Key takeaways
- Pothos is one of the most forgiving houseplants. It tolerates low light, missed waterings and beginner mistakes.
- Variegated types need more light to keep their pattern.
- Overwatering is the main problem. Let the top few centimetres of soil dry between waterings.
- It roots in water in a couple of weeks. Every stem with a node can become a new plant.
- It is toxic to pets. Keep it out of reach, or choose a non-toxic alternative.
What is a pothos?
Pothos is Epipremnum aureum, a trailing and climbing aroid from the Pacific islands. In India it is almost always called money plant. It is also known as golden pothos and devil’s ivy, a nickname earned by its ability to stay green in dim rooms. It trails from shelves, climbs a moss pole or hangs from a basket, and it is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to add greenery to a home.
Popular pothos varieties
| Variety | Look | Light needs |
|---|---|---|
| Golden pothos | Green leaves with yellow-gold marbling | Low to bright, indirect |
| Marble Queen | Cream and green marbling | Medium to bright |
| Neon | Bright lime-yellow leaves | Medium to bright |
| Manjula | Wavy leaves, white and silver splashes | Medium to bright |
| N’Joy | Compact, crisp white and green | Medium to bright |
| Pearls and Jade | Small leaves, green with white edges | Medium to bright |
| Jessenia | Chartreuse and green blocks | Medium to bright |
Note that satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is a different plant with silvery splashes. It has similar care, but it is not a true pothos.
Pothos care: the essentials
Light
Pothos tolerates low light better than most trailing plants, but it grows best in bright, indirect light. In dim rooms, growth slows and variegated leaves turn greener. Direct afternoon sun can scorch leaves. If your room is dim, try a grow light. See indoor plants for low light.
Water
Water when the top 3 cm of soil is dry, usually about once a week in warm weather and less in winter. Water thoroughly until it drains, then empty the saucer. Pothos recovers from a dry spell better than from soggy soil. Droopy leaves can mean thirst, and the plant will usually perk up within hours of watering.
Soil and pots
Use a free-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. A mix with perlite or coco chips drains well. Repot every year or two, or when roots circle the pot. See pots, potting mix and repotting.
Humidity and temperature
Normal room temperature, about 18 to 30°C, suits pothos. It tolerates average humidity, though leaves look lusher in humid air. Keep it away from cold draughts and air-conditioner vents.
Feeding
Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength about once a month in the growing season. Skip feeding in winter. See fertiliser for indoor plants.
How to propagate pothos
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to multiply.
- Cut a stem just below a node, the small bump where a leaf and aerial root meet.
- Include at least two or three leaves.
- Place the cutting in a jar of water with the node submerged and the leaves above the water.
- Keep it in bright, indirect light and change the water every one to two weeks.
- When roots are a few centimetres long, plant it in soil, or leave it in water.
See indoor plants without soil for more on growing plants in water.
Pothos in water: does it work long term?
Yes. Pothos can live in water for years, with fresh water every one to two weeks and an occasional drop of diluted fertiliser. Growth is usually slower and leaves smaller than in soil, but it is a clean, easy way to keep a plant on a desk or kitchen shelf. Mosquitoes can breed in stale water, so change it regularly. See indoor plants and mosquitoes.
Pruning and shaping
Trim leggy stems just above a node to encourage branching. Use the trimmings as cuttings and plant several in the same pot for a fuller look. Pinching new growth every few weeks keeps the plant compact.
Training pothos to climb
Left to trail, pothos has small leaves. Given something to climb, such as a moss pole or a coco coir pole, it produces much larger leaves, sometimes several times bigger. Tie the vine gently to the pole, and the aerial roots will grip.
Common pothos problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering | Let the soil dry, check drainage |
| Brown, crispy tips | Dry air or salts in water | Use filtered water, mist or group plants |
| Leggy stems, small leaves | Too little light | Move closer to a window or add a grow light |
| Fading variegation | Too little light | More light, or accept a greener plant |
| Curling leaves | Thirst or low humidity | Check the soil, water thoroughly |
| Black, mushy stems | Root rot | Cut out rot, repot in fresh mix |
| Sticky leaves, tiny insects | Mealybugs or scale | Wipe with alcohol, use soap solution |
See why indoor plant leaves turn yellow and fungus gnats and pests.
Pothos vs philodendron
People often confuse pothos with heartleaf philodendron. Philodendron leaves are thinner, softer and more distinctly heart-shaped with a pointed tip, and the leaf stalk is rounder. Pothos leaves are thicker, waxier and slightly asymmetrical, and new leaves unfurl from a sheath. Both are toxic to pets and both are easy to grow.
Is pothos safe for cats and dogs?
No. Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that irritate the mouth and throat. Chewing can cause drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep it on a high shelf or in a hanging basket that pets cannot reach, or choose a non-toxic plant instead. See pet-safe indoor plants.
Pet-safe alternatives to pothos
If you love the idea of a trailing, easy plant but have a curious pet, consider these considered non-toxic options. Spider plant trails from a hanging basket. Bromeliads and air plants add colour without the risk, and mounted or hanging Tillandsia give a trailing, airy look without a pot.
Where to put pothos
- Shelf or bookcase: let it trail down.
- Hanging basket: out of reach of pets.
- Moss pole: to grow larger leaves.
- Desk or kitchen counter: a cutting in a jar of water.
- Bathroom: humid and tolerant of low light.
See hanging indoor plants and vines for more ideas.
Is the money plant lucky?
In India, the money plant is widely believed to bring prosperity. That is a cultural belief and we make no claims about it. As a plant, it is easy, forgiving and good-looking. For placement traditions see indoor plants and Vastu.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water a pothos?
When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, roughly once a week in warm weather and less often in winter.
Can pothos live in low light?
Yes, but growth is slower and variegation fades. Bright, indirect light is best.
Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow?
Usually overwatering. Check the soil and drainage.
Is pothos an air-purifying plant?
It removes tiny amounts of chemicals in lab tests, but not enough to change the air in a home. See do indoor plants give oxygen?.
Can pothos grow in water forever?
Yes, with fresh water every one to two weeks and an occasional diluted nutrient dose.
How do I make pothos fuller?
Prune leggy stems, plant several cuttings together and give it more light.
Is pothos toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Keep it out of reach or choose a non-toxic plant.
What is the difference between pothos and money plant?
In India they are usually the same plant, Epipremnum aureum. “Money tree” is a different plant.
Why is my pothos not growing?
Usually low light, low temperatures, a tight pot or winter dormancy.
Is pothos easy to propagate?
Very. Cut below a node and root it in water.
Related guides
- Money plant, peace lily and snake plant care
- Indoor plant care for beginners
- Easy low-maintenance indoor plants
- How to water indoor plants
The bottom line
Pothos earns its reputation as a beginner plant: forgiving about light, tolerant of neglect and easy to multiply. Give it bright, indirect light, water only when the top layer is dry and keep it away from pets. If you want colour or a pet-safe look, add a few bromeliads and air plants beside it.
Last updated: October 2026.
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