Plants
Golden pothos care: light, water & problems
Scientific name: Epipremnum aureum · Common name: Golden pothos
A climber with heart-shaped leaves, often green with yellow markings. Do not identify every cultivar as Epipremnum pinnatum without checking it.
Editorial revision:
Care at a glance
- Light
- Choose bright filtered light; deep shade can reduce growth and variegation.
- Watering
- Check the mix before watering and reduce watering as growth slows in winter. Avoid standing water.
How to identify it
A climber with heart-shaped leaves, often green with yellow markings. Do not identify every cultivar as Epipremnum pinnatum without checking it.
Light
Choose bright filtered light; deep shade can reduce growth and variegation.
Watering
Check the mix before watering and reduce watering as growth slows in winter. Avoid standing water.
Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.
Environment and placement
Protect it from cold draughts; it can trail or climb a support.
Potting mix and feeding
Use an airy, draining mix and a pot with drainage holes. Match pot size to the root ball so excess mix does not remain wet.
Feed only during active growth and follow the product label. Correct damaged roots or poor light before fertilising.
Problems to check
Yellow leaves alongside persistently wet mix warrant a check of drainage and roots.
How to assess yellow leavesCats and dogs
ASPCA lists this species as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it; contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.
ASPCACommon question
Can pothos climb?
Yes. Train the stems on a support or let them trail from a raised pot.
Botanical source
Related species
Dragon tail plantEpipremnum pinnatumRead guide →
Swiss cheese plantMonstera deliciosaRead guide →
Mini monsteraRhaphidophora tetraspermaRead guide →You can also track this plant's care and observations in Grovia's practical guide: open guide.