Easy Tropical Toxic to pets

Golden Pothos

Epipremnum aureum

The Pothos is an almost indestructible climbing plant, ideal for beginners.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 10 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

40–60 %
Temperature

15–29 °C

How to care for your Golden Pothos

Everything you need to keep your Golden Pothos healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

The Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is arguably the most tolerant houseplant there is. Native to the Solomon Islands, it adapts to almost any condition: low light, missed watering, dry air. Its long trailing stems with heart-shaped leaves marbled green and yellow are very decorative. It's the perfect plant for poorly lit rooms or people who travel frequently.

Watering your Golden Pothos

Every 10 days

Water moderately; allow the top 4–5 cm of substrate to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency significantly in winter.

How to know it needs water

Soil dry 4–5 cm deep
Leaves beginning to curl slightly

How much light a Golden Pothos needs

Bright indirect light

Tolerates low to bright indirect light; very adaptable. Avoid prolonged direct sun which bleaches variegation.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

40–60 %

Low to medium (40–60%) Tolerates dry air well; occasional misting is beneficial but not essential.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Feed monthly in spring and summer only; withhold fertiliser in autumn and winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength · 2-1-2

Repotting your Golden Pothos

Every 18 months

Move into a pot one size larger with a well-draining all-purpose potting mix.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre, pine bark

The tell-tale signs

Roots visible through drainage holes
Very slow growth despite regular feeding

Pruning your Golden Pothos

Trim long stems to encourage denser, bushier growth at any time. Cut just above a leaf node with clean scissors to stimulate branching; cuttings root readily in water.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 12 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 8 in the growing season.

12 J
11 F
9 M
8 A
8 M
8 J
8 J
8 A
9 S
10 O
11 N
12 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested by humans or animals; contains calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing.

Good to know

One of the most effective air-purifying plants according to NASA
Can grow in a simple glass of water for months

Frequently asked questions about the Golden Pothos

How do you care for a Golden Pothos?

Water it every 10 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 40–60 %. Ideal temperature: 15–29 °C. Water moderately; allow the top 4–5 cm of substrate to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency significantly in winter.

How often should you water a Golden Pothos?

Every 10 days Water moderately; allow the top 4–5 cm of substrate to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency significantly in winter. How to know it needs water : Soil dry 4–5 cm deep ; Leaves beginning to curl slightly.

How much light does a Golden Pothos need?

Bright indirect light Tolerates low to bright indirect light; very adaptable. Avoid prolonged direct sun which bleaches variegation. 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Golden Pothos toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Toxic if ingested by humans or animals; contains calcium oxalate crystals causing oral irritation, excessive drooling and difficulty swallowing. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Golden Pothos leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Golden Pothos?

Repot every 18 months, ideally in spring. Move into a pot one size larger with a well-draining all-purpose potting mix.