Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Giant Pothos Plant Care
Epipremnum amplissimum (Schott) Engl.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 feet in length. Originating from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, it is highly sought after by plant collectors for its impressive size and vibrant green color. Its prominent foliage and tropical origins make it a standout addition to any indoor garden.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Giant Pothos?
Water Giant Pothos every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Giant Pothos Native To?
What Is the Giant Pothos?
Giant Pothos (Epipremnum amplissimum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Epipremnum genus. Giant Pothos is native to Southeast Asia, from New Guinea to Vanuatu including northern Australia. Giant Pothos is also known as Monstera deliciosa.
Giant Pothos displays a trailing vine growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Giant Pothos produces rarely flowers indoors, small white spathes.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Giant Pothos?
Epipremnum amplissimum requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Giant Pothos Need?
Giant Pothos thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Giant Pothos in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Giant Pothos Prefer?
Epipremnum amplissimum grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Giant Pothos prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Giant Pothos?
Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Giant Pothos to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Giant Pothos?
Feed Giant Pothos every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Giant Pothos?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Giant Pothos?
Giant Pothos can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to pothos plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Giant Pothos Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Giant Pothos?
Giant Pothos is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Giant Pothos Need?
Giant Pothos grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11b – 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11b. Giant Pothos is native to Southeast Asia, from New Guinea to Vanuatu including northern Australia. In cooler regions, grow Giant Pothos as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11b – 13b
Keep exploring plants
Giant Pothos is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Epipremnum genus — compare its care with other Epipremnum species on PlantoScan.
Epipremnum is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Giant Pothos copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Epipremnum Species
Other Epipremnum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Epipremnum amplissimum (Schott) Engl., family Araceae (first published in Bot. Jahrb. Syst. 1: 182 (1880)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Giant Pothos is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11b – 13b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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