Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Last updated: August 3, 2025

The Golden Pothos is one of the most popular and easiest houseplants to grow, known for its heart-shaped green leaves splashed with vibrant yellow or gold variegation. It's a versatile vining plant that can be grown in hanging baskets, allowed to trail, or trained to climb.

Lighting

Golden Pothos is incredibly adaptable to various light conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Ideal: Medium to bright indirect light encourages the most vibrant variegation. A few feet away from a bright window (east, west, or even south with sheer curtains) is perfect.
Tolerates: It can survive in low light conditions, but the golden variegation will become less prominent, and the leaves may appear mostly green.
Avoid: Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots.

Watering Routine

Pothos prefers the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common problem that can lead to root rot.

Frequency: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. You can also observe the leaves; if they start to look slightly droopy or limp, it's a good sign it's thirsty.
Method: Water thoroughly until you see water draining from the bottom of the pot. Discard any excess water that collects in the saucer.
Seasonality: Reduce watering frequency in fall and winter when the plant's growth naturally slows down.

Fertilizer Requirements

Golden Pothos is not a heavy feeder.

Schedule: Fertilize during its active growing season, typically from spring through early fall. Once every 2-4 weeks is sufficient.
Type: Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer.
Commercial Recommendation: Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food (Liquid) or Schultz Liquid Plant Food are easily available options. Dilute these commercial concentrates to achieve approximately 50-100 ppm N in your final solution. This is often equivalent to using them at "half strength" or "full strength" of the package's recommended dose.
DIY Fertilizer Suggestion:
For healthy foliage, use your homemade 3-1-2 liquid fertilizer concentrate (High Nitrogen) or a balanced 1-1-1 liquid fertilizer concentrate.
- For 3-1-2 concentrate (30,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Light Feeding" rate, using 1.67 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~50 ppm N). See recipe details.
- For 1-1-1 concentrate (10,000 ppm N): Apply at a "Moderate Feeding" rate, using 10 ml per 1 liter of water (resulting in ~100 ppm N). See recipe details.
Avoid: Do not fertilize in late fall and winter when the plant is dormant.

Misting Requirements

Golden Pothos tolerates average household humidity well and generally does not require regular misting. However, it can appreciate slightly higher humidity, especially if your home air is very dry (e.g., during winter with heating on).

Optional: Occasional misting a few times a week or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water can be beneficial, but it's not crucial for its survival.

Pot Size and Soil Type

Pot Size: When repotting, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than its current one. Pothos can thrive even when slightly root-bound. Repotting is typically needed every 1-2 years or when roots are circling the pot or emerging from drainage holes. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Type: Use a well-draining, all-purpose potting mix. A standard houseplant potting mix is usually suitable. You can enhance drainage and aeration by mixing in some perlite (about 1 part perlite to 4-5 parts potting mix), which can be particularly helpful if you tend to overwater.

Pruning and Maintenance

Pruning: Pothos can become very long and leggy over time. Prune back long vines to encourage bushier growth. You can cut just above a leaf node (the point where a leaf emerges from the stem).
Propagation: Pothos is incredibly easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting with 2-3 leaves and a node, and place it in water or moist soil. Roots will often form within a few weeks.
Toxicity: Keep out of reach of pets and small children, as Pothos is considered toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals.