Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

AKA: Devil’s Ivy, Golden Pothos

easy low water low, medium, bright_indirect Pet caution

Pothos is one of the easiest and most forgiving houseplants. It adapts to a wide range of light levels, grows quickly, and clearly shows when it needs water.

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) trailing from a hanging pot indoors

Care snapshot

☀️ Light
Low, Medium, Bright Indirect
💧 Water
Low
💨 Humidity
Low To Medium
📈 Growth
Fast

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Pothos Care at a Glance

Pothos is a classic beginner-friendly houseplant with trailing vines that look great on shelves, desks, or hanging baskets.

Best For

  • Beginners
  • Low light rooms
  • Offices
  • Hanging baskets
  • Busy plant owners

Not Great For

  • Homes with plant-chewing pets
  • Overwatering habits
  • Cold environments

Light Requirements

Pothos grows best in medium to bright indirect light but survives well in low light. More light encourages faster growth and stronger variegation.

How to Water Pothos

Water when the top layer of soil feels dry. Leaves will slightly droop when thirsty and perk up quickly after watering.

Watering Tips

  • Always empty the saucer after watering.
  • Reduce watering frequency in winter.
  • If unsure, wait another day before watering.

Soil and Pot Choice

Use a light, well-draining potting mix in a pot with drainage holes. Avoid heavy soils that stay wet too long.

Pruning and Training

Regular pruning encourages bushier growth. Trim vines just above a leaf node and use cuttings for propagation.

How to Propagate Pothos (Water Method)

  1. Cut a healthy vine below a node with at least one leaf.
  2. Place the cutting in water, ensuring the node is submerged.
  3. Change water every few days.
  4. Once roots reach 5–8 cm (2–3 inches), pot into soil.

Pothos Problems (Fast Fix Guide)

Yellow leaves

Cause: Overwatering

Fix: Allow soil to dry more between waterings

Long bare vines

Cause: Low light

Fix: Move to brighter indirect light and prune

Brown tips

Cause: Dry air or salt buildup

Fix: Flush soil and increase humidity slightly

Pet Safety Warning

  • Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
  • Keep out of reach of pets and small children.

Pet warning

Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing may cause mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting.

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