Pothos

Epipremnum aureum · Devil's Ivy · Golden Pothos

🪴 Indoor Seasonal Care

How this houseplant's needs shift through the year indoors.

💡 Very forgiving - tolerates irregular watering and lower light better than most; roots easily from cuttings in water.

At a Glance

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a beloved UK houseplant renowned for its resilience and cascading vines, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced growers. This fast-growing, evergreen climber thrives in typical indoor conditions and requires minimal fuss, earning its reputation as one of the most forgiving plants for UK homes. Its trailing habit adds instant greenery to shelves, hanging baskets, or bookshelves, while its ability to tolerate occasional neglect makes it perfect for busy households.

Light

Bright, indirect light is optimal for Pothos, encouraging vibrant leaf colour and robust growth. Position your plant a few feet back from a south- or east-facing window, or on a windowsill facing north where light is gentler. Avoid placing it directly in strong, hot afternoon sun, as this can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn pale yellow or brown at the edges. While Pothos tolerates lower light levels, such as in a hallway or away from windows, this will cause the variegation (if present on a variegated variety) to fade, resulting in mostly solid green leaves. If your plant starts growing very long, leggy stems with widely spaced leaves, it’s a clear sign it’s not receiving enough light and needs to be moved closer to a brighter spot.

Watering

Pothos prefers its compost to be kept lightly moist but not soggy. Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm (about 1 inch) of the compost feels dry to the touch, typically every 1-2 weeks in spring and summer, and less frequently in autumn and winter when growth slows. Always ensure excess water drains freely from the pot’s bottom; never let the plant sit in a saucer of water. Overwatering is the most common cause of Pothos problems, leading to root rot. To avoid this, check the moisture level by inserting your finger into the compost before watering. In lower light or cooler months, allow the compost to dry out slightly more between waterings. Under-watering is less likely to cause issues but can lead to slightly droopy leaves; a quick water usually revives them.

Humidity and temperature

Pothos thrives in average UK room humidity levels (around 40-60%), making it perfectly suited to typical living spaces without needing special equipment. However, it will appreciate a little extra humidity, especially during the drier winter months when central heating is on. Boost humidity by placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensuring the pot doesn’t sit directly in water), grouping it with other plants, or occasionally misting the leaves with a fine spray. Avoid placing Pothos near draughty windows, radiators, or air conditioning vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress the plant. It prefers consistent temperatures between 18°C and 24°C (65°F-75°F), which aligns well with comfortable UK indoor living conditions.

Feeding and repotting

Feed Pothos during its active growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertiliser diluted to half-strength. Apply every 4-6 weeks, or as directed on the product label, to encourage vigorous growth. Do not feed during autumn and winter when the plant is dormant. Repot Pothos only when it becomes root-bound, which usually happens every 1-2 years, or when roots start growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot only 2-5 cm (1-2 inches) larger in diameter than the current one to prevent waterlogging. Use a standard peat-free houseplant compost, ensuring it has good drainage. Repotting is best done in spring to minimise stress.

Propagation

Pothos is incredibly easy to propagate, making it simple to share with friends or expand your collection. Take a stem cutting with at least two leaf nodes (the small bumps where leaves attach to the stem), ideally 10-15 cm long. You can root the cutting in water or directly in moist compost. For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of clean water, changing the water every few days, and wait for roots (about 2-4 weeks) before planting in compost. For compost propagation, insert the cutting into a small pot filled with moist, well-draining compost, keeping it in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sun. Keep the compost consistently moist but not wet until roots establish. Propagation success rates are very high, and cuttings often root within weeks.

Common problems and how to fix them

Yellowing leaves are usually a sign of overwatering. Check the compost moisture level; if it’s wet, reduce watering frequency and ensure good drainage. If the compost feels dry, the plant may need more water, but yellowing is more commonly linked to excess moisture. Leggy growth with sparse leaves occurs when the plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location (but still indirect light) to encourage bushier growth. Brown leaf tips often indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity slightly (e.g., misting, pebble tray) and ensure watering is consistent, allowing the top layer to dry between sessions. Pest issues like mealybugs or spider mites are rare but can occur; treat with a mild insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol on a cotton bud if spotted.

Is it toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause immediate mouth and throat irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. It is also harmful to children if eaten. Keep Pothos well out of reach of pets and small children, ideally on a high shelf or in a hanging basket. If you suspect your pet has eaten any part of the plant, contact your veterinarian or the Animal PoisonLine immediately (01206 798223 in the UK) for advice. Do not attempt to induce vomiting without professional guidance.