Plant Library
Pothos Care Guide
Epipremnum aureum
By the Plantshop.com Editorial Team · Updated · How we research · Report an error
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Pothos is the most forgiving trailing plant you can buy. It tells you when it is thirsty by drooping, then perks up within hours of watering. In India it is often called money plant.
Buy a pothos 5 verified shops, checked 21 Oct 2026
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Plant profile
- Light
- Low to bright indirect light
- Water
- When the top 1-2 in of soil is dry; leaves droop when thirsty
- Humidity
- Average
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA) [ASPCA]
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Size
- Trailing vines 6-10 ft
- Growth
- Fast
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Watch a care walkthrough
Optional video. Written steps above still cover light, water and problems.
Video: Pothos Plant Care 101 - How To Water, Repot, Fertilize, Lighting, Prune, Propagate & More · Plant Life with Ashley Anita on YouTube · reviewed 2026-11-06. Loads from YouTube only after you press play.
Light
Low to bright indirect light. Rotate the pot every few weeks so growth stays even.
Water
When the top 1-2 in of soil is dry; leaves droop when thirsty. Always use a pot with drainage holes and empty the saucer after watering. Plants use far less water in winter.
Humidity and temperature
Humidity: average. Most houseplants prefer 60-80°F (16-27°C) and dislike cold drafts and heating vents.
Soil and feeding
Use a well-draining potting mix with bark or perlite for air. Feed lightly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength; skip feeding in winter.
Our tip
Trim leggy vines just below a leaf node and root the cuttings in water to fill out the pot.
Common problems
- Leggy vines: Too little light; trim and move brighter.
- Yellow leaves: Overwatering or a pot without drainage.
- Losing variegation: Low light; variegated types need brighter spots.
Pets
Toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), according to the ASPCA plant list. If a pet chews it and shows symptoms, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Check any plant in our Pet-Safe Plant Checker.
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Free download
Free 12-month plant care calendar
Keeping a pothos happy all year? Get our free month-by-month calendar: when to water less, when to feed, when to repot, and the seasonal notes for all 71 plants in our library.
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Recommended book
How Not to Kill Your Houseplant (New Edition)
by Veronica Peerless
Survival tips for the “horticulturally challenged”, covering 119 popular houseplants. A good first book.
View on AmazonBook links go to the book’s Amazon page; check the price and format there. No publisher or author paid to be included. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.