Epipremnum aureum aka Golden Pothos

Epipremnum aureum is an evergreen vine in the arum family. Gardeners know it as pothos or devil's ivy. It comes from Mo'orea in the Society Islands. Its native climate is warm, tropical, and wet. Gardeners grow it indoors for its leaves and trailing stems. It also serves as groundcover where frost does not occur. Hanging baskets let its stems trail down without support.

Supported plants can reach 13–26 feet [4–8 metres] in cultivation. Their spread can reach about 5 feet [1.5 metres]. Longer vines may reach 40 feet [12.2 metres]. Full growth can take 10–20 years, according to the RHS. Thin stems climb with brown aerial roots that grip supports. The green stems may carry white or yellow stripes. Young leaves have a heart-shaped base and a glossy surface. Their green blades may show cream or yellow marks. Leaves grow one at a time along the stem. Grooved leaf stalks clasp the stems at their bases. Pots tend to keep plants in their young leaf form. With light and support, plants can grow large, deeply lobed leaves. These may reach 3 feet [0.9 metres] long.

Pothos seldom blooms in cultivation, and indoor fruit is rare. Small flowers grow on a stout spadix within a spathe. This outer part can be green, yellow, or purple. Chicago Botanic Garden lists white flowers from September to October. Ripe berries turn red-orange, but houseplants seldom produce them. Most gardeners grow pothos for foliage rather than flowers or fruit.

Give it bright, indirect light and soil that drains well. It can survive low light, though leaf markings may fade. It prefers moist soil, but let potting mix dry between waterings. High humidity suits it, though it tolerates dry indoor air. Outdoors, choose a warm, sheltered site free from frost. Sources place it in USDA zones 10–12 and RHS H1B. Spring tip pruning helps stems branch and keeps growth bushy. Stem cuttings root in water; layering offers another way to propagate.

Pothos needs little routine care, but excess water causes trouble. Roots may rot, and leaf edges may turn black. Fungal leaf spot and botrytis can also occur. Watch for scale insects, mealybugs, and mites. Older leaves may yellow and drop, leaving bare stem sections. Do not eat this plant; it harms people and pets. It can also irritate skin and eyes on contact. Insoluble calcium oxalates cause pain and swelling when pets chew it. Pets may drool, vomit, or struggle to swallow. Rare throat swelling can make breathing hard.