Epipremnum aureum
Common name: Pothos · Golden pothos · Devil's ivy
Epipremnum aureum is an evergreen vine native to Mo'orea in French Polynesia, with heart-shaped leaves that are often variegated with yellow or white. It climbs by aerial roots in the wild and is one of the most popular and forgiving houseplants in the world. It tolerates a wide range of light conditions and irregular watering.
Care summary
Sun
Low to bright indirect light
Water
Let top soil dry between waterings
Soil
Well-draining potting mix
Hardiness
Zones 10–12
Mature height
Vines up to 12 m (40 ft) in the wild
Pet safe
Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested
Difficulty
Easy
Propagation
Stem cuttings root extremely easily in water or moist soil. Take a 10-15 cm cutting just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and pot it up once the roots are a few centimeters long.
Fun facts
- It's called "devil's ivy" because it's famously hard to kill and stays green even in the dark.
- In the wild, mature leaves can grow over 75 cm long and develop splits like a monstera.
- Pothos cuttings root readily in plain water, making it one of the easiest plants to propagate.
- NASA's Clean Air Study listed it among plants that help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde.