A pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum, also called golden pothos or devil's ivy) is a fast-growing vine with glossy, heart-shaped leaves. It does best in bright indirect light, needs water only when the top inch or two of soil is dry, and tolerates low light, missed waterings and beginners. It trails from a hanging basket, climbs a pole or sits on a shelf, and roots easily from cuttings in water. Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Pothos plant at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Epipremnum aureum |
| Other names | Golden pothos, devil's ivy, money plant, Ceylon creeper, hunter's robe |
| Family | Arum family (Araceae), related to monstera and philodendron |
| Light | Bright indirect. Tolerates low light but grows slowly. No harsh direct sun |
| Water | When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, about every 1 to 2 weeks |
| Soil | Light, well-draining potting mix with perlite or bark |
| Temperature | 65 to 85°F. Keep above about 50°F |
| Humidity | Average. Higher is fine |
| Feeding | Balanced fertilizer at half strength about monthly in spring and summer |
| Growth | Fast. Vines trail 6 to 10 ft or more indoors |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings with a node, in water or soil |
| Pets | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Difficulty | Very easy |
What is a pothos plant?
A tropical vine in the arum family, native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. In the wild it climbs trees and grows leaves up to two feet or more. Indoors the leaves stay 2 to 4 inches long on trailing vines. It rarely flowers indoors. The name "pothos" comes from an old plant classification, and the botanical name is now Epipremnum aureum.
Another name for pothos: devil's ivy (because it is hard to kill), golden pothos, money plant and Ceylon creeper. Is pothos tropical? Yes. It is hardy outdoors only in frost-free zones, about 10 to 12.
What does a pothos plant look like? Heart-shaped, waxy leaves, often streaked with yellow, cream or white, on long, trailing stems with small root nubs (nodes).
Pothos vs philodendron:
| Feature | Pothos | Heartleaf philodendron |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf texture | Thick, waxy, often variegated | Thinner, softer, usually solid green |
| Leaf shape | Heart-shaped, slightly uneven | Heart-shaped and symmetrical |
| New growth | Unfurls from the previous leaf | Sheds a papery sheath (cataphyll) |
| Variegation | Common | Less common |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets | Toxic to pets |
They are separate genera, but care is almost identical. Plants sold as "Brazil" pothos are usually Philodendron 'Brasil'. Money plant: in India and many places, pothos is called a money plant. The Pachira "money tree" and the jade plant are different plants.
What are the types of pothos?
| Variety | Look | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Golden pothos | Green leaves splashed with yellow | The classic and the toughest |
| Marble Queen | Cream and white marbling | Slower. Needs brighter light to keep its pattern |
| Snow Queen | Mostly white with green flecks | Even more white. Brighter light |
| Neon | Bright chartreuse, solid | Glowing color. Likes bright light |
| Jade | Solid dark green | Best in low light |
| Global Green | Green and dark green | Good for low light |
| N'Joy | Small leaves, white-green | Compact. Slow growth |
| Pearls and Jade | Small, white-and-green speckled | Compact and slow |
| Manjula | Wavy leaves, white and silver | Slow. Needs bright light |
| Hawaiian | Large, golden-streaked leaves | Vigorous and big |
| Cebu Blue | Silver-blue, narrow leaves | A related species. Bright light |
| Satin (silver) pothos | Dark green with silver spots | Scindapsus pictus, not a true pothos |
Colors: green, yellow, cream, white, silver-blue and chartreuse. There is no real pink, red, purple or black pothos. "Pink pothos" photos are usually a pink princess philodendron or edited images. Blue pothos is Cebu Blue.
How much light does a pothos plant need?
Bright, indirect light is best. Pothos tolerates low light, but growth slows, vines stretch and variegation fades. Variegated types such as Marble Queen need brighter spots. Avoid hot afternoon sun, which scorches leaves. A north or east window, or a spot a few feet from a brighter window, works.
How often should you water a pothos plant?
Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, usually every 1 to 2 weeks, and less in winter. Water thoroughly until it drains, then empty the saucer.
| Sign | Overwatered | Underwatered |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves | Yellow, soft, may blacken | Droopy, curled, crisp edges |
| Soil | Wet for days | Bone dry |
| Fix | Let dry, check roots | Water thoroughly |
A pothos droops when thirsty and perks up within hours of a drink. Overwatering is more dangerous than underwatering.
What soil, pot and fertilizer does a pothos need?
- Soil: standard indoor potting mix with extra perlite or bark so it drains.
- Pot: drainage holes are required. Choose one only slightly bigger than the root ball. Pothos likes to be a little snug.
- Fertilizer: a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength about once a month in spring and summer. Skip winter.
- Temperature and humidity: 65 to 85°F and average humidity. Keep it away from cold drafts and vents.
How do you repot a pothos?
Repot every 1 to 2 years in spring, or when roots circle the pot or poke out of the drainage holes. Move up one pot size, use fresh mix and water well. Trim any black roots.
How do you prune a pothos plant, and where do you cut?
Prune any time in spring and summer to keep it full.
- Use clean scissors.
- Cut just above a node, the small bump on the stem where a leaf meets the vine. New growth sprouts from the nodes below the cut.
- Remove yellow or bare stems.
- Cut leggy vines back by a third or more. They regrow quickly.
Where to cut for propagation: cut about a quarter inch below a node.
How do you propagate a pothos plant?
The easiest houseplant to propagate.
In water:
- Cut a 4 to 6 inch piece with 3 or 4 leaves and at least one node.
- Remove the lowest leaf so the node is bare.
- Place the node in a jar of water, with leaves above the rim.
- Keep in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.
- White roots appear in 1 to 3 weeks. When they are 1 to 2 inches long, plant in potting mix.
In soil: plant the cutting directly in moist potting mix with the node buried. Keep the soil lightly damp for the first few weeks.
When to plant propagated pothos: once roots are a couple of inches long. Spring and summer are best. Plant several cuttings in one pot for a fuller look.
Can a pothos live in water? Yes. A pothos grows in a jar for months or years if you change the water and add a little diluted fertilizer. It is slower than in soil.
Can pothos grow in an aquarium?
Yes. Hang the vine so the roots dip into the tank and the leaves stay out of the water. The roots absorb nitrates and help keep water clearer. Do not submerge the leaves.
Can pothos grow in a terrarium?
In a large, open terrarium with bright light, yes. A pothos outgrows small closed ones, so trim often.
How do you train pothos to hang or climb?
- Hanging basket or shelf: vines trail 6 to 10 feet or more.
- Climbing: give it a moss pole, trellis or wall hooks. Leaves grow larger as it climbs, sometimes a foot long.
- Display ideas: hang it in a window, drape it along a bookshelf or cabinet, wind it around a doorway or trail it from a high shelf.
Where should you put a pothos?
- Bathroom: yes, if there is a window. It likes humidity.
- Bedroom, office, desk: fine in medium light.
- Living room, kitchen: any bright spot.
- With a snake plant: they can share a room, but keep them in separate pots because snake plants like drier soil.
- Put it out of reach of pets.
Can a pothos plant live outside?
Only in frost-free zones, about 10 to 12, where it can become invasive. In cooler areas, put pots in shade in summer and bring them in before nights drop below about 50°F.
How big does a pothos get and how fast?
Indoors the vines reach 6 to 10 feet or more, growing a foot or more a month in good conditions. Climbing pothos can reach 10 feet or more with larger leaves.
Why are pothos leaves turning yellow?
| Cause | Fix |
|---|---|
| Overwatering (most common) | Let soil dry, check roots, improve drainage |
| Underwatering | Water thoroughly |
| Low light | Move to brighter indirect light |
| Natural aging | Remove old lower leaves |
| Nutrient shortage | Feed monthly in spring and summer |
| Pests | Check for mealybugs and spider mites |
What other pothos problems are there?
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Curling leaves | Thirst, dry air, heat | Water, move from vents |
| Brown tips or edges | Dry air, salts, tap water | Flush soil, trim |
| Black leaves or stems | Root rot, cold | Cut rot, repot |
| Drooping | Thirst, overwatering | Check the soil first |
| Leggy, bare stems | Low light | Prune, brighter light |
| Lost variegation | Low light | Move to brighter light |
| Sticky leaves, webbing, white fluff | Mealybugs, scale, spider mites | Wipe with rubbing alcohol, use insecticidal soap |
| Gnats | Wet soil | Let soil dry. See our gnat guide |
How to revive a pothos: check the roots, trim rotted ones, repot in fresh mix, cut dead vines and root healthy cuttings as backup.
Does a pothos plant flower?
Almost never indoors. In the wild, mature climbing plants produce a spathe and spadix.
Is a pothos plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. The ASPCA lists pothos as toxic to cats and dogs. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth irritation, drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and trouble swallowing. Serious cases are uncommon. Keep it out of reach, or choose a pet-safe plant such as a spider plant. Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 (a fee may apply) if your pet chews it. It can also irritate human mouths and skin.
Does pothos clean the air?
A 1980s lab study found plants removed some chemicals from sealed chambers. In real homes, a few plants have little effect on air quality compared with ventilation. Grow a pothos for its looks and ease.
What does a pothos plant mean?
A symbol of luck, prosperity and resilience. It is called a money plant in many cultures, and in feng shui it is often placed in a wealth corner or by an entrance. It is a popular gift. These meanings are traditions.
What plants are similar to pothos?
Heartleaf philodendron, Scindapsus (satin pothos), Epipremnum pinnatum (Cebu Blue), English ivy, arrowhead plant and, for bigger leaves, the monstera.
Quick answers to common questions
How often should you water a pothos plant?
When the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry, usually every 1 to 2 weeks.
How much light does a pothos plant need?
Bright indirect light is best, but it tolerates low light.
How do you propagate a pothos plant?
Cut below a node, put it in water or soil and plant it once roots are 1 to 2 inches long.
Is a pothos plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. It causes mouth irritation and vomiting.
Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow?
Usually overwatering. Check the soil first.
Keep reading: monstera plant, jade plant care, spider plant care, snake plant care and more houseplant guides.
Is a pothos plant worth growing?
Yes. A pothos plant is one of the easiest houseplants to keep alive and to multiply. Give it bright indirect light, water when the soil is dry and keep it away from pets.
