Pothos care

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also called devil's ivy or golden pothos, is one of the easiest houseplants there is. It trails or climbs, grows fast, and tells you clearly when something is off.

Light

Medium to bright indirect light keeps it fast-growing and well-variegated. It tolerates low light, but variegated types turn greener and the vines get long and bare between leaves. Avoid strong direct sun, which bleaches and scorches the leaves.

Watering

Water when the top few centimetres of soil are dry — typically every 7 to 10 days in summer and every two to three weeks in winter. Slightly drooping leaves are its way of asking for water; they perk up within hours.

Soil and repotting

Any good potting soil with some perlite works. Repot in spring when roots fill the pot. For a bushier plant, trim long vines just above a leaf node — the cuttings root easily in a glass of water.

Humidity and temperature

Normal room humidity is fine. Keep it between 15 and 30 °C and away from cold drafts.

Common problems

• Yellow leaves: most often overwatering; also too little light or natural ageing of old leaves. See our guide to pothos yellow leaves.
• Brown, crispy spots: underwatering or too much direct sun.
• Long, bare vines: not enough light. Move it closer to a window and trim.
• Losing variegation: too little light.

Is pothos safe for pets?

No. Pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs, causing mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting. Hanging it out of reach is the easiest fix.