Pothos

Features

Drought Tolerant

Sunlight Requirements

Low-light Tolerant

Uses

Climb Or Trail

Features

Easy Care

Why We Love Pothos

Pothos is an easy, fast-growing vine that thrives indoors and instantly adds lush, trailing greenery anywhere.

About Pothos

Satin Pothos
Genus
Species
Family
Epipremnum, Scindapsus
Epipremnum amplissimum, Epipremnum aureum, Epipremnum pinnatum, Scindapsus pictus
Araceae

Common Names:

Devil's Ivy, Golden Pothos, Money Plant


Native To:

Solomon Islands, Southeast Asia

Plant Type:

Houseplants

Foliage Type:

Evergreen

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flower Color:

Rarely blooms indoors; flowers are inconspicuous and greenish-white in wild settings

Flower Bloom Time:

Rarely blooms indoors; seasonal in natural habitats

Growth Habit:

Climbing, Trailing, Spreading

Attracts:

None (not a pollinator-attracting plant)

Tolerates:

Low Light, Drought (short periods), Poor Soil, Indoor Conditions

Resists:

Pests (relatively pest-free), Diseases

How To Use Pothos Indoors

Pothos plants, also known as Devil's Ivy, are cherished for their adaptability and ease of care. They feature heart-shaped leaves that can be solid green or variegated with white, yellow, or pale green hues. These plants can thrive in various light conditions, from low to bright indirect light, and are tolerant of occasional neglect, making them ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.

They are excellent for hanging baskets, allowing their trailing vines to cascade gracefully, or can be trained to climb trellises and poles, adding vertical interest to the space. Additionally, pothos are known for their air-purifying qualities, helping to remove indoor pollutants, thus enhancing the overall environment.

Types of Pothos

Type Scientific Name Native Foliage Special Care Features
Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Money Plant Epipremnum aureum Mo‘orea, Society Islands (French Polynesia); naturalized through the tropics Juvenile leaves 3–4 in., heart-shaped, green marbled gold/cream; mature leaves to 39 in. Bright indirect light; allow potting mix to dry slightly; easy water/soil propagation; prune to stay bushy Very tough (“devil’s ivy” stays green in near-dark); excellent air-cleaner; many variegated cultivars
Silver Streak / Green Form Pothos Epipremnum amplissimum New Guinea → Vanuatu & N. Australia Long, lance-shaped glossy leaves; juvenile foliage blue-green or silver-streaked, mature leaves larger, all-green Tolerates medium-low light; keep slightly moist; high humidity speeds growth; give pole for larger leaves Uncommon species with striking narrow leaves; easy “pothos-like” care but more exotic look
Dragon-Tail Plant, Cebu Blue, Skeleton Key Epipremnum pinnatum India → SE Asia, Philippines, N. Australia, Pacific islands Juvenile leaves narrow, entire; mature leaves 12–20 in., thick, deeply split or fenestrated Bright filtered light; rich, well-drained soil; stake or moss pole to trigger mature splits Dramatic adult foliage, fast grower; ethnobotanical uses; many collectible forms
Satin (Silk/Silver) Pothos Scindapsus pictus Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, Philippines, Sumatra, Java Matte green heart/oval leaves 3–4 in. with silvery splashes Bright indirect light (avoid sun to keep silver); water when top 2 in. dry; higher humidity prevents browning tips Showy satin-silver variegation; compact growth; excellent for hanging baskets or moss poles

Pothos Care

Pothos plants require well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. They prefer indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Place Pothos outdoors once temperatures exceed 50°F, monitoring the plant for faster water evaporation. Use a pot with good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots, especially during rainy periods. While generally problem-free, Pothos can sometimes host mealybugs that respond well to horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.



Learn More About Pothos
Satin Pothos

Pothos Questions?