How much water does Epipremnum aureum need?

Epipremnum aureum has moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings water needs.

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Vines

Epipremnum aureum

Golden Pothos

UnknownAsia

At a Glance

Typevine

Habittrailing or climbing

Foliageevergreen

Height6-10 feet indoors, up to 40 feet in nature

Width3-6 feet spread

Maturity3 years

Key Features

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Epipremnum aureum is a vigorous evergreen climbing vine native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. This popular houseplant displays distinctive heart-shaped to oval leaves that are glossy green with irregular golden-yellow variegation along the veins and margins. The leaves are simple, alternate, and can vary significantly in size from 4-6 inches on young plants to over 12 inches on mature specimens climbing in optimal conditions. The variegation pattern is unique to each leaf, creating an attractive marbled appearance that gives the plant its common name. The stems are trailing or climbing, producing aerial roots at nodes that allow the plant to attach to surfaces and climb upward in nature.

Native Range

Epipremnum aureum is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly the Solomon Islands and surrounding Pacific islands. In its natural habitat, it grows as an epiphytic climber in humid forest environments, scaling trees and other structures with its aerial roots.

Suggested Uses

Epipremnum aureum works well as a trailing houseplant in hanging baskets, as a climbing plant on moss poles or trellises, or as a cascading accent on shelves and plant stands. It's excellent for offices and homes with lower light conditions, and makes an ideal beginner houseplant due to its forgiving nature and easy propagation.

How to Identify

Epipremnum aureum can be identified by its distinctive heart-shaped, glossy green leaves with irregular golden-yellow variegation that follows the leaf veins. The leaves are simple with entire margins and have a leathery texture. Key identifying features include the trailing or climbing stems that produce aerial roots at each node, and the characteristic way new leaves emerge rolled up before unfurling. The variegation pattern is never uniform, creating a natural marbled effect that distinguishes it from similar houseplants.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 10'

Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

green

Foliage Colors

green

gold

Bloom Information

rarely blooms in cultivation

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

rarely flowers indoors; small, inconspicuous greenish-white spathe

Foliage Description

glossy green with golden-yellow variegation

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Drainage

well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings

Time to Maturity

2-3 years to reach full size indoors

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Epipremnum aureum requires bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation, though it tolerates lower light conditions with reduced coloring. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage. Feed monthly during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Provide a moss pole or trellis for climbing support, or allow to trail from hanging baskets. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushier growth and propagate easily from stem cuttings placed in water or soil.

Pruning

Prune Epipremnum aureum throughout the growing season to maintain desired shape and size. Use clean scissors to cut back overly long vines just above a node, which will encourage new growth. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves at the base of their stems. Regular pinching of growing tips promotes fuller, bushier growth. All pruned cuttings can be easily propagated in water or soil to create new plants.

Pruning Schedule

springsummer

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Epipremnum aureum is toxic to humans, dogs, and cats if ingested. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause mouth irritation, difficulty swallowing, and digestive upset. Keep away from children and pets, and wash hands after handling. While not typically fatal, ingestion can cause significant discomfort and should prompt veterinary or medical attention.