Golden pothos is a climbing plant that is grown indoors or outdoors. It is distinguished by its glossy foliage, glossy or purplish-black stems, and upright growth habit.
Golden Pothos Care: Overview
Scientific Name: | Epipremnum aureum |
Common Name: | Golden pothos, devil’s ivy, money plant, marble queen |
Light: | Bright indirect light |
Soil: | Well-aerated, loose soil |
Temperature: | Around 70 degrees Fahrenheit but no lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit |
Water: | Keep soil moist, but not soggy |
Fertilize: | Monthly with a balanced fertilizer specifically for houseplants |
Repotting frequency: | Repot every year or so |
Toxic to Cats or Dogs? | Yes |
Where to buy | Buy on Etsy |
Golden Pothos Characteristics
The Golden Pothos plant is a tropical houseplant native to South America. The leaves have small, shiny, dark green oblong shapes with pointed tips and very smooth edges. The leaves are shiny and dark green with flecks of yellow or light green and the plant can grow up to 20 inches in height. The plant is a robust grower and can tolerate lower light conditions. The stems are green in color with prominent veins. The plant grows best in bright indirect light.
Does Golden Pothos Like to Be Rootbound?
No, the golden pothos wants a little space to spread out and doesn’t like to be potbound.
Golden Pothos Light Requirements
Golden Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels. If the light is too low, the leaves will become pale and the plant will become leggy. When choosing a spot for your plant, make sure to avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
How Often Should I Water My Epipremnum Aureum?
Watering should be done only when the surface of the medium is dry. The watering should be continued for several more days. The watering should be done in a pattern to avoid wetting the leaves.
Epipremnum Aureum Humidity Requirements
Plants that are grown in an enclosed environment, such as pots and bonsai, require humidity to help them thrive. Golden pothos plants grow best in a humid environment, with 50-70 percent humidity. The ideal temperature, depending on the season, is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Golden Pothos Soil Requirements
Pothos plants are usually grown in containers, so the soil needs to be well-draining. Pothos plants thrive in moist soil, but the soil shouldn’t be soggy. They prefer a soil pH of about 6.5-7.0. Pothos plants thrive best in bright indirect light. If Golden Pothos plants have too much sun on the leaves, it may burn the foliage.
Golden Pothos Fertilizer Requirements
Fertilizer is an important part of keeping your Golden Pothos plant healthy. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize your plant every two weeks. during the growing season, and every month during the winter. The type of fertilizer you use will depend on the type of soil you have. If you have sandy soil, you will need a water-soluble fertilizer. If you have clay soil, you will need a slow-release fertilizer.
Troubleshooting Common Epipremnum Aureumia Care Problems
If your golden pothos plant is not growing as vigorously as it should be, check the following:
Are the leaves yellowing? This could be a sign of too much sun.
Are the leaves browning or blackening? This could be a sign of too little sun.
Is the plant wilting? This could be a sign of too little water.
Is the plant drooping? This could be a sign of too much water.
How to Propagate Golden Pothos Plants
To propagate the golden pothos plant, take a stem cutting that is at least 6 inches long and has at least 2 leaves.
Cut the stem just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf is attached to the stem) using a sharp knife or gardening shears.
Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, leaving 2-3 leaves at the top.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, then plant the stem in a pot filled with moistened potting mix.
Place the pot in a warm, bright location, and keep the soil moist.
New roots will begin to grow within 2-4 weeks. Once the plant is established, you can transplant it to a larger pot or into the garden.