothos. When watering in winter, the water temperature should be close to room temperature. Water that is too cold can harm the root system.

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What is the best way to water my Golden pothos?

There are plenty of viable ways to supply your Golden pothos with water. If you grow your plant in an indoor pot, for the Golden pothoss in small pots, you can bring your potted plant to your kitchen sink. Then, use the faucet to add water to the container. By holding the pot in your hands, you should easily notice when the water begins to run through the pot’s drainage holes, at which point you can stop watering. The cold temperature will hurt the plants' root system, so please don't do this during winter or in cold climates. Most of the time, watering via your faucet is permissible for the Golden pothos. However, if the local tap water contains a high proportion of fluorine, chlorine or salts, you should consider using rainwater or lake water.

Also, since the Golden pothos can respond well to overhead watering and watering directly into the soil, you can use a watering can, hose, or just about any tool you’d like to water it.

What should I do if I water my Golden pothos too much or too little?

If you discover that you have underwatered your Golden pothos, your first step towards remedying the situation is to give your plant some water. Water deeply until excess water runs from the container’s drainage hole, or if you grow outside, water until the soil has become entirely moist. If you find your Golden pothos is receiving too much water, begin by reducing your watering schedule. You also want to address the soil and container your Golden pothos grows in. If either the soil or the container makes it difficult for water to drain efficiently, your plant will likely become overwatered again. Resolve the issue by moving your plant to looser soils and/or a container with bigger drainage holes or a more porous material. Also check the location of the plant. If the plant is in places like a corner, then it is recommended to move it to a window or around a door to enhance ventilation. Making sure the plants are in a well-ventilated location can reduce the occurrence of overwatering to some extent.

How often should I water my Golden pothos?

The Golden pothos is not a species that requires consistent soil moisture. Instead, it is better to allow this plant’s soil to become dry between waterings. If you are like the many gardeners who grow Golden pothoss in containers, you can judge whether or not it is time to add water by how dry the soil within the container is. For instance, if about top half of the soil in your container has become dry, it is time to add water. You can feel it by inserting your fingers or sticks into the soil or with soil moisture meter. For those who grow the Golden pothos outdoors, you can plan to do your watering about once every other week, provided it has not rained recently.

How much water does my Golden pothos need?

After waiting for the first several layers of soil surrounding your Golden pothos’s root to become dry（top half of the soil）, it is time to add enough water to make them moist again. The amount of water it takes to achieve that goal depends on if you use a container, how large that container is, and how large your plant itself is. For a small Golden pothos growing in a small to a medium-sized container, one to two cups may be enough to dampen the soil sufficiently. As you would expect, the volume of water you supply should increase for a larger plant. The best way to make sure your plant has received enough water is to stick your finger or a trowel into the soil and feel whether it is entirely moist. Alternatively, you can water until you see excess water draining from the holes at the bottom of your container.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Golden pothos enough?

Overwatering and underwatering are both bad for the health of your Golden pothos. These two issues also manifest themselves in subtly different ways when they occur. Golden pothos that receives too little water may begin to develop yellow leaves. Underwatering may also cause the leaf margins to become brown and brittle. By contrast, Golden pothos that gets overwatered will often show yellow and brown marks on its leaves at the same time. Overwatering can also lead to diseases like root rot, some of which may also be visible on your plant. However, if you know the signs of overwatering and underwatering, you stand a good chance of correcting both issues.

How should I water my Golden pothos through the seasons?

During spring and fall, your watering schedule for the Golden pothos will remain relatively the same, which will involve watering this plant about once every week. During summer, you may find that the hot weather causes your plant to need more water than usual, especially if it grows where there is a considerable amount of daily light exposure. In the winter, if it's hard to find some warm places for you plant, your Golden pothos will enter a dormant growth phase, in which it will need far less water than usual. At this time, you may get by without watering your plant at all. If you do choose to water during winter, you should not do so more often than once every two to three weeks.

How should I water my Golden pothos at different growth stages?

After planting a new, young Golden pothos or after transplanting an older Golden pothos, you will probably need to give this plant more water than usual. Young plants often need consistent soil moisture during the early stages of their growth to help them adapt to their new growing locations. Transplants also need more water for a brief time to overcome transplant shock. In either case, you may need to water multiple times per week until your plant has exhibited continuous healthy growth. In most situations, your water should be moderate and should never be significant enough to cause overwatering.

What's the difference between watering Golden pothos indoors and outdoors?

There are a few reasons why you may need to water an indoor Golden pothos more often than one that grows in the ground outdoors. First, indoor growing settings tend to be drier than outdoor ones, often due to the effect of air conditioning units. While thw size of the pot and the soil determines the warer accumulating ability. Additionally, when your plant grows indoors, it will rely on you entirely for its water By contrast, Golden pothos that grows outside can receive water from rain. If you are in an area with high rainfall, you may not have to give it extra watering. When there is not enough rain, you should water additionally to ensure that the soil does not dry out completely.

Fertilizer

Golden pothos grows fast. Lack of fertilizer may cause smaller leaves, slower growth, and even yellowed leaves. Golden pothos can be fertilized every 10 days or so in spring, twice a month in summer, and once in autumn. No fertilizer should be applied to the soil in winter, and liquid fertilizer can be sprayed on the leaves every 20-30 days to make the leaves green and shiny.

Control the amount and concentration of fertilizer, and fertilize foliage as well as roots. Apply nitrogen fertilizer with an appropriate amount of potash fertilizer, consisting of 0.1% urea fertilizer and 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate liquid fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer promotes the growth of branches and leaves, and potash fertilizer makes the golden pothos leaves green.

Golden pothos is a lovely foliage plant that grows throughout hardiness zones 10, 11, and 12. However, many gardeners choose to grow this plant indoors to enliven their favorite indoor living spaces. While many plants can impress with their blooms, the Golden pothos will catch your eye with its unique leaf shapes and textures. However, if you want your Golden pothos to live its best life, you need to know how to take care of it. Part of your care routine should include proper fertilization. Below are a few answers to the most important questions about fertilizing a Golden pothos.

All plants rely on soil nutrients to facilitate their growth, and the Golden pothos is no exception. However, it is not always a guarantee that the soil in which your plants grow will have all of the nutrients required. Fertilization and soil amendments help ensure that the plants in your garden not only have the basic nutrients they need but also that they get the nutrients that are specifically necessary to them. Golden pothos needs fertilizer to ensure that its roots and stems continue to develop in a healthy way throughout the growing season. Fertilization will also help a Golden pothos a set of leaves that looks fantastic, which is especially important for this plant since its foliage is its main point of ornamental appeal.

A Golden pothos will need the greatest amount of fertilizer during the seasons in which it is actively growing. This active growth phase typically spans most of the months that make up spring, summer, and early fall. Once winter ends, you should plan to feed your Golden pothos about once every two to four weeks. Continue feeding at this rate until the fall months arrive. Once fall arrives, you can reduce your fertilization rate, reducing the amount of fertilizer you give gradually until you cease feedings entirely in anticipation of winter, when the Golden pothos will have far less active growth.

The fertilizer for a Golden pothos has a specific blend of nutrients, each of which is present in relatively low amounts. An ideal fertilizer will have an N-P-K ratio of 3-1-2. However, a general-purpose fertilizer that has an even blend of nutrients can work well in some cases. Still, even when using a balanced fertilizer, the ratio number representing the volume of each nutrient should be at 10 or lower. The fertilizer you use can be either granular or liquid based. If you choose to use a liquid-based fertilizer, it is often best to dilute the strength by half. While there is not much downside to granular fertilizer, it is often most sensible to use liquid fertilizer, especially if you feed your Golden pothos while you supply water.

The fertilizer that you purchase for your Golden pothos will likely come with application instructions that you should follow in most cases. However, for a Golden pothos, you should always fertilize just before or while you are watering the soil, as this will prevent the fertilizer from burning the plant's roots. If you use a slow-release granular fertilizer, you should sprinkle it on the soil and then provide water immediately after. If you use a liquid-based fertilizer, you should dilute it with water, apply it to the soil, then supply a bit more water. Diluting your fertilizer by at least half is especially important in spring and fall when the plant's growth is ramping up and decelerating, respectively.

Since it is advisable to fertilize your Golden pothos every few weeks throughout the growing season, overfertilization is not often an issue. However, it remains possible for this to occur. If you overfertilize your Golden pothos, you may notice accumulations of excess fertilizer on the soil’s surface and foliage discoloration. Fertilizer burn is the most common issue you should worry about when feeding a Golden pothos. This issue occurs when you overfertilize, fail to dilute your fertilizer, or when don’t water during and after fertilization. In any of those cases, the fertilizer can draw moisture out of your plant’s roots, causing it to dry out. Often, fertilizer burn will manifest with browning and yellowing of this plant’s leaves.

Throughout most of the year, including spring, summer, and most of the fall, you should continue feeding your Golden pothos regularly. The only exception to this is if you notice that your Golden pothos has received too much fertilizer or if you have managed to fertilize your Golden pothos incorrectly, causing fertilizer burn or some other issue that you'll need to remedy before returning to a regular feeding schedule.

The only time of year when you should not fertilize a Golden pothos is during winter. If you grow this plant indoors in an area where the winters are cold, it will enter a dormant phase during the winter. Feeding this plant during its dormant phase is not only unnecessary and unhelpful to this plant's growth, but it is also very likely to cause fertilizer burn.

Why do I need to fertilize my Golden pothos?

Golden pothos needs fertilizer to ensure that its roots and stems continue to develop in a healthy way throughout the growing season. Fertilization will also help a Golden pothos a set of leaves that looks fantastic, which is especially important for this plant since its foliage is its main point of ornamental appeal.

When is the best time to fertilize my Golden pothos?

Once winter ends, you should plan to feed your Golden pothos about once every two to four weeks. Continue feeding at this rate until the fall months arrive. Once fall arrives, you can reduce your fertilization rate, reducing the amount of fertilizer you give gradually until you cease feedings entirely in anticipation of winter, when the Golden pothos will have far less active growth.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Golden pothos?

What type of fertilizer does my Golden pothos need?

The fertilizer you use can be either granular or liquid based. If you choose to use a liquid-based fertilizer, it is often best to dilute the strength by half. While there is not much downside to granular fertilizer, it is often most sensible to use liquid fertilizer, especially if you feed your Golden pothos while you supply water.

How do I fertilize my Golden pothos?

If you use a slow-release granular fertilizer, you should sprinkle it on the soil and then provide water immediately after. If you use a liquid-based fertilizer, you should dilute it with water, apply it to the soil, then supply a bit more water. Diluting your fertilizer by at least half is especially important in spring and fall when the plant's growth is ramping up and decelerating, respectively.

What happens if I fertilize my Golden pothos too much?

Fertilizer burn is the most common issue you should worry about when feeding a Golden pothos. This issue occurs when you overfertilize, fail to dilute your fertilizer, or when don’t water during and after fertilization. In any of those cases, the fertilizer can draw moisture out of your plant’s roots, causing it to dry out. Often, fertilizer burn will manifest with browning and yellowing of this plant’s leaves.

Sunlight

Golden pothos requires shade, preferring scattered light over direct sunlight. As an indoor potted plant, place it some distance from the window. Strong direct sunlight may burn the leaves, while too little scattered light may affect its photosynthesis. Receiving scattered light for 4 hours a day is best golden pothos. They can be placed in an indoor sunny place all year round. However, if in a dark room, it should be moved somewhere with stronger light every half month to recover for a while; otherwise, the stem grows high while leaves are loose and sparse.

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How many hours of sunlight does Golden pothos need to grow?

Unlike plants that require full, indirect sunlight, tropical herbs that prefer full shade need very little direct sunlight to grow. These plants typically require only a few hours of indirect light each day to thrive. While you should still place your full shade tropical herb near a window, it's important to ensure that the plant is never exposed to too much sunlight. If you're growing your full shade tropical herb indoors, you can provide it with the necessary light by placing it near a north-facing window or by using a grow light. A fluorescent or LED grow light can help mimic the soft, dappled light that your plant would receive in its natural environment.

What will happen if Golden pothos doesn’t get enough sunlight?

If your full shade tropical herb isn't getting enough sunlight, it may become leggy and weak. The leaves may also start to yellow and drop off, and the plant may stop growing. If you notice any of these signs, try moving your plant to a brighter location or providing it with additional light. Be careful not to expose the plant to direct afternoon sunlight, as this can cause sunburn.

What will happen if Golden pothos gets too much sunlight?

Tropical herbs that prefer full shade can be extremely sensitive to direct sunlight. If your plant is exposed to too much light, the leaves may start to turn yellow or brown and may eventually drop off. Additionally, the plant may become stunted and stop growing. If you notice any signs of sunburn or overexposure to light, move your plant to a shadier location or provide it with additional shade. In conclusion, understanding the sunlight requirements of your tropical herbs is crucial to keeping them healthy and happy. Full shade tropical herbs require only a few hours of indirect light each day to thrive, and ensure that the plant is never exposed to too much sunlight. By providing your plant with the right amount of light and shade, you can help ensure that it grows strong and healthy.

Pruning

If the golden pothos grows too vigorously, cut overly dense branches. Remove redundant or useless branches to ensure good light exposure and ventilation. Branches longer than about 20 cm can be pruned to avoid excessive nutrient consumption. Cut off yellow and diseased leaves and sterilize the cuts to keep golden pothos free of disease.

Golden pothos can also be trimmed into shapes. Design your ideal shape and then trim the branches to maintain it. The roots of the golden pothos can be trimmed and cleaned when repotting. Cut off long, diseased, or rotten roots. Disinfect the cuts and dry the wounds before replanting.

Is pruning necessary for my Golden pothos?

It is helpful to lightly prune this plant periodically during the spring and summer. When performing this light pruning, you should search for leaves that have wilted, become discolored, show signs of disease, or have died completely. Remove dead or damaged leaves by cutting their petioles, or trimming off stems that have died. This will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. Some gardeners also choose to remove the flower buds of the Golden pothos. However, removing flower buds before they open is a strictly aesthetic decision that will emphasize the beauty of this plant’s showy leaves.

When should I prune my Golden pothos?

You can prune your Golden pothos any time you notice dead, diseased, or damaged leaves during the growing season. Once you notice such a leave, locate an unwanted leaf, then follow its stem all the way to the bottom of petiole. Removing dead stems will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. you can cut its stem just above the soil’s surface to remove it. Such pruning can take place as needed during spring and summer. Also, this plant can bloom any time between spring and fall, and some gardeners choose to remove flower buds before they have a chance to open. Removing unopened flower buds allows this plant to focus most of its growing energy on its beautiful leaves. However, pruning in this manner does not necessarily influence the plant’s overall health.

How do I prune my Golden pothos?

Pruning the Golden pothos is as easy as waiting until you notice dead or damaged leaves on your plant. When you recognize these leaves, equip yourself with a pair of sharp and sterile hand pruning shears. Hand pruning shears will work best as larger tools like loppers will not be well suited to the precise cuts you need to make. Once you have a proper set of pruning tools, locate an unwanted leaf, then follow its stem all the way to the bottom of petiole. Removing dead stems will increase the light and ventilation of the plant and help it to grow. Cut the stem just above where it exits the soil to remove it entirely. If you wish to stop this plant from flowering, you can use the same pruning shears to remove any buds before they open. Finally, you may prefer to just trim off dead or damaged portions of the plant, including deadheading spent flowers, to keep it looking its best. This can be done at any time of year. Diseased or damaged stems should be cut right at the soil line and removed completely. Blooms should be cut off just below the flower head.

What should I do after pruning my Golden pothos?

Since pruning for the Golden pothos should take place periodically throughout the season, what you do after pruning can vary. For instance, if you prune to remove selected leaves and stems from your Golden pothos, you won’t need to do anything except continue your regular maintenance routine. At times, you may choose to remove healthier leaves and include them in a display of cut flowers and foliage. However, there is no crucial maintenance task to perform for this plant after typical pruning. The only thing to note is that when watering after pruning, you need to be careful not to touch the wound to prevent fungus from infecting the plant through the fresh wound. Placing Golden pothos in a well-ventilated location will also help the wounds to dry out and heal in time. The timely replenishment of Golden pothos after pruning will help the Golden pothos to recover as soon as possible.

Are there any important tips when pruning my Golden pothos?

For your major pruning, use sharp pruning sheers that will make clean cuts to avoid damaging your plants. As you are pruning your Golden pothos, step back occasionally to check the appearance of the plant to make sure it has the shape you want and that you are pruning it symmetrically. If the overall growth of the plant is weak, the flowers need to be pruned back in time for flowering to be able to save nutrients for leaf growth and allow the plant to grow more vigorously.

Advanced Care Guide

Temperature

Golden pothos originates from the tropical rain forests of the Solomon Islands and Indonesia. Therefore, it likes a warm, humid, even hot environment. Temperatures should not be lower than 10 ℃, preferably between 20 to 30 ℃. Since golden pothos enjoys a moist environment, spray the plant to increase the humidity every other day (once every 3-4 days in winter).

What is the optimal temperature for Golden pothos?

For this tropical plant to thrive, you’ll want to keep them between 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃). Each species can handle temperatures outside of this range, but keeping it within several degrees of these limits will ensure they grow to their maximum potential.

As for its extreme temperature limits, any environment below 50℉ (10℃) or above 95℉ (35℃) will begin to hinder its growth and cause various aberrations to its leaves and stems. This is especially true with low temperatures; even a light frost can cause your tropical plants to perish. Cellular death can begin to happen at a rapid pace, with some species dying in as little as 12 to 24 hours.

Does Golden pothos require different temperatures for different growing phases?

While Golden pothos doesn’t require any changes in temperature to enter different growing phases, it is important to stay consistent. Wild temperature fluctuations can slow down its growth regardless of its current phase, so it's always better to keep them in a controlled environment. That optimal temperature range of 75℉ and 90℉ (25-32℃) is vital to maintain, especially staying above the lower limit. Going above 90℉(32℃) isn’t ideal, but as tropical plant it won’t suffer too much. On the other hand, going below 50℉ (10℃) (and especially 40℉/5℃) will begin to directly damage this heat-loving plant species.

Does Golden pothos need different temperatures for different seasons?

Golden pothos does not need different temperatures for different growing seasons. The most important step in seasonal care is to keep the environment within the optimal temperature range. That's why it's always best to keep this plant indoors. That way, you can control the temperature no matter what the climate is like outside.

Light is also important for tropical species, with all of these plants preferring a partial side level of sun exposure. This means any light they receive needs to be dappled or filtered, with bright but indirect light being the best option when growing your plants indoors. Too much direct sunlight can negatively affect your plant’s leaves, reducing its growth potential.

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Golden pothos healthy?

Tip #1: Don’t Leave Your Plant Near Windows in Colder Months

If you want to make sure your plant isn’t exposed to colder temperatures, you may want to keep them away from windows. In colder months like late fall and winter, even the smallest draft can leak cold air into your home through cracks in your windows. While this air usually dissipates and warms up as it travels throughout your home, any plants placed in close proximity to the window will be affected. Move your tropical plants into an area where they will still get bright but indirect light, while making sure they won’t be affected by potential drafts.

Tip #2: If You Find Dry Patches, Your Plant May Be Getting Too Much Sunlight or Heat

You may notice the leaves become white or even scorched on a sunny day. These discolorations and unusual markings usually indicate that a plant is getting too much heat or sunlight, and it may be dehydrated. Excess light and heat will dry out the soil, stopping plants from getting the moisture they need to support their cellular structure. It also slows down or stops the process of photosynthesis, further hindering growth. If ignored for too long, these dry spots can spread and eventually result in the death of your plants.

Tip #3: Avoid Frost at All Costs

Colder temperatures and frost can damage your plants by causing ice crystals or disrupt normal physiological activity. This makes it nearly impossible for water to move freely throughout plant tissue, creating a deficit of moisture in their stems and leaves. You can tell a plant has been damaged by frost if it begins to suffer from hydrosis (it will appear as though it's soaked with water.) If the problem persists, your plants may begin shriveling and turning a dark brown or black hue. After that, the plant will almost certainly die.

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Golden pothos?

The best way to maintain the right temperature range for Golden pothos is by keeping an eye on both the climate and humidity. You’ll want to try to keep each species in a room where you have access to climate control, keeping the heat in the temperature range best mimics its natural habitat. The humidity levels will also have a direct effect on temperature, so it's important to monitor these as well. You can artificially raise the humidity of your growing space by using a humidifier or lightly misting the leaves with water.

If you intend to grow this species outside, you may find it difficult to maintain the right balance of temperature and humidity. If temperatures begin to drop or the air becomes too dry, your best option is to find room within your home and move your plant inside. An indoor growing space will allow you to control the climate more closely, helping your plant reach its full potential.

Soil

Golden pothos prefers moist, ventilated cultivation substrate that is rich in organic matter with a pH value between 4.5-6. Choose a permeable and loose cultivation substrate, such as peat. Appropriate garden soil and organic matter can be added to improve water retention. Fine sand or perlite can be added to change the air permeability.

Mix cultivation substrates like peat: fine sand: garden soil = 1: 1: 1, or leaf mold: peat soil: perlite = 2: 2: 1. Apply carbendazim fungicide once to disinfect the cultivation substrate, or expose it to the sun in advance to avoid plant infection caused by soil bacteria.

Propagation

Planting

Harvest

Golden pothos can be propagated by cuttings through stem segments or leaves. Cuttage through stem segments is discussed above. To propagate via leaf cuttings, cut healthy leaves from the middle and upper parts of branches from the base of the petiole (leaf stalk) with a knife, and insert into clear water or cultivation substrate. The underwater penetration of petiole should be 1.02 to 1.5 cm deep. If it is too shallow and water is not replenished in time, the leaves will wilt easily. If it is too deep, the petiole will rot. Change water once every 5-7 days after planting, and maintain high air humidity and good ventilation.

Cuttings are the most convenient and easy-to-do propagation method. The active growing season during the spring and summer is the best time to propagate Golden pothos. During this period, the plants are generating a lot of energy for new growth and should have plenty of stems that can be used for propagation. They can also recover from having cuttings taken during this season than during the slower autumn and winter seasons.

If you want to take cuttings, you first need to prepare the following.

Sharp scissors or knife
Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
Pot(s) or nursery tray with drainage holes
All-purpose potting mix or seed starting mix
Clear plastic bag or a humidity dome for covering cuttings
Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)

Steps: Step 1: Prepare containers by filling them with moistened planting material leaving about half an inch of space from the top of the container. Step 2: Choose healthy parts for propagation. The cutting needs to have at least one leaf but should not have any flowers. Using your sterilized scissors, cut through the stem just below a leaf joint, because the root system usually grows from the there. The length of the cutting should not be too long, for once the cutting takes root, it has actually become an individual plant. No body wants a plant to grow long and thin from the beginning. Be sure to make a clean cut, and don’t crush the stem as that can leave the plant vulnerable to infection. Sterilize cutting tools between plants if you are taking multiple cuttings. Step 3: Pinch off the lower leaves on the cutting until there are just the top 4 to 6 leaves remaining. Dip the bottom end of the cutting into rooting powder (if using) according to the directions. Step 4: Make a hole in the soil for each cutting, and place the cutting inside so that the soil line is at the lower leaves. Press soil around the cutting, then repeat until all cuttings are planted and then water thoroughly. Step 5: Cover the container with the humidity dome or a clear plastic bag. Place it in a location where the cuttings can get light but no direct sunlight, as this can be too intense for cuttings. Water occasionally and do not let the Golden pothos dry out. If there is too much humidity, remove the cover periodically to allow some evaporation.

Most species will begin to produce roots in about 3 weeks, After rooting, the plant will gradually grow new leaves, at which time you can start to harden off the Golden pothos. Hardening off involves gradually exposing the Golden pothos to more sunlight and removing the cover so that they have time to adjust before being moved permanently outside. Hardening off should usually take about 1 to 2 weeks depending on the outdoor conditions and the type of Golden pothos. After this period, Golden pothos can be planted in containers or directly in the ground. Layering can also be used to propagate Golden pothos, but the procedure is a little more complicated. The best time to begin compound or serpentine layering is in the warm months of spring and summer, when the plants have the most energy to spend on producing new roots. You'll know the plant is ready to divide or propagate when sufficient roots have grown from the buried sections, which should take one or two months in total. To accomplish compound or serpentine layering, you don’t need much. As long as you have the gardening basics, you can begin the process right away. Get on your gardening gloves and begin!

Trowel for burying sections
(optional) a sharp, sanitized knife

Steps: Step 1: Bend a supple, budding branch low to the ground. Step 2: Bury two or more budded sections of the stem underground. Leave alternating budded sections above the ground. The soil needs to be compacted when it is covered. Step 3 (optional): Make cuts on the buried sections of the stem. Step 4: Keep the soil moist. Meaning have plenty of moisture, but not soggy. This is good for plant rooting.

Golden pothos is usually propagated by stem cuttings, and can be cultivated in soil or water. Select the freshest branches of the year with bright, thick, robust leaves. Cut a 15 cm stem segment with 2-3 joints. Remove the leaves at the lower part of the branch and cut the bottom of the branch at a 45° angle to increase the contact area and help it absorb nutrients. Don't harm aerial roots when cutting the stem. After cutting, soak it in rooting powder solution for 2 minutes and then dry.

If you're planting the stem cutting in soil, use a cultivation substrate of fine sand and waste slag. Sterilize the substrate by sun exposure before using. During cuttage, use bamboo sticks to drill holes and avoid damaging stem segments. Avoid cutting too deep. Half the length of the branches should be exposed above the soil surface. After cuttage, water thoroughly and place in a cool place to cure. Make sure the air is not too dry. Branches can be planted normally after rooting.

If water planting cuttage is adopted, try to cut branches with aerial roots to improve the survival rate. Cut the plant branches 8 to 10 cm long. Remove the lower part of the leaves and place in a hydroponic container. Do not use too much water; submerge only 1/3 or 1/2 of the branches. Change the water once every 2-3 days as it roots, and clean the container. After rooting, change the water once a week.

Golden pothos is an ornamental foliage plant. You can choose branches with more leaves and good colors, cut the branches into small sections obliquely with sharp scissors, and place them into clear water for viewing.

Transplanting

Potting Suggestions

The best time to transplant golden pothos is during mid-spring to late spring or mid-fall to late fall, as this allows the plant to establish its roots in moderate temperatures. Choose a well-lit, well-draining location for golden pothos. Gently loosen the root ball during transplant for optimum growth.

Repot in the spring, choosing a container that's no more than 5 cm larger than the plant's rootball. Use a nutrient-rich, soil-based potting mix.

More About How-Tos

Water

Every week

Golden pothos originates from rainforests, where humidity is high and water is abundant. Water when the topsoil feels slightly dry, but avoid overwatering. Monitor for drooping leaves, a sign of thirst.

Learn More

Lighting

Full shade

Golden pothos favors areas with meager light exposure and can withstand conditions where the sun is partly obscured. Its origins in environments with limited illumination reinforce this predilection. Too much sun exposure may scorch its leaves, while inadequate light could impede its growth and vitality.

Learn More

Temperature

10 to 35 ℃

Golden pothos is native to tropical regions, and it requires warm temperatures to thrive. Its preferred temperature range is between 68 to 105 ℉ (20 to 41 ℃). During the winter, it's important to keep the temperature above 60 ℉ (15.5 ℃) to prevent the leaves from dropping.

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Transplant spacing

1-2 feet

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Seasonal Care Tips

Seasonal Precautions

Golden pothos grows fastest and consumes most nutrients in spring, so it cannot lack light at this time. Photosynthesis will be effected and leaves will turn yellow and lose their vitality in serious cases. In spring, the evaporation rate of water is not as fast. However, the amount of water consumed by plants is large, so water to ensure sufficient soil moisture.

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical herbs like your plant are easy to care for throughout the year but require a little extra attention in the spring.

Spring is the ideal time to repot root-bound plants and propagate new ones by cutting off some of the trailing vines.

Water once every week or so when the soil is drying out and fertilize with balanced, all-purpose plant food.

Ensure the plant is receiving enough sunlight but be careful to not burn the leaves.

Spring is also a good time for propagation. Carefully remove a green stem and place it in water. When roots appear, transplant the cutting to a container.

Your plant and other tropical herbs may require more frequent watering in the summer.

Check the soil weekly to see if it is drying out.

Continue feeding the plant monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and keep the plant out of direct sunlight to avoid burning the foliage.

Check the plant and surrounding area for pests. Gardeners also want to check the leaves and stem for any signs of disease.

New growth can be removed from the parent plant for propagation. Place the cutting in water and replant when roots appear.

As your plant continues growing through the fall, continue your care of this plant.

Fertilize it on a monthly basis with an all-purpose fertilizer

Make sure the soil is kept moist through regular watering, giving the plant water whenever the soil becomes dry.

You can take cuttings and propagate more plants during this season as well, repotting fresh-cut stems and letting them grow.

Give your plant plenty of indirect light, which will continue to encourage growth throughout the season.

However, you must watch out for pests and other diseases, as with all other seasons of growth.

This plant needs only minimal care during these cold winter months.

At this time, provide less water and reduce or stop fertilization.

The plant will require no extra pruning, but will require strong indirect sunlight, so ensure it’s placed in an ideal location to keep the plant thriving and ready for spring.

It's best to ensure the plant isn't exposed to freezing temperatures and kept in warm indoor rooms. Otherwise, you can leave this plant alone until the weather warms up and the plant awakens.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Golden pothos based on 10 million real cases

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.

Leaf rot

This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.

Solutions: Bacterial infections need to be treated quickly to prevent the spread to neighboring, healthy plants, potentially wiping out large sections of your indoor or outdoor garden. In mild cases: Use sterilized (10% bleach solution) pruning shears or scissors to remove any infected plant parts, making sure to dispose of them off site. Use a copper-based bactericide to treat the unaffected foliage, as well as the soil, and neighboring plants. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label. In severe cases, where more than half the leaves are affected: Remove all of the infected plants from the garden, disposing of them off site. Treat the soil and neighboring plants using a copper-based bactericide. Follow the manufacturer’s rate and timing directions found on the product label.

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Solutions: The easiest (and most obvious) way to address underwatering is to fully hydrate the plant. However, this must be done carefully. A common mistake that many gardeners make is to douse their underwatered plants with water. This can overwhelm the roots of the plant and shock its system, something that can be even more damaging than the lack of water to begin with. Instead, water thoroughly and slowly, taking breaks to let the water slowly saturate through the soil to get to the roots. Use room temperature water, as cold water might be too much of a shock. In the future, shorten the time between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil around each plant daily. If it’s dry to at least two inches down, it’s time to water. If a container plant is repeatedly drying out very quickly, repotting into a slower-draining container might be a good idea, too.

Underwatering

A lack of water will cause the leaves to gradually turn yellow starting at the base of the branch while the entire plant appears to wilt.

Solutions: Your plant is very thirsty and needs water promptly. You can revive your plant by giving it water. The easiest technique is to slowly pour water into your plant’s soil so that the whole surface is moistened. If you pour the water too quickly, the water will flow directly through rather than diffusing throughout the soil. If your plant’s pot does not have drainage holes, do not give your plant more than about a third of the pot’s volume of water. If your plant’s pot does have drainage holes, you can add water slowly until the soil is thoroughly moistened and the water flows freely through the pot. If you trim off yellow leaves to improve the plant’s appearance, do not remove more than a third of the plant’s leaves. It may be better to wait until leaves have died and fallen off to remove them.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Toxicity

Slightly Toxic to Humans

Golden pothos contains a chemical called calcium oxalate, which is mildly toxic to humans if ingested or if the skin comes into significant physical contact with its sap. Symptoms of ingesting golden pothos may include eczema (itchy, red, swollen, irritated skin), burning, inflammation of the mouth, and vomiting. Contact with the sap can also cause dermatitis: an uncomfortable, itchy rash. Harm to humans is most likely to occur in children from accidental contact since this is a very common houseplant.

Toxic to Dogs

Although not typically life-threatening to your dog, the leaves of the golden pothos, if ingested, will irritate your dog's mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Most symptoms appear within 24 hours and include mouth irritation, lethargy, diarrhea, and drooling. More serious symptoms include loss of consciousness, seizures, and trouble breathing. Delay in seeking veterinary attention may result in internal organ damage, so take your pet in as soon as you suspect pothos poisoning.

Toxic to Cats

Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a common houseplant that is severely toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves or stems of this plant causes intense irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips. and results in drooling or vomiting, which in turn may cause dehydration. Symptoms may prove fatal if not treated by a qualified specialist.

More About Golden Pothos

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

20 to 30 cm

Flower Color

Green

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Variegated

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Plant Height

20 m

Name story

Golden pothos

Since its green leaves are laced with the color gold, it is called Golden Pothos. Epipremnum aureum has a long and tortuous naming history, and it has been reclassified several times. It was first classified as Pothos aureus. In 1962, scholars discovered that it actually had a blossoming phase. Since then, scholars closely observed and investigated the plant's flowers, leaves and growth, and determined its latin name to be Epipremnum aureum.

Devil's ivy

Even if kept in the dark, it can stay green the whole year long, just like the tenacity of the devil. It is also known as devil's ivy because it is almost impossible to kill.

Usages

Environmental Protection Value

The golden pothos has strong air purification properties and impurity adsorption abilities, which can effectively remove a number of toxins from the air.

Garden Use

Golden pothos is a perennial evergreen vine commonly found in gardens of tropical climates. It is prized for its variegated green and yellow leaves. The trailing tendrils make it suitable for ground cover or as an understory plant. Golden pothos is essential in tropical-themed gardens. Plant with ferns for textural contrast or other succulents for a beautiful scene.

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Common Problems

Why do golden pothos leaves turn yellow?

Too much or too little watering, insufficient light or long-term strong light, too low or too high temperatures, and excessive fertilization (causing water loss and poor root growth) are all reasons golden pothos leaves turn yellow.

Why does the roots of golden pothos rot?

Root rot may be caused by low temperatures, excessive watering, poor water quality, fungal infection, etc. Root rot of golden pothos cultivated in a flowerpot is usually caused by too much standing water. Cut off rotten roots, clean, and replant. It is also possible that the planting environment is not well ventilated, resulting in moldy soil. Irrigation with unclean water may also cause bacteria and insect pests to breed in the soil, causing root rot. Spray the soil with Carbendazim.

Why do golden pothos leaves grow black spots?

Black spots may be caused by fungal infection. Fungi grows due to impure soil, lack of ventilation, or too much warmth and humidity, resulting in bacterial growth. Clean up the impurities in the soil and spray fungicide once a week.

Caring for a New Plant

The following pictures and instructions for tropical plant are aimed to help your plants adapt and thrive in a new environment.

Picking a Healthy Tropical Plant

Check Its Health

Whole Plant

Symmetrical crown, evenly distributed branches, full and compact shape, no excessive growth, close internodes, and uniform leaf size.

Branches

The branches are not withered, and the trunk is free of boreholes or damage.

Leaves

Check the inside of the plant, shaded and overlapping areas, back of leaves. Even colour, no yellowing, no brown spots, no crawling insects, no cobwebs, no deformities, no wilting.

Stems

No mold, browning or soft rot at the base of the plant.

Health Troubleshooting

Whole Plant

1 Asymmetrical crown or missing, uneven branching: prune the weak and slender branches of the larger portion of the asymmetrical crown, then trim the overgrown larger branches.

2 Internodes are longer in the upper part, leaves are sparse and smaller on top: increase light intensity or duration.

Branches

1 Dry branches: check if the branch is still alive by peeling back a small section of bark and trim away any dry branches. Watch out for signs of insect infestation inside the branch.

2 Bark with holes: inject insecticide into the holes and apply systemic insecticide to the roots.

3 Damaged bark: brush on a wound-healing agent, and avoid getting it wet.

Stems

Mildew, browning, or soft rot at the base: place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment and water with fungicide.

Leaves

1 Uneven leaf color and yellowing: prune yellow leaves and check if there are signs of rot at the base of the plant. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

2 Brown spots or small yellow spots: place the plant in a ventilated area and avoid watering the leaves. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

3 Tiny crawling insects on the back of leaves or spider webs between leaves: increase light exposure and spray with insecticide for severe cases.

4 Deformations or missing parts on leaves: determine if it's physical damage or pest infestation. Linear or tearing damage is physical, while the rest are pests. Spray with insecticide.

5 Wilting leaves: provide partial shade and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves for severe cases.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Check Its Growing Conditions

Soil Check

Soil should smell fresh like after a rain and no musty odor.

Light Check

Check the light requirement of the plant and if it match with planting location.

Ventilation Check

Ensure good ventilation.

Temperature Check

Check if the current outdoor temperature is too low or too high.

Condition Troubleshooting

Soil

Potting mix soil, Peat moss mix soil

Soil smells musty or foul: check the root system for decay, place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment, and water with fungicide.

Suitable Light

Full shade, Partial sun

Insufficient light: Indoor plants can handle reduced light but not full shade. Periodically moving the plant to a sunnier spot can help compensate for nutrient depletion in dim conditions.

Transplant recovery: Shade, place in bright diffused light. Gradually increase light after 3 days without wilting. If transplanted/repotted or lost leaves, shade for a week. Increase light if yellowing and leaf drop occur.

Ideal Temperature

10 to 35 ℃

Temperature is too low or too high: Indoors usually meets plant needs. Don't place outside below 50℉ (10℃) or above 86℉ (30℃).

Ventilation

Well Ventilated

Non-ventilated environment: can lead to root rot, diseases, and flower drop. Place plants in a well-ventilated location, such as a window.

Adapting Your New Tropical Plant

Step 1

Repotting

Transplanting is possible but not necessary. Clean the roots by removing any rotten or blackened roots. Be careful when removing the plant from its pot to keep the root system intact and avoid spreading the soil. If the roots are too tangled, gently spread them out and trim as needed. For planting, mix a small amount of well-rotted organic fertilizer into the bottom of the soil. Use loose and airy floral soil for planting and press the soil down slightly after planting. Water the soil promptly and thoroughly after planting.

Step 2

Pruning

Not usually needed. Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Step 3

Watering

Increase watering in the first week to keep soil moist. Water when soil is slightly dry, for at least 2 weeks. Avoid over-watering. Do not water when there is water on your fingers after touching the soil.

Step 4

Fertilizing

Add a small amount of base fertilizer during transplanting or repotting. No other fertilizer needed for the first month.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Golden Pothos

Repotting

Clean roots, avoid soil spreading, use organic fertilizer, plant in loose soil, water thoroughly.

Pruning

Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Watering

Water new plants more often for 2 weeks. Avoid over/under watering by checking the soil.

Fertilizing

Add base fertilizer during transplanting. No other fertilizer is needed for the first month.

Sunlight

Regular sun exposure for indoor plants. Shade after transplanting/repotting, then gradually increase light if there is no wilting. Increase light if yellowing and leaf drop occur.

Save and print our adaptation tips card for quick and easy reference.

Download

Golden Pothos

Repotting

Clean roots, avoid soil spreading, use organic fertilizer, plant in loose soil, water thoroughly.

Pruning

Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Watering

Water new plants more often for 2 weeks. Avoid over/under watering by checking the soil.

Fertilizing

Add base fertilizer during transplanting. No other fertilizer is needed for the first month.

Sunlight

Regular sun exposure for indoor plants. Shade after transplanting/repotting, then gradually increase light if there is no wilting. Increase light if yellowing and leaf drop occur.

Plants with Same Care Needs

Virginia creeper

The virginia creeper is a North American vine from the grape family that has it all - vigorous growth, fragrant flowers, decorative blue-colored berries, and leaves that turn crimson in the fall. Using small forked tendrils with adhesive pads, the virginia creeper will cling strongly to almost all surfaces. It can grow over entire walls, providing shelter and food for wildlife.

Bloom Time

Early summer

Poison ivy

In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.

Bloom Time

Mid spring

Pokeweed

Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.

Bloom Time

Summer

Black cherry

Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is a medium-sized, deciduous forest tree native to the Americas, but also naturalized in parts of Europe. It features inflorescence with small white blooms that become clusters of dark cherries, edible when pitted. Mature trees have gray-to-black, distinctly crackled bark. The glossy leaves are poisonous to livestock. It is a highly reproductive pioneer species with invasive potential.

Bloom Time

Spring

Horseweed

Horseweed is a North American herbaceous annual plant with a hairy stem, numerous pointed leaves, and waxy inflorescence. It has been naturalized in Eurasia and Australia, where it is a common weed in urban and agricultural regions. Horseweed can be used in a survival situation to start a friction fire.

Bloom Time

Summer

Tree of heaven

While the tree of heaven has a lovely name, it has a bad reputation in many areas of the US. Several states consider it an invasive species because of its aggressive growth, rapid reproduction, and ability to thrive in poor conditions. The root system of this tree routinely damages sidewalks, sewer systems and other structures.

Bloom Time

Late spring

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How to Care for Golden Pothos

Symbolism

Happiness, good fortune, determination to achieve one's goals, wealth

Every week

Water

Full shade

Sunlight

Basic Care Guide

Water

Never miss a care task again!

Plant care made easier than ever with our tailor-made smart care reminder.

What is the best way to water my Golden pothos?

What should I do if I water my Golden pothos too much or too little?

How often should I water my Golden pothos?

How much water does my Golden pothos need?

How can I tell if i'm watering my Golden pothos enough?

How should I water my Golden pothos through the seasons?

How should I water my Golden pothos at different growth stages?

What's the difference between watering Golden pothos indoors and outdoors?

Fertilizer

Why do I need to fertilize my Golden pothos?

When is the best time to fertilize my Golden pothos?

When should I avoid fertilizing my Golden pothos?

What type of fertilizer does my Golden pothos need?

How do I fertilize my Golden pothos?

What happens if I fertilize my Golden pothos too much?

Sunlight

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

How many hours of sunlight does Golden pothos need to grow?

What will happen if Golden pothos doesn’t get enough sunlight?

What will happen if Golden pothos gets too much sunlight?

Pruning

Is pruning necessary for my Golden pothos?

When should I prune my Golden pothos?

How do I prune my Golden pothos?

What should I do after pruning my Golden pothos?

Are there any important tips when pruning my Golden pothos?

Advanced Care Guide

Temperature

What is the optimal temperature for Golden pothos?

Does Golden pothos require different temperatures for different growing phases?

Does Golden pothos need different temperatures for different seasons?

What are the temperature guidelines to keep your Golden pothos healthy?

What is the best way to maintain the right temperature for my Golden pothos?

Soil

Propagation

Planting

Harvest

If you want to take cuttings, you first need to prepare the following.

Sharp scissors or knife
Diluted bleach solution or isopropyl alcohol to clean tools
Pot(s) or nursery tray with drainage holes
All-purpose potting mix or seed starting mix
Clear plastic bag or a humidity dome for covering cuttings
Rooting hormone (optional but recommended)

Trowel for burying sections
(optional) a sharp, sanitized knife

Transplanting

Potting Suggestions

Repot in the spring, choosing a container that's no more than 5 cm larger than the plant's rootball. Use a nutrient-rich, soil-based potting mix.

More About How-Tos

Seasonal Care Tips

Seasonal Precautions

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Tropical herbs like your plant are easy to care for throughout the year but require a little extra attention in the spring.

Spring is the ideal time to repot root-bound plants and propagate new ones by cutting off some of the trailing vines.

Water once every week or so when the soil is drying out and fertilize with balanced, all-purpose plant food.

Ensure the plant is receiving enough sunlight but be careful to not burn the leaves.

Spring is also a good time for propagation. Carefully remove a green stem and place it in water. When roots appear, transplant the cutting to a container.

Your plant and other tropical herbs may require more frequent watering in the summer.

Check the soil weekly to see if it is drying out.

Continue feeding the plant monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer.

Remove any dead or yellowing leaves and keep the plant out of direct sunlight to avoid burning the foliage.

Check the plant and surrounding area for pests. Gardeners also want to check the leaves and stem for any signs of disease.

New growth can be removed from the parent plant for propagation. Place the cutting in water and replant when roots appear.

As your plant continues growing through the fall, continue your care of this plant.

Fertilize it on a monthly basis with an all-purpose fertilizer

Make sure the soil is kept moist through regular watering, giving the plant water whenever the soil becomes dry.

You can take cuttings and propagate more plants during this season as well, repotting fresh-cut stems and letting them grow.

Give your plant plenty of indirect light, which will continue to encourage growth throughout the season.

However, you must watch out for pests and other diseases, as with all other seasons of growth.

This plant needs only minimal care during these cold winter months.

At this time, provide less water and reduce or stop fertilization.

The plant will require no extra pruning, but will require strong indirect sunlight, so ensure it’s placed in an ideal location to keep the plant thriving and ready for spring.

It's best to ensure the plant isn't exposed to freezing temperatures and kept in warm indoor rooms. Otherwise, you can leave this plant alone until the weather warms up and the plant awakens.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Golden pothos based on 10 million real cases

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Learn More

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Learn More

Leaf rot

This pathogen can cause the leaves to rot.

Learn More

Underwatering

Leaves may wilt for a variety of reasons.

Learn More

Underwatering

A lack of water will cause the leaves to gradually turn yellow starting at the base of the branch while the entire plant appears to wilt.

Learn More

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Toxicity

Slightly Toxic to Humans

Toxic to Dogs

Toxic to Cats

* The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

More About Golden Pothos

Plant Type

Vine, Herb

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

20 to 30 cm

Flower Color

Green

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Variegated

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Plant Height

20 m

Name story

Golden pothos

Devil's ivy

Even if kept in the dark, it can stay green the whole year long, just like the tenacity of the devil. It is also known as devil's ivy because it is almost impossible to kill.

Usages

Environmental Protection Value

The golden pothos has strong air purification properties and impurity adsorption abilities, which can effectively remove a number of toxins from the air.

Garden Use

View More Info

Find your perfect green friends.

Plan your green oasis based on your criteria: plant type, pet safety, skill level, sites, and more.

Common Problems

Why do golden pothos leaves turn yellow?

Why does the roots of golden pothos rot?

Why do golden pothos leaves grow black spots?

Caring for a New Plant

The following pictures and instructions for tropical plant are aimed to help your plants adapt and thrive in a new environment.

Picking a Healthy Tropical Plant

Check Its Health

Whole Plant

Symmetrical crown, evenly distributed branches, full and compact shape, no excessive growth, close internodes, and uniform leaf size.

Branches

The branches are not withered, and the trunk is free of boreholes or damage.

Leaves

Check the inside of the plant, shaded and overlapping areas, back of leaves. Even colour, no yellowing, no brown spots, no crawling insects, no cobwebs, no deformities, no wilting.

Stems

No mold, browning or soft rot at the base of the plant.

Health Troubleshooting

Whole Plant

Branches

Stems

Leaves

1 Asymmetrical crown or missing, uneven branching: prune the weak and slender branches of the larger portion of the asymmetrical crown, then trim the overgrown larger branches.

2 Internodes are longer in the upper part, leaves are sparse and smaller on top: increase light intensity or duration.

1 Dry branches: check if the branch is still alive by peeling back a small section of bark and trim away any dry branches. Watch out for signs of insect infestation inside the branch.

2 Bark with holes: inject insecticide into the holes and apply systemic insecticide to the roots.

3 Damaged bark: brush on a wound-healing agent, and avoid getting it wet.

Mildew, browning, or soft rot at the base: place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment and water with fungicide.

1 Uneven leaf color and yellowing: prune yellow leaves and check if there are signs of rot at the base of the plant. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

2 Brown spots or small yellow spots: place the plant in a ventilated area and avoid watering the leaves. Spray with fungicide for severe cases.

3 Tiny crawling insects on the back of leaves or spider webs between leaves: increase light exposure and spray with insecticide for severe cases.

4 Deformations or missing parts on leaves: determine if it's physical damage or pest infestation. Linear or tearing damage is physical, while the rest are pests. Spray with insecticide.

5 Wilting leaves: provide partial shade and avoid excessive sun exposure. Remove 1/3 to 1/2 of the leaves for severe cases.

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.

Check Its Growing Conditions

Soil Check

Soil should smell fresh like after a rain and no musty odor.

Light Check

Check the light requirement of the plant and if it match with planting location.

Ventilation Check

Ensure good ventilation.

Temperature Check

Check if the current outdoor temperature is too low or too high.

Condition Troubleshooting

Soil

Suitable Light

Ideal Temperature

Ventilation

Potting mix soil, Peat moss mix soil

Soil

Soil smells musty or foul: check the root system for decay, place the plant in a ventilated, dry environment, and water with fungicide.

Full shade, Partial sun

Suitable Light

Insufficient light: Indoor plants can handle reduced light but not full shade. Periodically moving the plant to a sunnier spot can help compensate for nutrient depletion in dim conditions.

10 to 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Temperature is too low or too high: Indoors usually meets plant needs. Don't place outside below 50℉ (10℃) or above 86℉ (30℃).

Well Ventilated

Ventilation

Non-ventilated environment: can lead to root rot, diseases, and flower drop. Place plants in a well-ventilated location, such as a window.

Adapting Your New Tropical Plant

Step 1

Repotting

Step 2

Pruning

Not usually needed. Cut off yellow or diseased leaves and crowded leaves that appear wilted or falling.

Step 3

Watering

Step 4

Fertilizing

Add a small amount of base fertilizer during transplanting or repotting. No other fertilizer needed for the first month.

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Plants with Same Care Needs

Virginia creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Poison ivy

Toxicodendron radicans

Indoor

Requirements

Full shade

Ideal

Less than 3 hours of sunlight

Partial sun

Tolerance

About 3-6 hours sunlight

Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.

Essentials

Preferred

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Know the light your plants really get.

Find the best spots for them to optimize their health, simply using your phone.

Download the App

Artificial lighting

Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.

Important Symptoms

Insufficient light

Golden pothos thrives in shaded environments and can tolerate low-light conditions. As a result, symptoms of light deficiency may not be easily noticeable, making it crucial to provide adequate light for optimal growth.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Slower or no new growth

Golden pothos enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.

Loss of variegation

In less-than-ideal conditions, plants produce more chlorophyll to increase photosynthesis. Some variegated varieties, like golden pothos, may experience a reduction in variegation or even completely turn green in their new leaves.

Small leaves

New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.

Solutions

1. Move your plants to the best spot for sunlight until they can receive ample filtered light, including brief periods of direct morning sunlight. Ideally, place them 1-2 meters away from a window.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.

Excessive light

Golden pothos prefers shade and is sensitive to direct sunlight. Due to this sensitivity, they are prone to developing sunburn symptoms, which easily occur when exposed to direct sunlight.

(Symptom details and solutions)

Chlorosis

Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.

Sunscald

Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.

Leaf Curling

Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.

Wilting

Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.

Leaf Scorching

Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.

Solutions

1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive ample filtered light without direct sunlight. Find a spot with abundant filtered light that doesn't expose the plant to direct rays.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.

Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?

Indoor

Requirements

Ideal

Tolerable

Unsuitable

Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.

Essentials

Regional wintering strategies

Golden pothos is extremely heat-loving, and any cold temperatures can cause harm to it. In the autumn, it is recommended to bring outdoor-grown Golden pothos indoors and place it near a bright window, but it should be kept at a certain distance from heaters. Maintaining temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} during winter is beneficial for plant growth. Any temperatures approaching {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min} are detrimental to the plant.

Important Symptoms

Low Temperature

Golden pothos prefers warm temperatures and is not tolerant of low temperatures. It thrives best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves may lighten in color. After frost damage, the color gradually turns brown or black, and symptoms such as wilting and drooping may occur.

Solutions

Trim off the frost-damaged parts. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment for cold protection. Choose a spot near a south-facing window to place the plant, ensuring ample sunlight. Additionally, avoid placing the plant near heaters or air conditioning vents to prevent excessive dryness in the air.

High Temperature

During summer, Golden pothos should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the color of the leaves becomes lighter, and the plant becomes more susceptible to sunburn.

Solutions

Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the midday and afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.

Discover care info about seasonal tips, plant diseases, and more?

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How to Care for Golden Pothos

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Basic Care Guide

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Fertilizer

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Pruning

Advanced Care Guide

Temperature

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Propagation

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Harvest

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Transplanting

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Seasonal Care Tips

Seasonal Precautions

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Fall

Winter

Tropical herbs like your plant are easy to care for throughout the year but require a little extra attention in the spring.

Your plant and other tropical herbs may require more frequent watering in the summer.

As your plant continues growing through the fall, continue your care of this plant.

This plant needs only minimal care during these cold winter months.

Common Pests & Diseases

Treat and prevent plant diseases.

Toxicity

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Philodendron

Peace Lily

Snake Plant

Daffodil

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Bittersweet Nightshade

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How to Tend to Poisonous Plants

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Aloe

Philodendron

Peace Lily

Snake Plant

Daffodil

Hydrangea

Rhododendrons

Rhubarb

Bittersweet Nightshade

Buttercups

Foxgloves

How to Tend to Poisonous Plants

How to Get Rid of Poisonous Plants

More About Golden Pothos

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Common Problems

Why do golden pothos leaves turn yellow?

Why does the roots of golden pothos rot?

Why do golden pothos leaves grow black spots?

Caring for a New Plant

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Health Troubleshooting

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Check Its Growing Conditions

Condition Troubleshooting

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How to Care for Golden Pothos

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Basic Care Guide