Golden pothos - Epipremnum aureum (Care, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images, Toxic)

Golden pothos

Also known as: Taro vine, Ivy arum, Hunter's robe

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Scientific classification

Species

Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Water plantains and allies

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Toxic to Human & Pets

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Vine, Herb

Plant Type

30 cm to 20 m

Plant Height

20 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green, Yellow, Variegated

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Green

Flower Color

Green, Yellow, Cream

Stem Color

Non-dormant

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Golden pothos

Distribution of Golden pothos

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Tropical forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Environmental Protection Value

The golden pothos has strong air purification properties and impurity adsorption abilities, which can effectively remove a number of toxins from the air.

Garden Use

Golden pothos is a perennial evergreen vine commonly found in gardens of tropical climates. It is prized for its variegated green and yellow leaves. The trailing tendrils make it suitable for ground cover or as an understory plant. Golden pothos is essential in tropical-themed gardens. Plant with ferns for textural contrast or other succulents for a beautiful scene.

Symbolism

Happiness, good fortune, determination to achieve one's goals, wealth

Interesting Facts

The golden pothos is a popular houseplant, largely due to the way in which it cleans the air. In newly-renovated homes, the golden pothos has been shown to absorb benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde, although you cannot rely on the plant alone to remove all harmful gases from a room. Nevertheless, they have tenacious vitality, and can quickly convert formaldehyde into sugars or amino acids, while decomposing any benzene emitted by photocopiers and printers, making it no surprise that this plant is often seen in homes and offices.

Name Story

Golden pothos: Since its green leaves are laced with the color gold, it is called Golden Pothos. Epipremnum aureum has a long and tortuous naming history, and it has been reclassified several times. It was first classified as Pothos aureus. In 1962, scholars discovered that it actually had a blossoming phase. Since then, scholars closely observed and investigated the plant's flowers, leaves and growth, and determined its latin name to be Epipremnum aureum.

Devil's ivy: Even if kept in the dark, it can stay green the whole year long, just like the tenacity of the devil. It is also known as devil's ivy because it is almost impossible to kill.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Golden pothos, including the following common varieties :

Jade pothos Manjula Pothos Pothos 'Silver Satin'Pothos 'Njoy'Marble queen pothos Golden pothos 'Neon'Glacier Pothos Golden Pothos

Toxicity

Golden pothos contains calcium oxalate, which is mildly toxic to humans, potentially causing eczema, burning, and vomiting. It's very toxic to cats, leading to mouth and lip irritation, drooling, and potentially fatal vomiting. In dogs, it causes mouth and gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, and diarrhea; severe symptoms include seizures and trouble breathing. Immediate veterinary attention is advised.

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Quickly Identify Golden pothos

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

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

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

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

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

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Care Guide for Golden pothos

Every week

Water

Full shade

Sunlight

20 - 41 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Thriving in high humidity, golden pothos needs consistent moisture and should be watered weekly. It tolerates brief dryness but prefers regular hydration for a lush look. As an evergreen often grown indoors, golden pothos also benefits from occasional misting to mimic its tropical habitat.

Fertilize: Fertilize golden pothos every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer with a diluted high-nitrogen fertilizer. Cut back to every 2-3 months in fall and winter. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent brown leaf tips and apply fertilizers to moist soil. Skip feeding when dormant or unhealthy.

Pruning: Golden pothos is a hardy, trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves. Prune in early to late spring, cutting above leaf nodes to promote fullness and manage size. Regular pruning enhances aesthetics, plant health, and prevents pests, ensuring golden pothos remains vibrant and thriving.

Propagation: Golden pothos, from the Araceae family, thrives in low light, ideal for indoor settings. For propagation, take a stem cutting with a node and leaves, submerge in water to observe root growth, then transplant into potting soil. Its resilience ensures high propagation success.

Repotting: Repot golden pothos annually in spring to support vigorous growth. Use a pot 2 inches (5 cm) wider to encourage root development. After repotting, place golden pothos in indirect light and maintain routine care, as it adapts easily to new environments.

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Images of Golden pothos

Distribution of Golden pothos

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Golden pothos

Care Guide for Golden pothos

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