Pothos Plant
Epipremnum aureum
The vine most people bring home first and the one that forgives you when you forget it. Heart-shaped leaves, roots in a glass of water within weeks, and a tolerance for the average apartment that most houseplants don't have.
What is a Pothos?
Pothos is a fast-growing vining plant, native to French Polynesia, known for its heart-shaped leaves. It grows well in low light, though patterned (variegated) leaves need brighter light to keep their pattern crisp. It also tolerates irregular watering better than most other common houseplants which is a large part of why it shows up on nearly every beginner list.
For the full resource hub propagation, repotting, and every variety we've profiled visit the Pothos Plant guide. If your space runs dim year-round, our Low Light Plants guide covers which varieties hold up best.
Pothos care at a glance
Six things worth knowing before you bring one home written the way you'd find them on the marker stuck in the pot.
Pet owners, take note: Pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Keep vines out of reach, or grow a Spider Plant instead it's one of the few beginner plants considered pet-safe.
A season-by-season watering breakdown is in progress for this hub in the meantime, our Pothos care hacks guide covers the day-to-day habits that matter most.
Popular Pothos varieties
Five of the most common types, from the nearly indestructible to the ones that ask for a bit more light.
Golden
Green & yellow marbled. The most forgiving type.
Marble Queen
Heavier white patterning; needs brighter light.
Neon
Solid bright green-yellow. No pattern to lose.
Jade
Solid dark green. Tolerates the lowest light.
Manjula
Ruffled edges, cream & silver coloring.
Common Pothos problems
Most issues trace back to one of four causes here's how to read the plant.
Yellow leaves
Most often caused by overwatering. Occasionally it's just an older leaf naturally dying off.
Long, bare-looking vines
Usually caused by low light. Move it closer to a window, or trim it to encourage fuller growth.
Losing its pattern
Patterned varieties often turn plain green in low light. More light brings the pattern back in new leaves.
Brown, dry leaf edges
Usually caused by too little water or low humidity.
For a deeper troubleshooting walkthrough, see 12 Pothos Care Hacks Worth Knowing.
Why choose a Pothos?
Pothos is a good first plant for someone building confidence with houseplants. It's inexpensive, widely available, tolerates a range of light and watering mistakes, and gives quick results a single cutting placed in water will grow roots within a couple of weeks. For renters and people in apartments who want fast, visible growth without a demanding care routine, it's a strong option.
Ready to make more of them? Our propagation guide covers both easy methods, and the full benefits guide goes beyond the basics.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pothos the same plant as Philodendron?+
No, although they're often mixed up because both are vines with similar heart-shaped leaves. Pothos leaves are usually thicker and slightly waxy, and new Pothos leaves grow out of a small papery covering that Philodendron leaves don't have.
Why does my Pothos have some small leaves and some large leaves?+
Leaf size often depends on how the plant is grown. A Pothos trained to climb a pole or trellis tends to grow noticeably larger leaves than the same plant left to trail freely, since climbing encourages the plant to mature and produce bigger leaves.
How fast does Pothos grow?+
In good indirect light, a healthy Pothos can grow several inches of new vine each month during spring and summer, making it one of the faster-growing plants in this group.
Can Pothos grow in water permanently, without soil?+
Yes. Pothos can live in water alone for a long time, as long as the water is changed regularly and a small amount of liquid fertilizer is added occasionally. It usually grows slower and stays smaller than a Pothos grown in soil.
Is Pothos safe to keep around cats?+
No. Pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or eaten, and can cause mouth irritation, drooling, or vomiting. Keep it out of reach, or choose a pet-safe plant like a Spider Plant instead.