Golden Pothos / Devil’s Ivy / Money Plant
Epipremnum aureum
description
Golden Pothos is an adaptable vine with heart-shaped leaves splashed in yellow or cream.
benefits
- Fast-growing
- Suitable for containers
warnings
- Toxic to cats
- Toxic to dogs
How to care for Golden Pothos
sunlight
In tropical forests, Golden Pothos climbs beneath a leafy canopy, receiving bright but filtered light. At home, place it near a bright window out of harsh direct sun.
Bright indirect light
Best for fuller growth and strong yellow or cream variegation. An east-facing window, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window, works well. Shield intense afternoon sun with a sheer curtain.
Lower light - tolerated
It can cope with a shadier room, especially all-green forms, but growth will slow and variegated leaves may become greener. Keep it close enough to a window that it can still see a bright patch of sky.
watering
Water thoroughly, then let the top 2-5 cm of soil dry before watering again. Golden Pothos prefers a little drying between drinks and is much less forgiving of constantly wet roots.
Spring and summer
In bright, warm conditions, this is often about every 7-10 days. Check the soil first: water when the top layer is dry and the pot feels noticeably lighter, then let excess water drain away.
Autumn and winter
Growth slows in lower light, so watering may be needed roughly every 2-3 weeks. Wait until the top 5 cm is dry, especially in a cool room.
Watering changes with light, temperature, humidity, pot size and material, soil mix, and how actively the plant is growing. Smaller terracotta pots dry faster, while large pots or dense soil stay wet longer.
humidity
Preferred humidity
Golden Pothos comes from warm, humid tropical forests, but it adapts well to average homes. Aim for 50-70% relative humidity for fuller growth and easier leaf unfurling.
Acceptable minimum
It usually tolerates around 40% humidity. Air that stays much drier can cause crisp brown tips or edges, slow growth, and new leaves that stick or tear as they open.
- Keep it away from radiators, heating vents, and strong air conditioning.
- Place a small humidifier nearby for the most reliable boost.
- Good airflow still matters, so avoid keeping the plant constantly damp or crowded.
temperature
Preferred range
Winter minimum
Golden Pothos comes from warm, humid tropical conditions, so it grows best in steady indoor warmth. Keep it above 15°C (59°F), especially at night, and protect it from sudden chills.
nutrition
March - August
Feed about every 4-6 weeks while your pothos is putting out new leaves. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half the label strength. Skip feeding in winter unless it is still growing steadily in warm, bright conditions.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen supports the leafy growth that makes pothos look full and lush. A regular, lightly diluted houseplant feed provides enough without pushing weak, stretched growth.
Potassium
Potassium supports sturdy growth and helps the plant use water well. It is supplied by a balanced fertilizer alongside nitrogen.
soil
Loose, airy, moisture-retentive soil
Golden Pothos likes roots that stay lightly moist but never sit in water. Use a quality indoor potting mix loosened with perlite or pumice and a little orchid bark for air around the roots.
pH 5,5 - 6,5
This is slightly acidic soil, which suits nutrient uptake. Most ready-made houseplant mixes fall close to this range, so there is usually no need to adjust the pH at home.