Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
Epipremnum pinnatum 'Aureum'
Plant Common Name
Golden Pothos
General Description
The quintessential houseplant, pothos vine shows off green or variegated heart-shaped leaves that tolerate a wide range of light conditions and soils. Native to the Solomon Islands in the south Pacific and nearby northern Australia and Indonesia, pothos is an evergreen climbing vine or groundcover that is aggressive and invasive when planted outdoors in frost-free locations. It is one of the most common lianas, or large vines that grow up trees, across the tropics. Pothos is easily grown indoors in hanging baskets or used in potted arrangements.
Most people are familiar with the smaller leaves (juvenile stage) seen as houseplants, but an older established plant with ample water and light will form adult-stage large leaves which are very large, heart-shaped and divided into blunt sections almost to the mid-rib. The vines will become rugged, almost woody stems. Aerial roots will attach themselves to anything vertical, including trees, fences, and textured walls. Adult forms of golden pothos only occur if grown in a greenhouse or outdoor setting. It is difficult to eradicate once established outdoors.
Pothos tolerates full sun to shade, thrives in all but the driest and sandiest soils. Pothos will grow as an epiphyte (upon another plant) gaining water and nutrients from the refuse that collects in bark crevices and branch crotches of trees. As houseplants, they tolerate low-light as well as bright light conditions. They are drought tolerant, but look best when grown in good potting soil with ample drainage and regular applications of water. Epipremnum pinnatum 'Aureum' or golden pothos has beautiful bright green leaves with deep yellow and gold variegation.
In warm regions, check if prohibited-use restrictions on outdoor landscape use of this aggressive plant exists in your community.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H2, 24
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Plant Type
Vine/Liana
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
1'-50' / 0.3m - 15.2m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Southeastern Asia, Melanesia, Australia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution
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Growth Rate
Very Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Vining/Climbing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Green
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Fruit Color
Red, Green, Orange
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Yellow, Green, Gold
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Yellow, Green, Gold
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Green, Gold
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Yellow, Green, Gold
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated
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Bark Color
Yellow, Green
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Bark Color Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Houseplant, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical, Vine
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Yes
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Self-Sowing
No
