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Golden pothos

How to identify Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Golden pothos, also known as Taro vine, Ivy arum, Hunter's robe

Golden pothos is characterized by its glossy, heart shaped leaves which may be solid green or exhibit variegation with yellow or white patterns. The foliage is borne on trailing or climbing stems that can reach impressive lengths of up to 40 feet (12 meters) when conditions are ideal, though it typically ranges from 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters) when kept indoors. The leaves maintain a juvenile form even as golden pothos matures, retaining their trademark heart shape throughout the plant's life.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Vine, Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Golden pothos

1

Heart-shaped, glossy leaves with variegation in yellow or white.

2

Stem with green color and white or yellow stripes, featuring adventitious roots.

3

Trailing or climbing stems reaching up to 40 feet (12 meters) in ideal conditions.

4

Rare flowers with stout spadix and boat-shaped spathe in yellow, green, or purple.

5

Color-changing berries from green to red-orange, emerging from spike inflorescence.

Golden pothosGolden pothosGolden pothosGolden pothosGolden pothos

Detailed Traits of Golden pothos

Leaf Features

The leaves of golden pothos are heart-shaped to elliptic-ovate and glossy, typically displaying a medium green color variegated with yellow to white. Size-wise, young leaves measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) but can grow up to 28 inches (70 cm) when mature, often developing deep lobes. They have a stiff, leathery texture and are usually cordate at the base and acuminate at the tip. Veins are sometimes reddish. Petioles are slender, grooved, and shorter than the leaf blade.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

Golden pothos Leaf Shape image
Leaf Base

Cordate

Golden pothos Leaf Base image
Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Golden pothos Leaf Arrangement image
Leaf Texture

Papyraceous

Golden pothos Leaf Texture image
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Flower Features

The flowers of golden pothos are rare and presented in a spadix surrounded by a spathe. The spadix, which is shorter than the spathe, is stout. The spathe is boat-shaped, not forming a tube, and can range in color from yellow to green or purple. The spathe is cream-colored and boat-shaped, resembling a large leaf-like bract. It encases the spadix, which carries small flowers and fruits.

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Stem Features

The stem of golden pothos is green with pronounced white or yellow stripes. It is slender and typically measures around 0.2 inches (0.5 cm) in diameter. The texture is smooth, and the stem features adventitious roots along its length, aiding in climbing. This characteristic allows it to attach effectively to various surfaces. Branching occurs sparsely, maintaining a predominantly elongated and creeping growth habit. These features make the stem easily identifiable in golden pothos.

Golden pothos Stem imageGolden pothos Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of golden pothos are intriguing berries that undergo a striking color transformation as they mature, shifting from an inconspicuous green to a vibrant red-orange hue at ripeness. These berries emerge from the spadix, which is a type of spike inflorescence characteristic of this species. It is rare to witness such fruit on houseplants, as they seldom reach the fruiting stage in domestic settings. When ripe, the berries are known for their eye-catching color, providing a striking contrast to the foliage.

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Key Facts About Golden pothos

Attributes of Golden pothos
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Vine, Herb
Plant Height
30 cm to 20 m
Spread
20 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Yellow
Variegated
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Green
Yellow
Cream
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Golden pothos

Family
Arum
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Species
Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
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Distribution Map of Golden pothos

Golden pothos is native to French Polynesia. This plant loves tropical forests and is cultivated for use as a houseplant worldwide. However, its rapid growth can be problematic in some areas, such as the state of Florida, where it is listed as invasive.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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