Pothos

epipremnum aureum

Also known as: ["Devil's Ivy","Golden Pothos","Silver Vine","Hunter's Robe","Beau's Vine","Silver Dollar Vine"]

Family: Araceae Genus: Epipremnum Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A popular trailing or climbing vine with heart-shaped, glossy leaves often variegated with yellow or white. Known for its hardiness and air-purifying qualities.

Benefits & Perks

["air purifying","low maintenance","fast growing","aesthetic foliage","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Alismatales
Family: Araceae
Genus: Epipremnum
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: indoor hanging basket or pot
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Busy People (low Maintenance) Indoor Plant Lovers Elderly Gardeners
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
  • Misting: every 1–2 weeks
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or orchid bark for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: very low
  • Toughness Level: very high
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 1–2 months or after rapid growth.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; trim back overgrown stems without removing more than one-third of the plant.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; tolerates lower light but may grow slower.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to brighter light gradually; avoid direct sun to prevent leaf burn; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves (overwatering), root rot, or stunted growth (poor soil or drainage).

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
very easy

easy

Sunlight

bright indirect light

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains for direct light; move to brighter spot in winter.

Watering

every 7–10 days

Allow soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering; adjust based on season and light.

Soil

well-draining potting mix with peat or perlite

pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy garden soil; refresh soil every 1–2 years.

Temperature

Ideal 65–85°F (18–29°C); prefers stable temperatures, avoiding extremes.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from vents; maintain moderate warmth year-round.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth

Don’t fertilize newly repotted plants; flush soil occasionally to prevent buildup; avoid overfertilizing.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Select healthy stem.
  2. Cut below node.
  3. Remove lower leaves.
  4. Place in medium.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light.

Medium

Water or well-draining soil mix (e.g., perlite and peat moss).

Hormone

Optional but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 1–3 weeks in water; 3–6 weeks in soil.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), jar or pot, water or soil mix.

Quick Tips

Use nodes for roots; keep cuttings warm; change water weekly if using water method.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Cut just above a leaf node to promote new growth.

Pruning Plan

Encourage bushier growth, remove leggy stems, and control size.

Tools

Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; cut above nodes; dispose of trimmings; monitor regrowth.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring or early summer before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.

Suggestions

Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water evenly; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture without waterlogging; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter or low-light conditions.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; mix in organic matter like compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme cold or heat.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root rot if soil stays wet.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; avoid cold drafts; ensure proper watering.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or dehydration if exposed to excessive heat without humidity.

Solution: Increase humidity; provide shade; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse between feedings.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Epipremnum aureum can indicate various issues, including nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, underwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Epipremnum aureum is often a sign of water stress, either from overwatering causing root rot or underwatering leading to dehydration, both of which can severely impact plant vitality.

Leaf spots on Epipremnum aureum may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to unsightly discoloration and potential leaf drop, which can affect the plant's aesthetic value and health.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Epipremnum aureum due to overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay of roots and lower stems, which can ultimately kill the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats are susceptible to irritation from calcium oxalate crystals in Epipremnum aureum. The plant can cause discomfort in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract, but severe systemic toxicity is rare.

⚠️ Symptoms:
excessive drooling vomiting licking lips oral pain lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep plants away from cats. If ingestion is suspected, seek veterinary advice promptly.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Epipremnum aureum can cause irritation due to calcium oxalate crystals. The effects are typically mild to moderate, affecting the oral cavity and digestive system without causing severe systemic harm.

⚠️ Symptoms:
drooling pawing at mouth vomiting difficulty swallowing oral irritation
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor pets closely. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian. Keep plants out of pets' reach.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Epipremnum aureum contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and inflammation upon ingestion. The physiological impact is primarily localized to the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort but generally not systemic toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
mouth pain difficulty swallowing nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
leaves stems roots
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Wash hands after handling and avoid ingestion. Keep out of reach of children.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Pothos toxic to pets?

A: Yes, Pothos is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested, causing mouth irritation and digestive upset.

Q: How often should I water Pothos?

A: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, typically every 1-2 weeks, depending on light and humidity.

Q: Can Pothos grow in low light?

A: Yes, Pothos tolerates low light but thrives in bright, indirect light.

Quick Reference
Family: Araceae
Care: very easy
Light: bright indirect light
Water: every 7–10 days
Suitable For: ["beginners","busy people (low maintenance)","indoor plant lovers","elderly gardeners"]
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