Golden Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is one of the world’s best-selling plants, and for good reason! This plant is not only attractive but also requires minimal care, making it a great starter gift for new plant parents. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure your Golden Pothos thrives:
| Golden Pothos Quick Reference | |
|---|---|
| Attribute | Information |
| 🍀Common Names | Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Money Plant |
| 🌿Botanical Name | Epipremnum aureum |
| 🍃Family | Araceae |
| 🌾Plant Type | Evergreen vine |
| 📏Mature Size | Up to 20 ft. long in wild, typically shorter indoors |
| ☀️Sun Exposure | Low to bright indirect light |
| 🌍Soil Type | Well-draining potting mix |
| ⚖️Soil pH | Neutral |
| 🌼Bloom Time | Rarely blooms indoors |
| 🎨Flower Color | Greenish-white (though rarely seen) |
| ❄️Hardiness Zones | 11-12 (USDA) |
| 🌎Native Area | Solomon Islands |
1. Introducing Pothos:
- Why Golden Pothos? This plant is low-maintenance, can survive without much water, and can thrive in darker parts of your home. It’s a natural air purifier, making it a great bedroom addition. Its unique variegated leaves add a pop of variety, and the plant drapes beautifully, making it perfect for higher spaces.
2. Toxicity Level:
- Pet Safety: Golden Pothos contain insoluble calcium oxalates, making it toxic to pets and humans. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, oral irritation, and difficulty swallowing. Keep this plant out of your pets’ reach.
3. Air Cleaner:
- Purifying Properties: Golden Pothos is included in NASA’s list of recommended plants for air purification. It removes benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene from the air.
4. Light Preference:
- Sunlight Needs: Golden Pothos loves medium to low indirect light. Rotate the plant a half turn each time it’s watered to ensure it gets even light on both sides.
5. Water/Humidity:
- Watering Schedule: Allow the soil to dry out between watering. Flush the soil with rain, filtered, or bottled water for the best results. It enjoys high humidity, so spritz it occasionally or place it on top of a pebble tray filled with water to create humidity.
6. Ideal Temperatures:
- Temperature Range: Golden Pothos enjoys temperatures between 70-90°F. Avoid placing it somewhere where it may get drafts, such as near a window or air conditioning vent.
7. Plant Food/Fertilizer:
- Feeding Schedule: Fertilize an indoor Golden Pothos plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month in the spring and summer months with an organic fertilizer for optimum growth and plant health.
8. Repotting Frequency:
- When to Repot: Check the roots every two years, and if it is ready to repot, go up 2 inches in diameter with a new pot. Use containers with drainage holes, so your roots don’t get waterlogged.
9. Cleaning:
- Keeping it Clean: When cleaning Golden Pothos plants, put in a shower and fill a watering can with filtered water and rinse the leaves. Let drain and air dry naturally. Spritzing with filtered, bottled, or rainwater will also clean their leaves easily.
10. Common Issues:
- Pest Alert: Some Pothos may get spider mites, scale, or mealybugs. Identify and treat promptly, otherwise, the infestation may spread to other plants.
In Conclusion: With the right care and attention, your Golden Pothos will not only survive but thrive, becoming a beautiful addition to your indoor plant collection. Enjoy the lush, tropical ambiance it brings to your home or office!