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Epipremnum aureum
Golden Pothos
Tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly the Solomon Islands and surrounding Pacific islandsGrowing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 11These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Epipremnum aureum is golden pothos (devil's ivy), an evergreen trailing or climbing vine growing 72-120 inches (180-300 cm / 6-10 feet) indoors and up to 40 feet (12 m) in the wild. Glossy green heart-shaped to oval leaves 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) on young plants, up to 12 inches (30 cm) on climbing mature specimens, with irregular golden-yellow variegation along veins and margins. Aerial roots at each node allow climbing. In the aroid family (Araceae). The variegation fades in low light and intensifies in bright indirect light. Tolerates low light — one of the most shade-tolerant houseplants. Direct sun burns the leaves. Sometimes confused with Philodendron hederaceum (heartleaf philodendron) — distinguished by the more prominent golden variegation and the waxy leaf texture. Propagates readily from stem cuttings in water. Invasive in tropical regions (Florida, Hawaii) — do not release outdoors in frost-free climates. All parts contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: toxic to pets and humans if ingested (mouth pain, swelling, drooling). Zones 10-11 outdoors only; a houseplant elsewhere. Growth rate is moderate indoors, fast in tropical conditions.
Native Range
Native to tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly the Solomon Islands and surrounding Pacific islands. An epiphytic or ground-dwelling vine in humid forest environments.Suggested Uses
Grown as a houseplant in hanging baskets (trailing) or on moss poles (climbing). Tolerates low light. Containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L). Outdoors only in zones 10-11. All parts toxic. Invasive in frost-free tropical regions — do not release outdoors.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Rarely flowers in cultivation. In tropical conditions, a small greenish-white spathe — insignificant. Grown for foliage, not flowers.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Rarely flowers indoors; greenish-white spathe if produced — insignificantFoliage Description
Glossy green with irregular golden-yellow variegation along veins and margins; heart-shaped to oval, 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) on young plants, up to 12 inches (30 cm) on climbing mature specimens; leathery textureGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bright indirect light for variegation — tolerates low light (variegation fades). Direct sun burns leaves. Water when the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil is dry. Well-drained potting mix. 65-85 degrees F (18-29 degrees C). Moss pole for climbing or hanging basket for trailing. All parts contain calcium oxalate — toxic. Zones 10-11 outdoors. Invasive in tropical regions.Pruning
Trim trailing vines above a node to control length and encourage branching. Remove yellowed or damaged leaves at the base. Pinch growing tips for bushier growth. Cuttings root readily in water or soil. Wear gloves — sap contains calcium oxalate.Pruning Schedule
springsummer
Maintenance Level
very lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons