Golden pothos care is pretty straightforward, which is why this plant is a favorite for so many plant lovers. With its lush, trailing vines and low-maintenance needs, it’s perfect for beginners and pros alike.
But what does it take to keep your golden pothos thriving – and how can you avoid the most common pitfalls?
Let’s explore the essential tips for caring for this classic houseplant.
Table of Contents
Easy Pothos Care Guide 💚
⭐ Want one? Grab your very own Pothos here!
💧 Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Pothos are forgiving and tolerate occasional drying out but don’t let the soil stay soggy.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix - I personally use this potting mix. This standard indoor one works great, especially with its added perlite for aeration.
☀️ Light: Bright, indirect light is best, but Pothos can adapt to lower light conditions. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Pothos thrive in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Keep them away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during spring and summer. Skip feeding in fall and winter.
Overview of Golden Pothos
Golden pothos is a popular houseplant known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines. It’s easy to grow and can thrive in various indoor conditions.
This versatile plant is perfect for beginners and experienced plant owners alike. Golden pothos has vibrant green leaves with yellow variegation, giving it a bright and cheerful appearance.
The vines can grow up to 10 feet long indoors, making it ideal for hanging baskets or climbing trellises. You can also keep it compact by regular pruning.
This plant is native to Southeast Asia and belongs to the Araceae family. It’s often confused with philodendron, but golden pothos has thicker leaves and a more pronounced heart shape.
Golden pothos is valued for its air-purifying qualities. It can help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. This makes it a great choice for offices and homes.
You’ll find that golden pothos is adaptable to different environments. It can tolerate low light conditions, but grows best in bright, indirect light. With proper care, your golden pothos can become a lush, trailing beauty in your home or office.
Best Soil for Golden Pothos
Golden pothos thrive in well-draining soil that retains some moisture. A good mix consists of:
- 2 parts peat moss or coco coir
- 1 part perlite
- 1 part orchid bark
This blend provides excellent drainage while holding enough water for the roots.
You can also add a handful of activated charcoal to keep the soil fresh. Avoid heavy, clay-like soils though that can lead to root rot.
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Best Pot for Golden Pothos
Pick a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger than the current root ball. Ensure it has drainage holes to prevent water logging. Options include:
- Plastic pots: Lightweight and retain moisture well
- Terracotta pots: Porous, allowing soil to dry faster
- Hanging baskets: Ideal for trailing vines
Choose a container that complements your decor and suits your watering habits. Remember, pothos prefer to be slightly root-bound, so don’t go too big.
How to Plant Golden Pothos
Start by filling your pot 1/3 full with the prepared soil mix. Gently remove the pothos from its nursery container, loosening any tangled roots.
Place the plant in the new pot, ensuring it sits at the same depth as before. Fill around the roots with more soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets.
Leave about an inch of space at the top for watering. After planting, water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom.
For optimal growth, position your newly planted pothos in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
With proper care, your golden pothos will soon be flourishing in its new home.
Ideal Light for Golden Pothos
Golden pothos adapts well to various light conditions. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light areas.
Place your plant near a north or east-facing window for ideal growth. If you notice the leaves turning yellow or pale, it’s likely getting too much direct sunlight.
In low-light spots, the plant will grow more slowly and may lose its variegation. Artificial light can supplement natural light if needed.
Rotate the pot every few weeks to ensure even growth on all sides.
Temperature and Humidity
Golden pothos likes warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). It can handle short periods outside this range but won’t thrive long-term.
Avoid placing your plant near drafty windows or air conditioning vents.
This tropical plant prefers higher humidity levels. Aim for 50-70% humidity if possible. You can increase humidity by:
- Misting the leaves regularly
- Using a pebble tray filled with water
- Grouping plants together
- Running a humidifier nearby
In drier environments, your pothos may develop brown leaf tips. Don’t worry – it’s not harmful, just a sign that the air is too dry for its liking.
When to Water Golden Pothos
Water your Golden Pothos when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This typically means watering once every 7-10 days, depending on environmental factors. Adjust your watering schedule based on the season, with less frequent watering in winter.
During warmer months, you might need to water more often. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Stick your finger about an inch into the soil – if it feels dry, it’s time to water. You can also use a moisture meter for more accurate readings.
Pay attention to your plant’s leaves. Drooping or yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, while crispy brown edges suggest underwatering. Adjust your routine accordingly.
During winter, your pothos will need less frequent watering. Cut back to once every 10-14 days, or when the top 2 inches of soil are dry.
How to Water Golden Pothos
Water your pothos thoroughly until excess drains from the pot’s bottom. This ensures the entire root system gets hydrated. Empty the drainage tray after 15 minutes to prevent root rot.
Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots. If you have hard tap water, consider using filtered or rainwater instead. This helps prevent mineral buildup in the soil.
Water early in the day to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal issues.
If you must water in the evening, use bottom watering techniques to keep foliage dry.
Best Fertilizer for Golden Pothos
You’ll want to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer for your golden pothos. Look for a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK ratio. Apply the fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce to every 6-8 weeks in fall and winter.
Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots. Liquid fertilizers are easy to apply and quickly absorbed. Slow-release granules can also work well, providing a steady supply of nutrients over time.
Remember to water your pothos thoroughly before fertilizing to prevent root damage.
Signs of Overfertilization
Too much fertilizer can harm your golden pothos. Watch for these warning signs:
- Yellowing or browning leaf edges
- Stunted growth
- Wilting despite proper watering
- White crust on soil surface
If you notice these symptoms, stop fertilizing immediately. Flush the soil with plenty of water to remove excess salts. Reduce your fertilization schedule and amount once the plant recovers.
To prevent overfertilization, always follow package instructions and err on the side of less rather than more. It’s better to underfeed slightly than to risk damaging your plant with too much fertilizer.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning and maintenance keep your golden pothos healthy and looking its best. These tasks help manage growth, prevent pest issues, and promote a fuller appearance.
How to Prune Golden Pothos
Pruning your golden pothos is simple and beneficial. You’ll need clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Cut just above a leaf node, where leaves attach to the stem. This encourages new growth from that point.
Trim long, leggy vines to promote bushier growth. Remove any yellow, brown, or damaged leaves. Don’t be afraid to cut back up to 1/3 of the plant if it’s overgrown.
Save healthy cuttings for propagation. Place them in water until roots develop, then pot them up for new plants.
Pest and Disease Management
Golden pothos are generally pest-resistant, but they can face issues. Check your plant regularly for signs of trouble. Look for yellowing leaves, sticky residue, or small insects.
Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and pests.
Root rot is a common disease caused by overwatering. Prevent it by allowing the soil to dry between waterings. If you notice soft, brown roots, trim them off and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
Propagating Golden Pothos
Golden pothos is easy to propagate, giving you more plants for free. You can grow new pothos from stem cuttings in water or soil.
Both methods are simple and have high success rates for beginners.
Stem Cuttings in Water
To propagate pothos in water, cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, keeping 2-3 at the top. Place the cutting in a clear container with room temperature water. Change the water weekly to prevent bacteria growth.
Roots will start to form in 1-2 weeks. Once roots are 2-3 inches long, plant the cutting in soil.
Be patient – this process can take 4-6 weeks total. Keep the new plant in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Stem Cuttings in Soil
For soil propagation, prepare a small pot with well-draining potting mix. Take a 4-6 inch cutting with 2-3 leaves, removing the lower ones. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder for better results.
Make a hole in the soil and insert the cutting about 2 inches deep. Gently press the soil around it.
Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Place the pot in bright, indirect light.
Roots will develop in 3-4 weeks. Gently tug the cutting – if you feel resistance, roots have formed. Gradually reduce watering frequency as the plant establishes itself.
Repotting and Transplanting
Golden pothos plants benefit from repotting every 1-2 years. This process refreshes the soil and gives roots more space to grow.
Repotting also allows you to check for root health and divide overgrown plants.
When to Repot Golden Pothos
You’ll know it’s time to repot your golden pothos when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Other signs include slowed growth, wilting despite regular watering, or soil that dries out quickly. Spring and early summer are ideal times for repotting, as the plant is in its active growing phase.
Don’t wait too long to repot – a rootbound pothos can become stressed and unhealthy. If you notice the plant becoming top-heavy or tipping over easily, it likely needs a larger pot.
Choose a container 1-2 inches wider in diameter than the current one.
How to Repot Golden Pothos
- Water your pothos a day before repotting to reduce stress.
- Gently remove the plant from its current pot.
- Loosen the root ball and trim any damaged or rotting roots.
- Place fresh potting mix in the new container.
- Position the plant in the center and fill in around it with soil.
- Water thoroughly and place in a shaded spot for a few days.
Be careful not to bury the stems – keep them at the same soil level as before. After repotting, your pothos may look a bit droopy for a week or two.
This is normal as it adjusts to its new home. Avoid fertilizing for about a month to give the roots time to settle in.
Golden Pothos Home Décor Ideas
Golden pothos is a versatile plant for home decor. You can hang it from baskets, trail it along shelves, or use it to create living walls. Its heart-shaped leaves add a pop of green to any room.
Hanging baskets are a classic way to showcase pothos. Place them near windows or in corners to soften the space.
For a modern look, try mounting pothos on a trellis or wire frame. Shelves and bookcases also benefit from pothos vines draping over the edges. This creates a lush, cascading effect that brings life to static decor.
You can also train the vines to climb up poles or around picture frames.
Table centerpieces get a boost with pothos. Place a small pot in the middle of your dining table or coffee table for an easy, low-maintenance arrangement. The plant’s ability to thrive in low light makes it perfect for these spots.
For a bold statement, create a living wall with pothos. Use a vertical planter system or mount several pots on a wall grid. This transforms blank walls into lush, green focal points.
Remember to match your pots and planters to your decor style. Sleek, white containers suit modern spaces, while terracotta works well in bohemian or rustic rooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Golden pothos care involves several key aspects that plant owners often have questions about.
Proper watering, soil selection, lighting, and addressing common issues are crucial for maintaining a healthy and thriving pothos plant.
What kind of soil is best suited for a healthy Golden Pothos plant?
Use a well-draining potting mix for your Golden Pothos. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil works well. This combination provides good aeration and drainage while retaining enough moisture for the plant’s roots.
You can also add some bark chips or coconut coir to improve drainage. Avoid heavy soils that retain too much water, as they can lead to root problems.
What are the light requirements for a Golden Pothos to thrive indoors?
Golden Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low to moderate light conditions. Place your plant near a north or east-facing window for optimal growth. It can also grow under fluorescent lights, making it suitable for offices or rooms with limited natural light.
Avoid exposing your pothos to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. If you notice the variegation on the leaves fading, it might be a sign that your plant needs more light.
Why are the leaves of my Golden Pothos turning yellow, and how can I prevent it?
Yellow leaves on a Golden Pothos can be caused by several factors. Overwatering is a common culprit – ensure your plant isn’t sitting in water and that the soil drains well. Underwatering can also cause yellowing, so maintain a consistent watering schedule.
Nutrient deficiencies, particularly lack of nitrogen, can lead to yellow leaves. To avoid this, fertilize your pothos monthly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Can Golden Pothos be grown in water, and if so, how should I care for it?
Yes, Golden Pothos can be grown in water. Start with a clean glass or vase filled with room temperature water. Place stem cuttings with at least one node submerged in the water. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh and prevent algae growth.
Add a drop of liquid fertilizer to the water every few weeks to provide nutrients. While pothos can live in water indefinitely, they typically grow slower than in soil and may have smaller leaves.
What are some effective methods to encourage a fuller and bushier Golden Pothos?
Pruning is an excellent way to promote fuller growth in your Golden Pothos. Regularly pinch off the growing tips to encourage branching. You can also cut longer vines back to about 4-6 inches from the soil, which will stimulate new growth.
Provide adequate light and rotate your plant regularly to ensure even growth on all sides. Fertilizing during the growing season will also support fuller growth.
Remember to be patient – it takes time for new growth to fill out the plant.