Pothos - Epipremnum aureum

Botanical name

Epipremnum aureum

Plant family

Araceae

Identification

Species

Growth and life cycle

You can let pothos trail from a shelf or climb a support. It is an evergreen perennial with heart-shaped leaves and stems that lengthen as it grows. Keep it away from children and pets that might chew it, as chewing causes mouth irritation.

Choosing a pot

Where to place it: bright indirect light / office light; keep it out of direct sun, which burns the leaves. Toxic to cats and dogs - not for chewing. Easy to care for; also grows in normal home conditions.

Light

Bright, indirect light

When to water

Water when the top 2-3 cm of the growing medium is dry; excess water = root rot.

Potting mix and drainage

Airy with good drainage.

Feeding

Fertilize lightly when the plant is growing new leaves and stems, following the fertilizer instructions. When growth stops, or the plant is suffering from dryness or too much water, hold off on fertilizing.

Pruning and tidying

Shorten long stems just above where a leaf joins the stem to encourage branching, and remove yellow or dry leaves. Keep healthy leaves and wipe dust off them with a damp cloth; wear gloves when pruning to avoid contact with the sap.

The first few days at home

Remove the wrapping and check that the drainage holes are clear. Place near a bright window without direct sunlight, and check the growing medium before watering. Keep it in its current pot as long as water drains and the roots are not significantly crowded.

What to watch for

Yellow leaves → too much water; thin, long stems → too little light.

Placement and climate

Indoors, place away from air conditioner drafts and hot window glass; on a balcony, choose bright shade protected from summer sun and strong wind. In winter, protect from prolonged rain and nights below about 12 degrees, and on humid days near the coast, check that the growing medium is starting to dry before watering again.

Propagation

You can root a stem with a leaf and a node, the point where the leaf joins the stem, in water or moist growing medium. Keep the node in the water or growing medium and the leaf above it.

Around pets

We haven’t verified whether this plant is safe around pets. Ask us before choosing.

Care level

Easy to care for

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