Money Plant, Golden Pothos Plant

The Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pathos, is a popular and hardy indoor plant that’s loved for its trailing vines and vibrant, heart-shaped leaves with yellow-golden variegation. It’s an easy-to-care-for plant, making it a great choice for beginners. Here’s a user guide to help you take care of your Golden Pothos:

1. Light Requirements

• Ideal Light: Golden Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light. It will grow faster and show off its golden variegation in these conditions.
• Low Light: It can also tolerate low light, but the variegation on the leaves may become less pronounced, and the growth will slow down.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown, so it’s best to keep the plant out of direct sun.

2. Watering

• Watering Frequency: Water the Golden Pothos when the top 1–2 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. This might be once a week or every 10 days, depending on the temperature and humidity.
• Avoid Overwatering: The plant is susceptible to root rot, so make sure the pot has proper drainage, and don’t let the plant sit in water.
• Signs of Underwatering: If the leaves start to droop or curl, it could be a sign that the plant is underwatered. Simply water it thoroughly, and it should bounce back.

3. Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: Golden Pothos prefers temperatures between 60-85°F (16-29°C). It’s sensitive to cold drafts, so avoid placing it near windows or doors with cool drafts.
• Humidity: This plant is adaptable to normal indoor humidity levels. However, it thrives in higher humidity, so occasional misting or placing it near a humidifier will benefit it, especially in dry environments.

4. Soil

• Well-Draining Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a standard indoor plant mix with added perlite or sand. This ensures good aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogging and root rot.
• Pot with Drainage: Choose a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, preventing water buildup.

5. Fertilizing

• Growing Season: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your Golden Pothos once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
• Resting Period: In the fall and winter, the plant’s growth slows down, so reduce or stop fertilizing.

6. Pruning

• Encouraging Bushier Growth: If you want your Golden Pothos to become bushier, regularly prune back the vines. Cutting back leggy growth encourages the plant to produce more branches and leaves.
• Propagation: You can propagate the cuttings by placing them in water or soil. Golden Pothos is very easy to propagate, and the cuttings root quickly.

7. Propagation

• Stem Cuttings: To propagate, cut a healthy vine just below a node (the small bump where leaves and roots grow from). Place the cutting in water or soil.
• Water Propagation: Place the cutting in a glass of water, making sure the node is submerged. Wait for roots to develop (about 1-2 weeks) before transferring to soil.
• Soil Propagation: Alternatively, you can plant the cutting directly in soil, keeping it moist until roots develop.

8. Common Problems

• Yellowing Leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or insufficient light. Ensure the plant is in a well-lit spot and that the soil is well-draining. Avoid letting the plant sit in water.
• Leggy Growth: If the vines become sparse or leggy, this typically means the plant isn’t receiving enough light. Move it to a brighter spot to encourage fuller growth.
• Brown Tips: This can happen if the plant is exposed to low humidity or if it’s underwatered. Increase humidity by misting the plant or placing it near a humidifier.

9. Pests

• Common Pests: Golden Pothos is relatively pest-resistant but can occasionally attract spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids.
• Treatment: Wipe the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and prevent pest buildup. If pests are spotted, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

10. Toxicity

• Toxic to Pets: Like other members of the Pothos family, the Golden Pothos is toxic to pets (cats, dogs, etc.) if ingested. Keep it out of reach of curious pets.
• Mild Toxicity: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation in the mouth and stomach if consumed.

11. Aesthetic Placement

• Hanging Baskets: Golden Pothos looks great in hanging baskets where the vines can cascade down.
• Trellis or Support: You can also grow the plant on a trellis or stake for an upright look.
• Shelf or Table: Place the plant in a decorative pot on a shelf or table, where it can spill over the edges for a natural, trailing effect.

Summary Care Tips

• Bright, indirect light (tolerates low light)
• Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry
• Well-draining soil and pot with drainage holes
• Fertilize during the growing season
• Prune regularly to encourage fuller growth
• Easy to propagate by stem cuttings
• Toxic to pets, so keep out of reach

By following these simple care guidelines, your Golden Pothos will thrive, adding vibrant greenery and cascading vines to your home!