How to prune Epipremnum aureum

Shorten an overlong Epipremnum aureum stem just above a leaf. In variegated plants, remove vigorous all-green reversion shoots before they take over.

Plant coveredEpipremnum aureumGolden pothos · Devil's ivy · indoor container

Identify the plant part and the reason for removing it

Choose what to remove

Shorten long or straggling Epipremnum aureum stems by cutting just above a leaf. In a variegated plant, remove vigorous all-green shoots so they do not take over.

Pruning reduces overlong vines, encourages bushier growth from leaf joints and preserves visible variegation by removing reversion shoots. Leaf maturity and support are separate decisions.

Decide whether to prune now or wait

Prune at the right time

Use spring for tip pruning, or shorten the plant when stems become too long or straggly. No cultivar-specific indoor frequency is established.

Cut only the selected part

Make one clean cut

Make the shortening cut just above a leaf so new shoots can emerge from the leaf joint. Cut ends may be used as stem cuttings. For a climber, keep a moss- or coir-covered support damp and tie wayward stems if needed.

Stop when the pruning goal is met

When pruning will not help

Watch the cut and new growth before pruning again

Care for the plant after pruning

After pruning a trained climber, keep the moss or coir support damp so aerial roots can attach. The evidence gives no separate post-cut watering or feeding schedule for every trailing container.

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