Pothos

Epipremnum aureum, also called Golden pothos, Devil's ivy

Pothos
Photo: Dinkun Chen via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped.
Light
Low light to bright, indirect light. Best spot: close to a bright window but out of the sun's direct rays.
Water
Let it dry out between waterings
Humidity
Does better with extra humidity
Potting mix
An indoor potting mix with good drainage
Size
Trailing vines; easily kept to a hanging basket with pruning
Pets
Toxic to pets

How to care for a pothos

One of the easiest houseplants there is. It does best in bright, indirect light and survives a long time in low light, though variegated leaves fade toward plain green there. Let the mix dry out between waterings, and feed every other month except in winter. Older leaves yellow and drop, which leaves foliage bunched at the stem ends, so prune stems back to keep it full. Cuttings root easily in a glass of water.

Common problems

Overwatering causes root rot and blackened leaf edges. Low light costs it its variegation. Watch for mealybugs and scale.

Questions people ask

How much light does a pothos need?

Low light to bright, indirect light. Best spot: close to a bright window but out of the sun's direct rays.

How often should I water a pothos?

Let it dry out between waterings.

Is pothos toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Toxic to dogs and cats. Its insoluble calcium oxalate crystals cause intense mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting and trouble swallowing.

Sources

← All house plants

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