Golden Pothos Care Sheet

Epipremnum aureum

Overview

Golden Pothos is one of the most forgiving and versatile houseplants. It thrives in a wide range of indoor conditions, grows quickly, and is ideal for beginners and collectors. Known for its trailing vines and variegated green and gold leaves, it is both decorative and hardy.


Light Requirements

  • Ideal light: Bright, indirect light.

  • Tolerates: Low light, but variegation may fade.

  • Avoid: Direct sun, which can scorch leaves.

  • Tip: Rotate the plant every 2 to 3 weeks for even growth.


Watering

  • Frequency: Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.

  • Signs it needs water: Slight leaf curl, dry soil, lighter pot weight.

  • Overwatering signs: Yellow leaves, mushy stems, soil that stays wet.

  • Method: Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Empty saucer after 20-60 minutes.


Humidity

  • Average home humidity is fine.

  • Boosting humidity: Grouping plants or a humidifier.

  • Avoid: Constant misting, which can encourage fungal issues.


Temperature

  • Ideal range: 65 to 85 F.

  • Avoid: Temps below 55 F, cold drafts, or direct heat from vents.


Soil

  • Best mix: Light, airy, well draining.

    • 50 percent high quality potting mix

    • 25 percent perlite

    • 25 percent coco coir or orchid bark

  • pH: Slightly acidic to neutral.


Potting and Repotting

  • Repot every: 1 to 2 years or when roots circle the pot.

  • Pot choice: A pot with drainage holes.

  • Size up: Increase pot diameter by 1 to 2 inches only.

  • Root bound tolerance: Pothos can stay slightly root bound without issue.


Fertilizing

  • Growing season: Spring through early fall.

  • Frequency: Every 4 to 6 weeks.

  • Type: Balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.

  • Winter: Pause fertilizing.


Pruning and Training

  • Prune: To encourage bushier growth and remove leggy vines.

  • Training options:

    • Let vines trail from shelves

    • Train up a moss pole

    • Wrap around a hoop or trellis

  • Propagation: Stem cuttings root easily in water or soil.


Common Problems

  • Yellow leaves: Overwatering or low light.

  • Brown tips: Low humidity or underwatering.

  • Leggy growth: Insufficient light.

  • Loss of variegation: Move to brighter indirect light.


Pests

Golden Pothos is generally pest resistant, but can occasionally get:

  • Spider mites

  • Mealybugs

  • Scale

  • Fungus gnats

Treatment: Our Botanical Brew Pest Shield is perfect for this plant. Apply until dripping and repeat every 5 to 7 days until pests are gone.


Toxicity

  • Toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

  • Causes mouth irritation and stomach upset.