Golden Pothos

How to grow golden pothos

Light

Pothos grows in anything from low light to bright, indirect light. The yellow variegation is strongest in bright light. Direct afternoon sun bleaches and scorches the leaves.

Watering

Water when the top 1 to 2 in (2.5–5 cm) of mix is dry. The leaves droop slightly when the plant is thirsty and recover within a day of watering. Soggy soil is the main cause of failure.

Soil and feeding

Any good potting mix works. Add a handful of perlite to improve drainage. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every four to six weeks in spring and summer.

Pruning and upkeep

Cut long, bare vines back to just above a leaf to make the plant branch and fill out. Let vines trail from a shelf or hanging pot, or train them up a pole.

Propagation

Take a cutting with two or three leaves, making the cut just below a node. Stand the node in a glass of water. Roots appear in one to two weeks, and the cutting can be potted after about a month.

Common problems

Long vines with few leaves

Too little light. Move the plant to a brighter spot and prune the bare vines to force new growth near the base.

Leaves turning plain green

Variegation fades in low light. Brighter, indirect light brings the yellow back on new leaves.

Yellow leaves and black stems

Overwatering and root rot. Let the mix dry, remove soft roots and repot in fresh mix.

Questions about golden pothos

Can pothos live in water permanently?

Yes. Cuttings grow for years in water if you change it every week or two and add a drop of liquid fertilizer once a month. Growth is slower than in soil.

How fast does pothos grow?

In warm, bright conditions a healthy plant adds 12 to 18 in (30–45 cm) of vine a month during spring and summer.

Plant details

• Good for beginners
• Grows in containers
• Tolerates low light