Image: AI generated
Pothos Plant Care
Epipremnum aureum (Linden ex André) G.S.Bunting
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Epipremnum aureum is aalso known as Pothos or Devil's Ivy. It has green and yellow variegated heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. Pothos thrives in a variety of light conditions and requires minimal care.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
70–90°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Pothos?
Water Pothos every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 70–90°F (21–32°C) and 60–80% humidity. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Pothos Native To?
What Is the Pothos?
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Epipremnum genus. Pothos is native to Southeastern Asia, Solomon Islands. Pothos is also known as Devil's ivy, Golden pothos, Money plant.
Pothos displays a climber growth habit, reaching up to 40 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Pothos produces spathe and spadix.
Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Pothos?
Epipremnum aureum requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Pothos Need?
Pothos thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Pothos in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Pothos Prefer?
Epipremnum aureum grows best at temperatures of 70–90°F. Pothos prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
70–90°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Pothos?
Potting mix or peat moss with added perlite or pumice. Good drainage is essential for Pothos to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Do You Repot a 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 Pothos?
Pothos can be propagated through stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cebu blue pothos plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Pothos Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Contains calcium oxalate crystals.
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 Pothos?
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 Pothos Need?
Pothos grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Pothos is native to Southeastern Asia, Solomon Islands. In cooler regions, grow Pothos as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
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.
Pothos thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Epipremnum aureum (Linden ex André) G.S.Bunting, family Araceae (first published in Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard. 50: 28 (1964)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Pothos as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, 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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