Golden pothos is the houseplant most people start with, and for good reason: it is one of the most forgiving plants you can grow. Its heart-shaped leaves are splashed with gold, it trails happily from a shelf or climbs a pole, and it tolerates the low light and irregular watering that would kill fussier plants. It is also one of the easiest plants to propagate. This guide covers the light, water, soil and humidity that keep it looking its best.
Forgiveness is the point. Golden pothos tolerates low light, missed waterings and dry air better than almost any other houseplant in this batch, which is why it turns up in offices and flats everywhere. The gold variegation is brightest in good light and fades to plain green in dim corners — so if your plant is losing its gold, move it closer to a window. It is a vigorous trailer, so a hanging basket or high shelf suits it well.
Golden Pothos at a glance
| Care factor | What this plant needs |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Epipremnum aureum |
| Light | low to bright indirect |
| Water | every 1–2 weeks; let top soil dry |
| Humidity | moderate |
| Temperature | 65–85°F (18–29°C) |
| Repotting | every 2–3 years |
| Pet safety | toxic to cats and dogs |
Light
Give your golden pothos low to bright indirect light. For most homes that means a spot a metre or so from a bright window, or right beside an east- or west-facing window where the sun is gentler. Direct midday sun through a south-facing window can scorch the leaves, leaving pale, papery patches that do not heal, so a sheer curtain or a step back from the glass is worth it in summer.
Too little light is the more common mistake. Growth slows, stems stretch towards the window, and the leaves get smaller and less distinctive. If the plant leans hard in one direction, rotate the pot a quarter turn every couple of weeks so it grows evenly. Our grow-light calculator can help work out how much light your spot actually provides, and the houseplants hub has more plants that suit the same light levels.
Watering
Water every 1–2 weeks; let top soil dry. Push a finger into the soil and only water when the top has dried to the depth the guidance suggests. When you do water, water thoroughly — soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes — then empty the saucer so the plant never sits in standing water. Soggy soil is the fastest way to kill this plant, and it is far more common than underwatering.
Water less in winter, when growth slows and the soil stays wet longer, and more in summer, when the plant is actively growing. If you are unsure how much water your pot needs, our repotting calculator gives a starting point based on pot size and soil, and a watering schedule generator can help you build a routine. Signs of overwatering include yellowing lower leaves and soft, black stems; signs of underwatering include drooping leaves and dry, crispy edges.
Humidity and temperature
Golden Pothos prefers moderate humidity and temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C). Most homes sit within that temperature range for most of the year, so temperature is rarely a problem indoors — the things to watch are cold draughts in winter, radiators that dry the air, and cold windows that chill the leaves overnight. Keep the plant away from all three.
Humidity is the factor most people underestimate. In a heated home in winter the air can be much drier than this plant likes, and the first sign is usually brown, crispy leaf edges. A pebble tray under the pot, grouping plants together, or a small humidifier all raise the humidity around the plant. Misting does very little — the water evaporates in minutes. Our humidity and temperature checker can tell you whether your room suits this plant.
Soil and potting
Indoors, this plant needs a chunky, free-draining potting mix. Standard potting soil on its own holds too much water and compacts over time, so mix it with bark and perlite to keep air around the roots — the roots need oxygen as much as they need water. A pot with drainage holes is not optional; without one, water has nowhere to go and root rot follows. A potting-mix calculator can work out the parts for a homemade mix for your pot size.
Repotting
Repot every 2–3 years, or sooner if roots are circling the drainage holes or pushing out of the top of the pot. Move up only one pot size — a pot that is too big holds wet soil the roots cannot use. Spring is the best time to repot, when the plant is about to grow, and fresh mix gives the roots a new supply of air and nutrients. A repotting calculator can help you work out the next pot size and how much fresh mix you will need.
Feeding
Feed during the growing season, in spring and summer, with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser, and do not feed in autumn and winter when the plant is barely growing. Always follow the directions on the label — more fertiliser is not better, and excess salts build up in the soil and burn the roots, which often shows up as brown leaf tips. A fertiliser calculator can work out the amount from the label rate and your pot size.
Propagation
Golden Pothos is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. In spring or summer, cut a stem just below a node — the knobbly bump where a leaf meets the stem — making sure the cutting has at least one node and one leaf. Root it in water or moist sphagnum moss, keeping the node submerged and the leaf dry. Roots usually appear within a few weeks. Once the roots are several centimetres long, pot the cutting in the same free-draining mix described above.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Brown leaf tips | Low humidity or over-fertilising | Raise humidity, water consistently and cut back on fertiliser; flush the soil. |
| Root rot | Soggy soil | Remove the plant, trim black mushy roots, and repot in fresh dry mix; water less. |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Let the soil dry more between waterings; check drainage and remove yellow leaves. |
Is golden pothos safe for pets?
According to the data used for this guide, golden pothos is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant out of reach of curious pets, especially if it trails where a cat can reach it, and contact a vet if your pet has eaten any of it.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water golden pothos?
Water every 1–2 weeks; let top soil dry. Check the soil rather than watering on a calendar: if the top of the soil is still damp, wait. Water thoroughly when it is time, let the excess drain away completely, and never let the plant sit in standing water.
What light does golden pothos need?
It needs low to bright indirect light. A spot near an east- or west-facing window is usually ideal. Harsh direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light leads to slow growth and, in variegated or fenestrated types, a loss of pattern.
Is golden pothos safe for cats and dogs?
According to the data used for this guide, golden pothos is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of curious pets, and contact a vet if your pet has eaten any of it.
Why does my golden pothos have brown leaf tips?
The most common cause is low humidity or over-fertilising. Raise humidity, water consistently and cut back on fertiliser; flush the soil.
When should I repot golden pothos?
Repot every 2–3 years, in spring, or sooner if roots are circling the drainage holes. Move up one pot size only and use a fresh, free-draining mix. If you are also growing Marble Queen pothos or Heartleaf philodendron, the same repotting routine works for them — browse the houseplants hub for more care guides in this series.