Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), a versatile and easy-to-care-for houseplant, is celebrated for its lush, heart-shaped leaves and adaptability to various indoor environments. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced plant enthusiast, understanding the basics of Pothos care can greatly enhance your indoor gardening experience.
Other Common Names
Other names for pothos (epipremnum aureum) include: Devil’s Ivy, Devil’s Vine, Goldon Pothos, Ivy Arum, Taro Vine, and Marble Queen.
Growing and Caring for Pothos
Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light but can also endure low-light conditions for extended periods. To maintain optimal humidity, mist the leaves fairly often. Water the plant once the soil has fully dried (in well-draining potting soil), and apply fertilizer every other month, except during dormant winter months. Regularly cleaning the leaves helps in removing dust. Pruning encourages dense growth and propagating cuttings in water is effective. With proper support and light, Pothos will grow larger leaves.
How to Quickly Identify Pothos
Pothos, known for its distinctive heart-shaped leaves, can be quickly identified by its glossy, variegated foliage that often features a mix of green and yellow or white patterns. This plant typically exhibits trailing or climbing growth habits, with slender stems that develop aerial roots. The absence of free stipules in new growth and grooved petioles are also key characteristics distinguishing Pothos from similar plants.
Common Problems
One of the most common problems faced by Pothos plants is root rot, often caused by overwatering. Ensuring proper drainage and allowing the soil to dry between waterings can prevent this issue. Regular monitoring for signs of overwatering can help maintain the health of the plant.
Characterized by uniformly deep green leaves, well-suited for areas with limited light
Lime
Exhibits leaves with a vibrant yellow-green hue
Marble Queen
Displays a distinctive marbling of white across both leaves and stem
Neon
Known for its entirely yellow foliage
Tricolor
The leaves show a mix of white variegation, with stems presenting a subtle off-white color
Whole Plant Traits
Whole Plant Traits
Description
Plant Type:
Ground Cover, Houseplant, Poisonous, Vine
Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
Broadleaf Evergreen
Habit/Form
Climbing, Creeping, Spreading
Growth Rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Cultural Conditions
Cultural Conditions
Description
Light
Dappled Sunlight: Light filtered through an upper canopy throughout the day. Deep Shade: Experiencing minimal to no direct sunlight, typically less than 2 hours daily. Partial Shade: Receives direct sunlight for a portion of the day, ranging from 2 to 6 hours.
Soil Texture
Loam (Silt), Shallow Rocky
Soil Drainage
Good Drainage, Occasionally Dry
Pothos Fruit
Fruit Attributes
Description
Fruit Color
Orange, Red/Burgundy
Fruit Type
Berry
Fruit Description
Red-orange when ripe. Houseplants rarely if ever produce fruits.
Pothos Flowers
Flower Attributes
Description
Flower Color
Gold/Yellow, Green, Purple/Lavender
Flower Inflorescence
Spadix
Flower Description
Seldom produces flowers, where the spadix is encased by a spathe. The spadix is notably shorter and more compact compared to the spathe. The spathe is shaped like a boat and does not form a tubular structure, presenting in shades ranging from yellow, green, to purple.
Pothos Leaves
Leaf Attributes
Description
Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf Color
Gold/Yellow, Green, Variegated, White
Leaf Feel
Glossy, Leathery, Smooth
Leaf Value To Gardener
Long-lasting, Showy
Leaf Type
Simple
Leaf Arrangement
Alternate
Leaf Shape
Cordate, Deltoid, Elliptical, Ovate
Leaf Margin
Entire
Hairs Present
No
Leaf Length
3-6 inches
Leaf Width
3-6 inches
Leaf Description
Pothos leaves are either heart-shaped or elliptic-ovate, showcasing a glossy medium green with a lighter green on the underside. The veins can sometimes have a reddish hue. The leaves are arranged alternately, simple in structure, and have a sheathing, heart-shaped base with an acuminate tip. The edges are smooth, and the texture is leathery and glossy. The color varies from green to a variegation of yellow, cream, or white, and the leaves measure about 3-4 inches in length. The petioles are slender, typically shorter than the leaf blade, and are grooved to wrap around the stem. Each petiole has a stipule that is fused to it, with free edges that are initially whitish but turn brownish, eventually drying up and falling off
Pothos Stem
Stem Attributes
Description
Stem Color
Gold/Yellow, Green, Variegated, White
Stem Is Aromatic
No
Stem Description
Stems green and striped with white or yellow. Slender, with adventitious roots.
