Pothos are easily our favorite houseplant, and the golden pothos is the most popular variety. People of all skill levels love it because it’s affordable, attractive, and simple to care for. Golden pothos grow quickly and produce long, trailing vines that add life and color to any room. We keep pothos in nearly every room of our house.
There are more than a dozen pothos varieties (Epipremnum aureum), most sharing similar care needs with the golden pothos. Other popular types include Marble Queen and Neon pothos, each with their own distinctive coloration and charm.
Golden Pothos Quick Facts
At a glance, here’s what to know about golden pothos:
- Latin name: Epipremnum aureum
- Common names: Golden pothos, devil’s ivy, devil’s vine, hunter’s rove
- Light: Prefers medium, indirect light but tolerates low light
- Watering: Every 7–10 days in the growing season, or when soil is dry and leaves droop
- Soil: Standard potting mix with good drainage
- Humidity: Average household humidity; ideal 50–70%
- Temperature: 65°F to 85°F
- Cold hardiness: USDA Zones 10–12
What Is a Golden Pothos?
Golden pothos is an evergreen vining plant often called “devil’s ivy” because it’s remarkably resilient. It can thrive in lower light and is commonly sold at nurseries, garden centers, and grocery stores. Its ease of care and fast growth make it a top-selling houseplant.
Golden pothos produce long, dramatic vines that look beautiful trailing from shelves, hanging baskets, or windowsills. They can also climb a stake or support. In favorable conditions they can add over a foot of vine length in just a month.
Golden vs. Marble Queen vs. Neon Pothos
Pothos varieties can be easy to mix up because leaf color and variegation change with light and other conditions. Golden pothos usually have green, heart-shaped leaves with yellow or gold variegation—the species name “aureum” means golden. In low light, variegation can fade or disappear.
Marble Queen typically shows darker green leaves with white or cream variegation, often with a higher concentration of variegation per leaf. Neon pothos are bright, almost fluorescent green and usually lack variegation. Young or less-variegated golden pothos can resemble neon varieties until more mature leaves develop.
How To Care For a Golden Pothos
Golden pothos tolerate a wide range of light and moisture conditions, making them ideal for beginners. They reward consistent, simple care with rapid growth, so they’re both forgiving and gratifying to grow.
Light
Golden pothos handle nearly any light level—from low, shaded corners to bright, indirect light. They can even survive under fluorescent lighting. More light encourages faster, fuller growth, but avoid prolonged direct sun which can scorch the leaves.
Watering
Water every 7–10 days during spring and summer, and less often in fall and winter. Pothos droop visibly when thirsty and usually perk up soon after watering. Avoid letting the soil dry to a crisp or staying constantly waterlogged, which can lead to root rot.
Soil
Use a standard potting mix that drains well. When repotting, don’t compact the soil. Adding perlite or other aerating material helps prevent moisture retention and promotes healthy roots.
Pruning
Prune to control size or shape, ideally in spring. Use clean, sharp shears and cut just above a node. Leave a couple of inches above the soil when trimming; each cut encourages new, bushier growth.
Repotting
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes rootbound. Fresh soil provides nutrients and room for healthy root growth. You can wait a few months after purchase if the plant is adjusting to a new environment.
How To Propagate a Golden Pothos
Pothos propagate easily from cuttings, making them great plants to learn propagation with. Any time you prune is an opportunity to start a new plant.
Step 1: Take a vine cutting
Cut a vine just above a node, leaving at least three to four leaves below the cut. Taking several cuttings at once lets you propagate multiple plants.
Step 2: Place the clipping in water
Set the cut end in a clear jar or vase of clean water, avoiding submerging leaves. Place the vessel in bright, indirect light and change the water regularly.
Step 3: Once rooted, transfer to soil
Roots often appear within a week or two. When roots are a couple of inches long, pot the cutting into a well-draining potting mix and care for it as you would a mature pothos.
Common Golden Pothos Issues
Golden pothos are generally hardy but can show a few common problems. They often signal their needs clearly and recover quickly with the right adjustments.
- Yellowing leaves: A single yellow leaf may be natural leaf turnover. Widespread yellowing often indicates overwatering or root issues—reduce watering and inspect roots.
- Brown or crispy leaves: Usually caused by underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sun. Increase humidity, water appropriately, or move the plant to gentler light.
- Drooping leaves: A sign the plant needs water. It typically perks up within a day after watering.
- Foul smell: Often a sign of root rot from overly wet soil. Repot with fresh soil and trim rotten roots if possible.
- Pests: Pothos rarely suffer heavy infestations; small pests can be removed with water and treated with a gentle, plant-safe oil if needed.
Other Golden Pothos FAQ
Are golden pothos toxic to pets?
Yes. All pothos contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and digestive tract if chewed or ingested. Symptoms are usually mild, but keep plants out of reach of children and pets.
Can golden pothos be grown outdoors?
Golden pothos can grow outdoors in USDA Zones 10–12. In milder climates they’re often moved outside during warm months and brought indoors before cold weather.
What other pothos varieties exist?
Beyond golden, common varieties include Marble Queen, Neon, Manjula, Cebu Blue, Snow Queen, Jade, and Baltic Blue, each with unique leaf patterns and colors.
Can pothos be grown in water?
Yes. Pothos grow well in water and make attractive semi-aquatic displays. Use fresh cuttings and change the water regularly to keep roots healthy.
More Plant Guides
If you want to explore more houseplant care, look for guides on low-light plants, air-purifying varieties, propagation techniques, and care for popular plants like Monstera, Snake Plant, and Philodendron. These resources offer step-by-step tips to help you expand and care for your indoor garden.