Golden pothos care guideEpipremnum aureum
Ubiquitous trailing/climbing plant. Ranked #3 of Europe's most-searched houseplants.
WateringWhen and how much water
Water Golden pothos when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain — never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
The real schedule depends on three things the calendar can't see: the actual light at the plant, the pot's size and material (terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic), and your local humidity. Botanicaly's app retunes the schedule from those signals on every reminder.
LightHow bright a spot it needs
Golden pothos is low light tolerant: tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. The ideal lux range is 500 - 2,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 3-4 metres back from a north-facing window, or near any window indirectly lit.
TroubleshootingCommon problems
Most Golden pothos problems trace back to watering — here's how to read the leaves.
Signs of overwatering
Watch for: Yellowing leaves · Black soft stems · Sour soil smell · Root rot. Let the soil dry further between waterings and make sure the pot drains freely — soggy roots are the usual cause.
Signs of underwatering
Watch for: Drooping vines · Crispy leaf edges · Curling leaves · Slow growth. Water a little more often and don't let the soil go bone-dry for long.
Pet safetyToxic to pets
Toxic to pets. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Golden pothos out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Wax plant, Sweetheart plant, or African violet.
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light: Wax plant, Sweetheart plant, African violet. See all pet-safe alternatives →
Pet-safety is hand-checked against ASPCA toxicity data — verified by people, not guessed by AI.
Field noteSomething worth knowing
Native to a single French Polynesian island, Mo'orea; the species has not been observed flowering in the wild in modern records.
Get the personalised schedule
Botanicaly tunes water, light, and care reminders for Golden pothos based on your home's actual conditions. Free on iOS and Android.
Download BotanicalyFAQCommon questions
How often should I water a Golden pothos?
Water your Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that's typically every 7 to 10 days; in winter, slow down to every 14 to 21 days. Botanicaly's app tunes this further based on your home's actual light, pot size, and local weather.
How much light does a Golden pothos need?
Golden pothos is low light tolerant: tolerates low light but grows faster in medium light. The ideal lux range is 500 - 2,000 lux. In practical terms, place it 3-4 metres back from a north-facing window, or near any window indirectly lit.
Is Golden pothos safe for cats and dogs?
The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which causes oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep Golden pothos out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like Wax plant, Sweetheart plant, or African violet.
Why are my Golden pothos's leaves turning yellow or drooping?
On a Golden pothos, yellowing and soft growth usually mean overwatering — watch for yellowing leaves, black soft stems, or sour soil smell. Let the soil dry further between waterings and check drainage. If the leaves are drooping vines, crispy leaf edges, or curling leaves instead, it's likely thirsty — water a little more often. Botanicaly's Plant Doctor can diagnose it from a photo.