How To Care for Golden Pothos: Easy Care Plant for Beginners

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something from one of our links we may earn a commission. Thanks

How To Care for Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular and incredibly versatile houseplant that can brighten up any indoor space with its lush, heart-shaped leaves.

This hardy vine is perfect for both novice gardeners and experienced plant enthusiasts, thanks to its forgiving nature and easy care requirements.

Not only does Golden Pothos add a touch of tropical charm to your home or office, but it’s also known for its air-purifying abilities, making it as functional as it is beautiful.

Costa Farms Golden Pothos Live Plant, Easy Care Indoor House Plant in Modern Decor Planter Pot, Natural Air Purifier Houseplant, 10-Inches Tall

Golden Pothos Care Key Takeaways

Place in bright, indirect light.
Use a well-draining mix of coco coir and perlite.
Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Maintain temperatures between 60-80°F.
Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Clean leaves regularly and prune as needed.
Golden Pothos is a low-maintenance, adaptable plant that thrives in various indoor conditions and purifies air.

Table of Contents

Caring for Golden Pothos: Easy Care Plant for Beginners

Golden Pothos, often dubbed the “perfect beginner plant,” is a true gem for anyone looking to add greenery to their space with minimal effort.

Known for its heart-shaped, golden-streaked leaves and incredible resilience, this trailing beauty thrives in a variety of conditions.

Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, caring for a Golden Pothos is as easy as it gets.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your Pothos happy and healthy, from watering tips to light requirements and troubleshooting common issues. Let’s get growing!

Golden Pothos Plant Care Reference Guide:

Characteristic	Details
Common Name	Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy
Botanical Name	Epipremnum aureum
Native Habitat	Tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Solomon Islands
Plant Type	Perennial evergreen
Growth Pattern	Vining or trailing with heart-shaped, variegated leaves
Mature Size	6–10 feet long indoors; up to 30 feet in the wild
Watering	Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings
Light/Sun Exposure	Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light but may lose variegation
Soil Type	Well-draining potting mix
Soil pH	Neutral to slightly acidic (6.1–6.5)
Temperature	65–85°F (18–29°C); avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C)
Humidity	Prefers moderate humidity; tolerates average indoor humidity levels
Bloom Time & Flower Color	Rare indoors; white flowers in natural habitat
Potential Problems	Yellowing leaves (overwatering), leggy growth (low light), pests like spider mites or mealybugs
Repotting	Every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot
Hardiness Zones (USDA)	Zones 10–12 (typically grown as a houseplant outside these zones)

Light Requirements

One of the reasons Golden Pothos is so beloved is its adaptability to various light conditions.

It can tolerate low light areas, making it ideal for darker corners or rooms with limited natural light.

However, for optimal growth and more vibrant variegation, place your Pothos in bright, indirect light.

While it can handle some direct morning sunlight, avoid exposing it to harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves.

If you notice the variegation fading or the plant becoming leggy, it’s a sign that it needs more light.

Soil and Watering

Golden Pothos thrives in well-draining soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged.

A mixture of coco coir and perlite is an excellent growing medium for this plant. Here’s a recommended mix ratio:

– 70% coco coir
– 30% perlite

This combination provides the perfect balance of moisture retention and drainage that Pothos prefers.

When it comes to watering, Golden Pothos is relatively forgiving but prefers to dry out slightly between waterings. To determine when to water, use the “finger test”:

1. Insert your index finger into the soil up to the first knuckle (about an inch deep).
2. If the soil feels dry at your fingertip, it’s time to water.
3. If you feel moisture or the soil sticks to your finger, wait a day or two before checking again.

When you do water, do so thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, then empty the saucer.

This ensures the entire root ball gets moistened. Pothos can tolerate occasional overwatering better than many plants, but consistent overwatering can lead to root rot. In general, it’s better to underwater than overwater this plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Golden Pothos is well-suited to average indoor temperatures, thriving between 60-80°F (15-27°C).

It can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures but should be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

While Pothos appreciates higher humidity, it’s quite adaptable and can tolerate the dry air found in most homes.

However, if you want to boost humidity for optimal growth:

1. Mist the leaves occasionally with room temperature water.
2. Place a pebble tray filled with water beneath the plant.
3. Group plants together to create a more humid microclimate.
4. Use a humidifier in the room, especially during dry winter months.

Ongoing Maintenance

Golden Pothos is a low-maintenance plant, but a little regular care will keep it looking its best:

1. Dust the leaves gently with a soft, damp cloth every few weeks. This not only keeps the plant looking fresh but also helps it photosynthesize more efficiently.

2. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid fertilizing in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.

3. Prune your Pothos as needed to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. You can pinch off the growing tips or cut back longer vines. This also prevents the plant from becoming too leggy.

4. Rotate your plant every few weeks to ensure even growth, as Pothos tends to grow towards the light source.

5. Clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol before and after use to prevent the spread of any potential diseases.

Propagation

One of the joys of owning a Golden Pothos is how easy it is to propagate. Here’s how you can create new plants:

1. Cut a section of stem about 4-6 inches long, ensuring it has at least 2-3 leaves and nodes (the points where leaves emerge from the stem).

2. Remove the lower leaves, leaving 1-2 at the top.

3. Place the cutting in a clear container with water, ensuring the nodes are submerged but the remaining leaves are above water.

4. Position the container in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days.

5. In about 2-3 weeks, you should see roots developing. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transplant the cutting into a pot with the coco coir and perlite mix.

6. Keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) for the first few weeks as the plant establishes itself in the soil.

Caring for Golden Pothos Conclusion

Golden Pothos is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add some greenery to their living space.

Its adaptability, air-purifying qualities, and ease of care make it a valuable addition to any plant collection.

Whether you’re a beginner just starting your plant journey or an experienced gardener looking for a reliable, attractive vine, Golden Pothos delivers on all fronts.

By providing the right balance of light, water, and occasional care, you’ll be rewarded with a lush, vibrant plant that can transform any indoor space into a more inviting and healthy environment.

With its rapid growth and easy propagation, you’ll soon find yourself sharing cuttings with friends and family, spreading the joy of this delightful plant.