Golden pothos Epipremnum aureum
ABOUT
Golden Pothos is an evergreen plant with glossy green heart-shaped leaves with flecks of yellow. As an indoor plant, it is usually grown as a hanging plant because it is a climber. Pothos can climb upward with aerial roots, and wild or cultivated plants grown outdoors can reach great heights using tall trees as supports.
This evergreen rhizomatous plant has a thin, twisting and branching stem that grows up to 65 feet long.
The young leaves are entire (no hollows or holes) and up to a few inches long, while the mature phase has oval or heart-shaped pinnate leaves up to 3 feet long with holes along the middle.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Araceae
Synonyms
Devil's ivy, Ceylon creeper, Hunter's robe, Ivy arum, Money plant, Silver vine, Solomon Islands ivy, Marble queen, Taro vine, Devil's vine, Joseph's coat
Common names
Epipremnum mooreense, Pothos aureus, Rhaphidophora aurea, Scindapsus aureus, Epipremnum pinnatum 'Aureum'
ToxicityTo humans
Because of the insoluble calcium oxalate contained in the plant and can be mildly toxic to humans.
Possible side effects from ingestion of Golden pothos include atopic dermatitis (eczema), burning and swelling in and around the mouth. Excessive contact with the plant can also lead to general skin irritation or contact dermatitis.To pets
According to the ASPCA, due to the presence of insoluble calcium oxalates, the plant is poisonous to animals. Care should be taken to ensure that the plant is not consumed by pets.
Symptoms may include oral irritation, intense burning of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green with cream or yellow spots
Flower color
Green
Height
Up to 65 feet
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
Tropical and sub-tropical forests
Benefits
General BenefitsIncreased productivity: Studies have found that having plants in the workplace can improve productivity and concentration, making golden pothos a great choice for office settings.
Reduced stress: Having plants indoors can help reduce stress levels and improve mood, and golden pothos is no exception.
Aesthetic appeal: With its trailing vines and variegated leaves, golden pothos can add a touch of natural beauty and visual interest to any space.
Easy to care for: Golden pothos is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, making it a great choice for beginners or busy individuals.
Medical PropertiesIt has antibacterial, anti-termite and antioxidant properties. Also, it may prove to be anti-malarial, anti-cancer, anti-tuberculosis, and anti-arthritic.
However, please note that this plant is poisonous and is not recommended for treatment without consulting a specialist.
Air-purifying QualitiesNASA included Golden pothos in its Clean Air Study. The plant removes benzene, formaldehyde, toluene and xylene from the air.
Other UsesThis plant is sometimes used in aquariums by placing it on top of the aquarium and allowing it to grow roots in the water. This is good for the plant and the water, as the plant absorbs nitrates and uses them to grow.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiAccording to feng shui, there are many benefits of Golden Pothos.
Feng Shui experts consider it an energetic force that cleanses negative energy.
The potential benefits are stress reduction and improved sleep quality. According to Vastu principles, this plant brings good luck and positive energy to the home. Though Vastu followers do not recommend planting it in the garden.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGEMINIS
Adaptability is a very valuable trait of both Geminis and Golden pothos. “They’re a beautiful, resilient, and low-maintenance vine that is perfect for beginners and shady spots. They're small and compliant and totally pinterest-worthy,” says Vincent – a perfect plant match for an easy-going Gemini.
Plant SymbolismGolden pothos is a popular houseplant that has many different symbolic meanings in various cultures and traditions:
Prosperity and abundance: In feng shui, golden pothos is believed to attract prosperity and abundance into the home or workplace. It is often placed near the front door or in the wealth area of a room to promote financial success.
Growth and renewal: As a vine plant, golden pothos is often associated with growth and renewal. It is a popular plant for those seeking to bring new life and energy into their homes or offices.
Longevity and resilience: Golden pothos is a hardy plant that can withstand a variety of conditions and is known for its longevity. It is often associated with resilience and the ability to overcome challenges and obstacles.
Healing and purification: In traditional medicine, golden pothos has been used to treat a variety of ailments and is believed to have healing and purifying properties. As a houseplant, it is thought to promote health and well-being by purifying the air and reducing toxins.
Connection to nature: Golden pothos is a plant that can thrive indoors, bringing a touch of nature into the home or office. It is often associated with the natural world and a connection to the earth and its rhythms.
WaterGolden pothos likes abundant watering in spring and summer, but without stagnant water. The next watering should be done when the topsoil is slightly dry. This is about once every 5 days.
In winter, watering is reduced to about once every 1.5 weeks.
LightGoldon pothos does not need a lot of light: it grows successfully in darkened areas as well. But it is also not recommended to strongly limit the amount of light. On the north side or in a dark corner of the room, the leaves of the plant will lose their yellow spots and become completely green.
TemperatureTo keep this plant as healthy as possible, keep the temperature between 60 - 85 ºF year-round. The plant can tolerate colder temperatures up to 50 ºF, but below this temperature, Golden pothos will die.
PruningPruning the stems should be done in the spring. If Goldon pothos tends to grow profusely, the plant may grow more than 3 feet long in the first year. In this case, its appearance will not be quite presentable, but more like one long branch. To ennoble the plant, the shoots can be carefully pruned. This will allow the shoot to grow wider and get a beautiful lushness. Important: Pruning should be done at half the length of the shoot.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPrepared potting soil used for cactus plants that drains well is sufficient. Adding gravel or small pebbles to the bottom of the first few inches of the pot will promote drainage.
RepottingIn the first years of life, Golden pothos need annual replanting. It is recommended to transplant the plant every spring.
As the plant matures, the transplanting procedure can be repeated once every three years, removing the severely overgrown shoots.
Humidity & MistingThis plant prefers normal humidity in the house during the summer months. In winter it should be additionally sprayed every other day if the humidity in the house is very dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
All year round
Outdoor
Goldon pothos can be grown outdoors only in tropical climates. In temperate and continental conditions, pothos is used as a compact ornamental plant.
Hardiness zone
10 - 12 USDA
Life cycleIndoor epipremnums hardly bloom at all. Inflorescences-cobs with dirty-green-colored covers can be formed only on old bushes with formed "adult" leaves.
The great advantage of this plant is that it survives even in deviations from the recommended care regime.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring, summer
Propagation of Goldon pothos will not require much work from you. It is recommended to propagate the plant in the spring and summer period, using apical cuttings, which should have 2-3 leaves.
The plant willingly gives roots, for this purpose it is enough to put it in water. To protect the cuttings from rotting, it is recommended to add a little manganese.
PestsSpider mite, Diaspididae, Mealybug, Aphid
DiseasesRoot Rot, Leaf spot
