Plant profile

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Practical indoor care for Epipremnum aureum, including light, watering, pruning, and safety.

Quick answer

Pothos tolerates lower light but grows more compactly in bright indirect light. Let a well-drained mix partly dry before watering, prune long bare vines, and keep the plant away from children and pets who may chew it.

Scientific name
Epipremnum aureum
Growth
Trailing or climbing vine
Light
Bright indirect; tolerates lower light
Safety
Contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals

Light and form

Lower light may keep the plant alive but can lengthen internodes and reduce variegation. A support encourages larger climbing growth.

Watering

Use pot weight and mix moisture rather than a calendar. Root rot and black leaf margins can follow prolonged wetness.

Pruning and propagation

Cut above a node to shorten sparse vines. Healthy node cuttings can root in water or a suitable medium.

Safety

All parts can irritate the mouth if chewed. Keep out of reach and contact a veterinarian or poison service if exposure causes symptoms.