Pothos are easily our favorite houseplant and the golden pothos is by far the most popular variety. They’re loved by beginners and experienced plant owners alike because they’re affordable, attractive, and forgiving. Golden pothos grow quickly and produce long, trailing vines that bring life and color to any space. We keep pothos in nearly every room of our house because they’re so versatile and resilient.
There are more than a dozen types of pothos (Epipremnum aureum), most of which share similar care needs. Varieties differ mainly in leaf color and variegation, but basic light, water, and soil requirements are comparable. Popular relatives include the marble queen and the neon pothos, each offering distinct visual appeal.
Golden Pothos Quick Facts
A quick reference to the most important facts about golden pothos:
- Latin name: Epipremnum aureum
- Common names: Golden pothos, devil’s ivy, devil’s vine
- Lookalikes: Marble queen pothos, neon pothos
- Light: Prefers medium, indirect light but tolerates low light
- Watering: About every 7–10 days during active growth or when top inch of soil is dry
- Soil: Standard potting mix that drains well
- Humidity: Average household humidity; 50–70% ideal
- Temperature: Best between 65°F and 85°F
- Cold hardiness: Typically suitable for USDA Zones 10–12 outdoors
What Is A Golden Pothos?
Golden pothos is an evergreen vine often nicknamed “devil’s ivy” because it is remarkably hard to kill. It tolerates low light and less-than-perfect care, which helps explain its popularity. You’ll find golden pothos sold at nurseries, garden centers, big-box stores, and grocery stores—making them widely accessible and budget-friendly.
Their long vines look great trailing from shelves or hanging baskets, and they’ll also climb a moss pole or stake if you prefer an upright habit. In favorable conditions, pothos can add a foot or more of new vine length within a month, making them visually rewarding and fast-growing houseplants.
Golden vs. Marble Queen vs. Neon Pothos
Some pothos varieties can be tricky to tell apart because lighting and growing conditions influence leaf color and variegation. Golden pothos usually have heart-shaped leaves with yellow or gold variegation; the species name “aureum” means “golden.” In lower light, variegation may fade and leaves can appear mostly green.
Marble queen typically shows cream or white variegation mixed with darker green, while neon pothos are notable for brighter, almost fluorescent green leaves with little or no variegation. New growth on many varieties can look different from mature leaves, so identification sometimes depends on seeing several leaves at different stages.
How To Care For A Golden Pothos
Golden pothos are adaptable, which makes them an excellent choice for new plant owners. They tolerate a wide range of light and moisture conditions and reward consistent care with steady growth and fuller foliage. Below are practical, easy-to-follow care tips.
Light
Pothos handle everything from low light to bright, indirect light, and even artificial fluorescent light. More light usually means faster, fuller growth, but avoid prolonged direct sun that can scorch leaves. Place plants near bright windows with filtered light for optimal growth.
Watering
Water roughly every 7–10 days during the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing, and less often in fall and winter. Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Pothos will often droop when thirsty and should recover quickly after watering. Avoid consistently soggy soil to prevent root rot.
Soil
A standard potting mix that drains well is fine for pothos. Avoid compacting the soil when repotting; aeration helps roots breathe. If needed, amend potting mix with perlite or another gritty amendment to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
Pruning
Prune to control size, encourage bushier growth, or remove damaged foliage. Spring is a good time to prune. Use clean, sharp shears and cut just above a node to encourage new shoots. You can root cuttings to make new plants.
Repotting
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes rootbound. Moving to a slightly larger pot with fresh soil gives roots more room and replenishes nutrients. Avoid repotting immediately after purchase if the plant is already adjusting to a new environment; wait a few weeks if possible.
How To Propagate A Golden Pothos
Propagating pothos is simple and satisfying. Cuttings taken while pruning can be rooted in water or soil to create new plants. This is a great way to expand your collection or gift plants to friends.
Step 1: Take a cutting
Use clean scissors or shears to cut a vine just below a node, leaving several leaves above the cut. Multiple cuttings can be taken at once to propagate more plants.
Step 2: Root in water
Place the cutting in a clear glass of water, ensuring nodes are submerged but leaves are not. Keep in bright, indirect light and change the water regularly. Roots often appear within one to two weeks.
Step 3: Transfer to soil
When roots are a couple of inches long, pot the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Continue regular care and the new plant will establish within a few weeks.
Common Golden Pothos Issues
Golden pothos usually signal their needs clearly and recover quickly when given proper care. Common problems and straightforward fixes include:
- Yellowing leaves: A single yellow leaf is normal as the plant sheds older foliage. Widespread yellowing often indicates overwatering or poor drainage—reduce watering and check the roots for rot.
- Brown or crispy leaf tips: This can result from underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sun. Increase watering slightly, raise humidity, or move the plant to gentler light.
- Drooping: Usually a sign of thirst. Water thoroughly and the plant should perk up within a day.
- Foul smell: Often caused by root rot from overly wet soil. Repot into fresh, well-draining mix and remove rotten roots where possible.
- Pests: Pothos are generally pest-resistant, but occasional issues with insects can be managed by rinsing the plant and using a safe, plant-friendly treatment if needed.
Other Golden Pothos FAQ
Are golden pothos toxic to pets?
Yes. All pothos contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouths and digestive tracts of pets and people if ingested. Symptoms are usually mild, but it’s best to keep pothos out of reach of curious pets and small children.
Can golden pothos be grown outdoors?
Golden pothos can be grown outdoors in warm climates and are often used outdoors during warm months before being brought inside for cooler weather. They thrive in shaded to partially shaded spots outdoors and can provide attractive hanging or trailing displays.
Can pothos grow in water long-term?
Pothos will grow in water indefinitely if care is taken to keep the water clean and changed regularly. Whether grown in water or soil is largely a matter of preference; roots and foliage will thrive in either medium with proper maintenance.
More Plant Guides
If you want to learn more about houseplants, consider exploring guides on low-light plants, air-purifying species, propagating pothos, and care guides for other popular houseplants. These resources can help you choose and care for the best plants for your home.
*This post originally included links to products and further reading. Always follow manufacturer instructions for products used on plants.