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Pothos

Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as pothos, golden pothos, or devil's ivy, is a species of flowering plant in the arum family (Araceae). Native to the Society Islands in the South Pacific, it is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial vine that climbs using aerial roots along tree trunks and rocks in its natural habitat.^[1] The plant features glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are typically 3 to 6 inches long and wide, bright green or variegated with irregular splashes of yellow, cream, or white; juvenile leaves remain smaller and entire, while mature foliage can reach up to 3 feet in length with fenestrations along the midrib.^[2] In the wild, stems can extend up to 65 feet, forming dense colonies, though it rarely flowers or fruits in cultivation.^[2] Widely popular as a low-maintenance houseplant, Epipremnum aureum thrives in a range of conditions, including low to bright indirect light, temperatures between 60°F and 80°F, and moderate humidity, making it suitable for indoor environments worldwide.^[3] It prefers well-drained soil and should be watered when the surface dries to prevent root rot, with fertilization applied every two weeks during active growth and monthly in winter using a balanced houseplant formula.^[3] Propagation is straightforward via stem cuttings in spring or summer, often rooting in water or moist soil, or through layering with aerial roots; repotting annually in a soilless mix helps maintain vigor.^[3] Valued for its trailing or climbing habit, it is commonly grown in hanging baskets, on moss poles, or as ground cover in tropical landscapes, and studies indicate it effectively removes indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.^[2] Despite its ornamental appeal, Epipremnum aureum is toxic to humans and animals if ingested, containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense oral irritation, swelling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing; skin contact with the sap may also lead to dermatitis.^[1] In suitable climates (USDA zones 10-12), it persists as a perennial but requires protection from direct sun to avoid leaf scorching.^[2] Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale, managed through cultural practices or insecticidal soap, while overwatering often results in yellowing leaves or drooping.^[2] Outside of controlled settings, Epipremnum aureum has naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions, including parts of Florida, where it is classified as a Category II invasive species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council due to its ability to form dense mats that smother native vegetation in hammocks and disturbed areas.^[4] Its ease of propagation and escape from cultivation contribute to ecological concerns in such environments, though it remains a staple in global horticulture for its resilience and aesthetic versatility.^[5]

Taxonomy and nomenclature

Scientific classification

Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as pothos, belongs to the kingdom Plantae, phylum Tracheophyta, class Liliopsida, order Alismatales, family Araceae, genus Epipremnum, and species E. aureum.^[6] This classification follows the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group (APG) IV system, placing it among the monocotyledonous flowering plants.

Rank	Classification
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Liliopsida
Order	Alismatales
Family	Araceae
Genus	Epipremnum
Species	E. aureum

The species is positioned within the Araceae family, a diverse group of about 3,700 species known as aroids, which also encompasses genera such as Philodendron and Anthurium, sharing characteristics like spadix inflorescences and calcium oxalate crystals in tissues. Historically, E. aureum was misclassified under synonyms including Pothos aureus (Linden & André, 1880), Rhaphidophora aurea, and Scindapsus aureus (Engler, 1908), due to limited flowering specimens and morphological similarities with related climbers. The current placement in Epipremnum was established by George S. Bunting in 1964, based on examination of fertile material that distinguished it from Scindapsus by features such as seed number and inflorescence structure.^[7] Native to Mo'orea in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, its origin was confirmed through field collections resolving earlier uncertainties about Southeast Asian or Solomon Islands associations.

Etymology and synonyms

The common name "pothos" for Epipremnum aureum derives from the New Latin genus Pothos, which was originally applied to the plant in botanical nomenclature but later deemed a misclassification. The term traces back to the Greek word póthos (πόθος), meaning "longing" or "yearning," a concept personified in Greek mythology as Pothos, one of the erotes—a minor deity associated with intense desire and companion to Eros and Himeros. Botanically, the name was misapplied in the 19th century when early specimens were erroneously placed in the true genus Pothos (a distinct genus in the Araceae family comprising about 70 species, such as Pothos fenestralis), leading to persistent use of "pothos" as a vernacular name despite the plant's reclassification to Epipremnum.^[8]^[9]^[10] The species epithet aureum is Latin for "golden," alluding to the characteristic yellow-green variegation on the leaves of the popular cultivar. Common names reflect the plant's resilience and appearance, including "devil's ivy" for its tenacious growth and near-indestructibility in cultivation, "golden pothos" emphasizing the variegated foliage, and "taro vine" due to its membership in the Araceae family alongside taro (Colocasia esculenta).^[11]^[2] Historically, Epipremnum aureum has accumulated several invalid synonyms due to taxonomic revisions. It was first described as Pothos aureus Linden & André in 1880 based on cultivated material from French Polynesia. Subsequent reclassifications included Scindapsus aureus (Linden & André) Engl. in 1908 and Rhaphidophora aurea (Linden & André) Birdsey in 1963, all now superseded by the accepted name Epipremnum aureum (Linden & André) G.S. Bunting, validated in 1964. These synonyms highlight early confusion in distinguishing juvenile forms of the vine-like climber from related aroid genera.^[6]^[12]

Physical description

Vegetative characteristics

Epipremnum aureum is an evergreen, herbaceous perennial vine characterized by its climbing or trailing growth habit, capable of reaching lengths of up to 20 meters in its native environment.^[1] The stems are slender, green, and often striped with white or yellow markings, growing to diameters of up to 5 cm as they mature and thicken with age.^[13] These stems produce adventitious aerial roots at regular intervals along their length, which enable the plant to adhere to and climb supports such as tree trunks or other surfaces.^[2] The foliage consists of alternate, simple leaves that exhibit distinct juvenile and mature forms depending on environmental conditions and growth stage. Juvenile leaves are typically heart-shaped (cordate), glossy, and waxy, measuring 5 to 15 cm in length and width, with a bright green coloration that may include irregular variegation in yellow, cream, or white in certain cultivars.^[1]^[2] In contrast, mature leaves, which develop when the vine climbs with adequate support and light, are significantly larger, often reaching up to 90 cm in length, and adopt a more complex shape—becoming oval- to heart-shaped with pinnate venation, deep lobes, or fenestrations along the midrib in wild specimens.^[2]^[14] The leaves are leathery and entire-margined in juvenile stages, transitioning to more incised or perforated forms in maturity, enhancing their adaptability for light capture in forested canopies.^[15] Under favorable conditions, E. aureum demonstrates a rapid growth rate, with its vining habit allowing it to spread as a dense groundcover or ascend vigorously as a climber, supported by the prolific emergence of aerial roots from stem nodes.^[1] This structure facilitates both terrestrial trailing and epiphytic climbing, contributing to its resilience as a broadleaf evergreen.^[14]

Reproductive structures

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) produces reproductive structures characteristic of the Araceae family, featuring an inflorescence composed of a central spadix surrounded by a spathe. The spadix bears numerous minute unisexual flowers arranged in a protogynous manner, where female flowers mature and become receptive before the male flowers shed pollen. The spathe is boat-shaped, typically cream-colored, and does not form a complete tube around the spadix, varying in hue from yellow to green or purple.^[15]^[1] Flowering in E. aureum is exceedingly rare, particularly in cultivation, where plants are propagated and maintained in a juvenile vegetative phase that precludes blooming without specific mature conditions or hormonal induction. This rarity is due to a genetic deficiency in gibberellin biosynthesis, specifically a mutation in the EaGA3ox1 gene, preventing natural flowering without supplementation.^[16] In the wild, spontaneous flowering events are also infrequent, with the last documented occurrence noted in 1964 on Mo'orea, the species' native island in French Polynesia, during taxonomic studies. Pollination is presumed to occur via insects in its natural habitat, though specific vectors remain unconfirmed due to the scarcity of observations.^[2]^[17] Successful pollination leads to the development of orange-red berries on the spadix, each containing seeds. However, seed viability is notably low, with no viable seeds reported from naturalized populations in regions like Hawai'i, contributing to the plant's reliance on vegetative reproduction via stem fragments and aerial roots. Consequently, no commercial seed production exists for E. aureum, underscoring its propagation exclusively through cuttings in horticultural settings.^[1]^[18]

Habitat and distribution

Native range

Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as pothos, is endemic to the island of Mo'orea in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.^[6] This limited native range is primarily within the island's tropical rainforest ecosystems.^[17] The species was first formally recognized from collections in these forests, with taxonomic clarification attributing its origin specifically to Mo'orea based on field observations and herbarium records.^[19] In its native habitat, E. aureum grows as a climbing hemiepiphyte in the shaded understory of tropical rainforests, ascending tree trunks and branches using aerial roots.^[6] It contributes to the diverse structure of Polynesian montane forests characterized by high canopy cover and epiphytic vegetation.^[20] These forests feature well-drained volcanic soils derived from the island's basaltic origins, supporting the plant's vigorous growth in humid, shaded conditions.^[21] The climate of Mo'orea provides ideal conditions for E. aureum, with year-round temperatures ranging from 17 to 30 °C and consistently high humidity levels often exceeding 80%.^[13] This warm, wet tropical environment, influenced by the South Pacific's trade winds, fosters the species' adaptation as a resilient climber within its narrow endemic distribution.^[6]

Global distribution

Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as pothos, was introduced to Europe through ornamental trade in the late 19th century and has since become widely distributed beyond its native range in the Society Islands of French Polynesia.^[22] It is now naturalized in numerous tropical and subtropical countries, including regions of Southeast Asia, northern Australia, the Pacific Islands, the West Indies, and parts of Africa such as South Africa and Sri Lanka.^[19] The plant's adaptability has led to its establishment in disturbed habitats worldwide, with notable populations in Florida, Hawaii, and India, where it escapes from cultivation and proliferates in humid, shaded environments.^[14] In these introduced areas, pothos often forms dense mats of vegetation in disturbed forests and along forest edges, smothering the forest floor and preventing the establishment of native seedlings.^[22] Its vigorous climbing habit allows it to overtop trees and displace epiphytic species like ferns and orchids, thereby outcompeting native flora and altering local ecosystems.^[23] As of 2025, pothos is classified as a Category II invasive species in Florida by the Florida Invasive Species Council, indicating it has spread into natural areas and poses a moderate threat requiring management.^[24] In Australia, it is regarded as a potential environmental weed, with outdoor cultivation prohibited or restricted in states like Queensland to prevent further spread.^[22]

Cultivation and propagation

Care requirements

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) thrives in bright, indirect light, which promotes healthy growth and maintains leaf variegation in cultivars featuring it. The plant tolerates low-light conditions, such as those found in dimly lit rooms, but prolonged exposure may cause variegated leaves to revert to solid green and slow overall growth.^[25]^[11] Optimal temperatures for Pothos range from 17 to 30 °C (61 to 86 °F), with the plant showing resilience in average household settings but sensitivity to drafts or sudden drops below 10 °C (50 °F), which can lead to leaf damage. It prefers moderate humidity levels of 40–60%, though it adapts well to typical indoor environments without supplemental misting.^[26]^[2] Watering should be moderate, allowing the top 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) of soil to dry out between applications to prevent root rot, a common issue from overwatering. In the growing season (spring and summer), consistent moisture supports vigorous vine development, while reduced frequency in fall and winter mimics its natural dormancy.^[25]^[11] A well-draining potting mix, such as one incorporating peat, perlite, or sand, ensures proper aeration and reduces waterlogging risks. Fertilize every two weeks during the active growth period (spring and summer) using a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., NPK 10-10-10 at half strength), and monthly during winter to provide essential nutrients without excess buildup.^[11]^[27]^[3] Repot annually in spring using a soilless potting mix to refresh nutrients and prevent root binding. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid overwatering risks.^[3] Common pests affecting Pothos include spider mites and mealybugs, which can appear as webbing or white cottony masses on leaves and stems, potentially stunting growth if untreated. These can be managed effectively with neem oil sprays applied every 5–7 days until infestation clears, emphasizing early detection through regular inspection.^[2]^[28]

Propagation techniques

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is readily propagated through vegetative methods, leveraging its natural aerial roots that facilitate rooting from stem sections. These techniques are preferred over seed propagation, as the plant rarely produces viable seeds in cultivation due to infrequent flowering indoors.^[2]^[29] The most common and straightforward method is stem cuttings, where sections of 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) are taken from healthy vines, each including 2–3 nodes. Cuttings are made just below a node using clean, sharp shears to avoid disease transmission, and lower leaves are removed to prevent rot. These can be rooted in water, where roots typically develop within 2–4 weeks under indirect light, or directly in moist soil or vermiculite for faster establishment; change water every few days to maintain oxygen levels. Aerial roots at the nodes enhance rooting efficiency in this process.^[2]^[29]^[30]^[31] For larger, established specimens, air layering provides a reliable way to propagate while keeping the new plant attached to the parent for nourishment until roots form. A node on a healthy stem is selected, lightly wounded if needed, and wrapped with moist sphagnum moss to encourage root development, then enclosed in plastic to retain humidity. Roots typically appear in 4–8 weeks, after which the layered section is severed and potted; this method yields high success rates by minimizing water stress.^[2]^[32]^[33] Division is another effective technique, particularly during repotting, where the root ball is gently separated into sections each containing roots and shoots. This method suits mature plants with multiple crowns and results in immediate establishment, as the offsets already have developed root systems.^[29]^[32] Overall, these vegetative approaches offer high success rates, often exceeding 90% under optimal conditions, especially when performed in spring or summer during active growth.^[34]^[2]^[29]

Varieties

Selected cultivars

Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as pothos, features a range of popular cultivars selected for their distinctive leaf variegation patterns, growth habits, and adaptability to indoor conditions such as varying light levels.^[29] These cultivars are prized in horticulture for enhancing ornamental displays, with selection often based on visual appeal, including color contrasts and leaf texture, as well as practical traits like growth rate and tolerance to low light.^[2] Common forms include both variegated and solid-colored varieties, derived primarily through selective breeding and mutation.^[35] The Golden Pothos cultivar exhibits heart-shaped leaves with bright yellow variegation on a green background, making it the most widely cultivated form due to its vigorous growth and ease of maintenance in moderate to bright indirect light.^[29] This classic variety thrives in low-light environments while retaining its color, though variegation may fade without sufficient illumination.^[2] Marble Queen is distinguished by its high level of white variegation on moss-green leaves, resulting in a slower growth rate compared to non-variegated types and a preference for brighter indirect light to prevent reversion to solid green.^[35] Its off-white stems and streaked foliage provide a striking contrast, ideal for compact indoor arrangements.^[2] Neon features bright lime-green to chartreuse leaves without variegation, offering a vibrant, non-traditional appearance that performs well in medium light and grows at a moderate pace.^[29] This all-yellow-green form is valued for its bold color in shaded interiors where deeper greens might appear subdued.^[2] The Jade cultivar displays uniform dark green leaves, lacking variegation, which allows it to tolerate very low light levels better than variegated types and supports faster growth in such conditions.^[35] It serves as a reliable choice for beginners seeking a hardy, all-green option.^[2] Manjula, patented as 'HANSOTI14' (USPP 27,117), is characterized by wide, curled heart-shaped leaves with irregular splashes of white, green, and yellow, exhibiting a compact growth habit suitable for bright indirect light.^[36] Its undulated margins and slow, controlled development make it a premium selection for detailed foliage displays.^[37] N'Joy, patented under USPP 19,965, presents compact plants with small, elongated leaves showing high-contrast white margins and green centers, often with grey-green speckling, and prefers bright indirect light to maintain its variegation.^[38] This slow-growing variety is noted for its distinctive, irregular patterns on flat leaves.^[39] Pearls and Jade, patented as 'UFM12' (USPP 21,217), features smaller leaves (averaging 7-8 cm long) with irregular white, grey, and green patches, blotches, and streaks, growing more slowly than its parent Marble Queen and excelling in medium to bright light.^[40] Developed at the University of Florida, it offers finer variegation primarily along the edges for a delicate aesthetic.^[35] Jessenia displays darker green leaves with subtle yellow-green variegation in a balanced pattern, similar to Golden Pothos but with less pronounced yellow, and maintains good color retention in low to medium light while growing steadily.^[37]

Breeding and new varieties

Breeding efforts for Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) have centered on improving variegation stability and disease resistance using tissue culture methods, which enable the regeneration of uniform plants from selected explants while preserving desirable traits across propagules. Somatic embryogenesis and organogenesis protocols have been optimized to produce stable variegated regenerants, such as those derived from 'Golden Pothos', where chlorophyll distribution correlates with gene expression levels like EaZIP, ensuring consistent leaf patterns without frequent reversion. These techniques also facilitate genetic transformation for enhanced resistance to pathogens, as demonstrated in efficient Agrobacterium-mediated systems that introduce traits for ornamental improvement.^[41]^[42]^[43] Hybridization remains a significant challenge due to the plant's infrequent flowering in cultivation, which limits sexual reproduction and necessitates reliance on clonal propagation or induced mutations, such as gamma irradiation, for generating diversity. Popular types like 'Golden Pothos' are often used as starting material in these mutation-based approaches, but apomictic tendencies in some lineages further complicate controlled crosses by favoring asexual seed formation over genetic recombination. Tissue culture mitigates these issues by allowing mass production of mutants with stabilized traits, though maintaining variegation fidelity requires careful subculture management to avoid somaclonal variation.^[44]^[45]^[46] Recent developments from 2024 to 2025 include the University of Florida's release of new cultivars through somatic embryogenesis, such as 'UF-Ea-0310' (USPP36591, patented April 2025), which features acuminate leaves with subtle variegation and compact, disease-tolerant growth suitable for interior conditions. Other 2024 releases include 'UF-Ea-0311' (USPP35875), 'UF-Ea-0316' (USPP35876), and 'UF-Ea-0317' (USPP35874), emphasizing varied leaf shapes like cordate or lanceolate with stable white and green variegation patterns derived from 'Pearls and Jade'. In the 2025 houseplant market, demand has surged for rare Pothos hybrids with high cream-white variegation, such as the compact 'Neon Queen', a hybrid of 'Neon' and 'Marble Queen' valued for space-limited settings.^[47]^[48]^[49]

Uses

Ornamental value

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), commonly known as devil's ivy or golden pothos, has been a popular houseplant since the late 19th century, when European botanists first encountered and propagated it from Pacific explorations.^[22] Its trailing habit, characterized by long, vining stems that can extend several feet, makes it ideal for hanging baskets, shelves, and elevated displays, where the foliage cascades gracefully to add vertical interest in indoor spaces.^[2] This adaptability has solidified its status as a staple in home and office decor throughout the 20th century and into the present.^[50] The plant's versatility extends to various placement options, allowing it to climb trellises or moss poles for a structured look or simply drape over edges for a relaxed aesthetic.^[13] It thrives in diverse indoor environments, from homes to commercial offices, and is frequently incorporated into green walls or living partitions to enhance biophilic design elements.^[29] Aesthetically, its heart-shaped leaves, often featuring striking variegation in shades of green, yellow, and cream, provide vibrant color and texture that complement modern and traditional interiors alike.^[51] As a low-maintenance option tolerant of low light and infrequent watering, pothos is particularly recommended for beginners seeking an easy-to-care-for greenery that requires minimal intervention.^[29] Culturally, pothos symbolizes resilience and adaptability, reflecting its ability to thrive in suboptimal conditions, and is often associated with prosperity and positive energy in various traditions.^[52] In non-invasive contexts, such as controlled subtropical landscaping or potted installations, it serves as an ornamental climber to accentuate tropical garden features without posing ecological risks.^[53] In market trends, pothos is a trending indoor plant in 2025, driven by renewed interest in its classic varieties and sustainable, low-effort appeal amid rising demand for resilient houseplants.^[54] Additionally, its air-cleaning properties, as identified in NASA's Clean Air Study, contribute to its ornamental allure by enhancing indoor environments subtly.^[55]

Other applications

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) has demonstrated utility in air purification, effectively removing several common indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The 1989 NASA Clean Air Study evaluated its ability to filter benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from sealed chambers, finding that it contributed to substantial pollutant reduction under controlled conditions, though exact rates varied by plant density and exposure time.^[56] A subsequent 2008 study further confirmed its efficacy against xylene and toluene, with pot-soil grown specimens exhibiting the highest removal rates compared to hydroponic setups, particularly under moderate temperatures (around 21°C) and light intensities up to 1000 lx.^[57] In hydroponic systems, pothos thrives in water-based cultures, making it suitable for integration into aquariums where it absorbs excess nitrates from fish waste, thereby helping maintain water quality and reducing algae proliferation.^[58] Research on nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponics has shown that E. aureum efficiently removes nitrate nitrogen, with uptake rates supporting its role as a natural biofilter in recirculating aquaculture setups.^[59] Pothos is frequently employed in educational settings, particularly biology classrooms, to illustrate principles of vegetative propagation through simple stem cuttings rooted in water.^[60] This hands-on demonstration highlights concepts like nodal rooting and asexual reproduction, as its aerial roots develop visibly within weeks, making it an accessible tool for teaching plant physiology to students.^[3] Traditional uses of pothos include occasional reports of its application in wound healing, where leaf extracts are applied topically for their purported antimicrobial properties, though such practices remain largely unverified in ethnobotanical records from regions like Southeast Asia.^[61] A 2025 study highlights the potential of pothos in botanical biofilters integrated into green wall systems for targeting indoor VOCs in urban environments, demonstrating removal efficiencies up to 99.8% for acetone, 83.6% for α-pinene, and 71.1% for toluene under optimal conditions.^[62]

Concerns

Toxicity

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), commonly known as golden pothos or devil's ivy, contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals in the form of needle-like raphides throughout all plant parts, including leaves, stems, and sap. These crystals are mechanically irritant and do not dissolve in the body, leading to physical damage upon ingestion or contact rather than systemic poisoning.^[5]^[63]^[64] In pets such as cats and dogs, which the ASPCA lists as species at risk, ingestion of leaves or stems—often due to their curious chewing behavior—triggers immediate oral irritation, including intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.^[64]^[5] Severe gastrointestinal upset is rare but possible with larger quantities. Humans experience similar effects from accidental ingestion, such as burning pain in the mouth and throat, swelling, hypersalivation, and potential vomiting or diarrhea in substantial amounts; skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis, while eye exposure leads to irritation.^[63]^[5] No specific antidote exists for pothos toxicity, and treatment is symptomatic: rinsing the mouth with water or milk to remove crystals, providing pain relief, and monitoring for airway obstruction in cases of significant swelling.^[63]^[64] For pets, veterinary consultation is recommended promptly; in humans, especially children, urgent medical attention is advised if breathing or swallowing difficulties arise.^[63] Precautions include washing hands after handling the plant and keeping it out of reach of children and pets to prevent exposure.^[63]^[5]

Invasiveness

Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as pothos, exhibits invasive behavior primarily through vegetative propagation via discarded stem cuttings, which readily root in moist environments and establish new colonies. This climbing vine uses adhesive aerial roots to ascend host trees and structures, forming dense mats that smother underlying vegetation by blocking sunlight and physically weighing down supports. Its tolerance for deep shade and wide range of soil conditions facilitates rapid spread in disturbed tropical habitats, often originating from ornamental plantings or improper disposal.^[18]^[65] In Florida, pothos is designated as a Category II invasive species by the Florida Invasive Species Council, indicating increased abundance and range without yet fully displacing native communities; it commonly invades tropical hardwood hammocks and wetland edges, including areas near the Everglades, where it blankets the forest floor and understory.^[66] In Queensland, Australia, the plant aggressively colonizes rainforest edges and disturbed sites, climbing into canopies and outcompeting native climbers. Hawaii faces severe impacts, with dense infestations in lowland forests. As of 2025, similar restrictions apply in parts of Queensland, classifying it as a garden weed requiring containment.^[67]^[19] Ecologically, pothos disrupts native habitats by overtopping trees and displacing epiphytes such as ferns and orchids, reducing light penetration to the forest floor and altering understory composition. This smothering habit can destabilize host trees through added weight and coverage, indirectly affecting bird nesting sites and insect pollinators dependent on native flora. In severe cases, it contributes to biodiversity loss in tropical ecosystems, similar to other invasive vines.^[65]^[19] Effective management relies on manual removal, including cutting vines at the base and pulling roots to prevent regrowth, combined with herbicide applications like glyphosate applied to freshly cut stems for systemic control. Foliar sprays are less effective due to the plant's waxy leaves, and treatments should avoid cold periods or flooded areas to maximize efficacy. Prevention through proper disposal of cuttings and restrictions on outdoor use remains critical in infested regions.^[68]^[19]

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Common Houseplant Insects & Related Pests - Clemson HGIC
Sep 10, 2021 · For houseplants that are outdoors, spray with neem oil extract, pyrethrins, acetamiprid, imidacloprid, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or lambda ...Missing: Pothos | Show results with:Pothos
[27]
Pothos as a Houseplant - Penn State Extension
Sep 29, 2025 · Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a common, versatile, hardy, and very easy-to-grow foliage houseplant. It is a tropical climbing vine native to the Solomon ...Missing: range | Show results with:range
[28]
More, Please: Propagating Houseplants - University of Vermont
Dec 7, 2022 · You can grow new plants from houseplants you already own. It all begins with taking a 3-6-inch cutting from the tip of a healthy stem, being sure to include ...Missing: techniques | Show results with:techniques
[29]
Yard and Garden: Propagating Houseplants | News
Jan 27, 2023 · Houseplants can be propagated using stem cuttings (like pothos), leaf cuttings (like African violets), or leaf sections (like snake plants). ...
[30]
Propagation by Cuttings, Layering and Division | VCE Publications
Mar 20, 2025 · This method of vegetative propagation, called layering, promotes a high success rate because it prevents the water stress and carbohydrate ...
[31]
Layering Propagation for the Home Gardener
Hard-to-root plants propagated using layering techniques generally form roots more quickly with greater overall success than when they are propagated from ...Missing: rate | Show results with:rate<|control11|><|separator|>
[32]
[PDF] Shelby County Master Gardener - The Ohio State University
Feb 15, 2023 · --Fertilizer (N-P-K) is essential because there are no nutrients in potting mix. -- ... Pothos leaves can be more asymmetrical than ...
[33]
New Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: Pothos 'Pearls and Jade'
Mature leaves from 'Pearls and Jade'® reach an average of 7–8 cm (2.5–3.0 in.) long and 4–5 cm (1.5–2.0 in.) wide compared to 12 cm by 8 cm (4.5–3.0 in.)<|control11|><|separator|>
[34]
USPP27117P3 - Epipremnum plant named 'HANSOTI14'
A new and distinct Epipremnum cultivar named 'HANSOTI14' is disclosed, characterized by compact growth habit, slow, controlled growth, distinctive green and ...
[35]
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP441
[36]
USPP19965P2 - Epipremnum Plant Named 'NJOY' - Google Patents
A new and distinct Epipremnum cultivar named 'NJOY' is disclosed, characterized by very compact growth, bright, distinctive green and white variegation.
[37]
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) Diseases: Identification and Control ...
Jul 31, 2018 · This publication addresses identification and treatment of common bacterial and fungal diseases encountered during commercial greenhouse production of pothos.Missing: cultivation | Show results with:cultivation
[38]
USPP21217P2 - Epipremnum plant named 'UFM12' - Google Patents
A new Epipremnum plant particularly distinguished by having small variegated leaves with three different colors, irregularly undulated rather than smooth leaf ...
[39]
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/PP340
[40]
Identification of a Mg-protoporphyrin IX monomethyl ester cyclase ...
Stable green and pale yellow plants were developed from a naturally variegated Epipremnum aureum 'Golden Pothos'. By comparing the gene expression between ...
[41]
(PDF) A comparison of plants regenerated from a variegated ...
Aug 6, 2025 · To this end, we regenerated albino plants from a variegated variety 'Golden Pothos' by tissue culture techniques (Hung and Xie, 2009 ).Missing: hybridization challenges apomixis
[42]
Efficient somatic embryogenesis and Agrobacterium-mediated ...
The highly efficient regeneration and transformation systems established in this study may enable genetic improvement of this vegetatively propagated ...<|separator|>
[43]
Transformation of Long-Lived Albino Epipremnum aureum 'Golden ...
May 11, 2021 · The present study demonstrates that albino plants regenerated from E. aureum 'Golden Pothos' are long-lived when maintained in a modified MS ...
[44]
[PDF] Three New Cultivars of Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Nov 8, 2024 · These two cultivars are the result of mutation breeding through exposure to gamma ray radiation. Pothos is an important foliage plant. On the ...Missing: varieties | Show results with:varieties
[45]
[PDF] Cultivar Development of Ornamental Foliage Plants
Apr 18, 2016 · The Californian industry began with Kentia palm. (Howea forsteriana) and pothos (Epipremnum aureum) in the 1920s, and later heartleaf vine ( ...
[46]
Two New Cultivars of Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) in
Following GA3 treatment, blooms were induced, and self-pollination of 'Marble Queen' was achieved. 'UF-Ea-0310' was selected from self-pollinated seedling ...
[47]
PP036591 - Official Gazette for Patents | USPTO
1. A new and distinct Epipremnum plant named 'UF-Ea-0310' as illustrated and described herein.
[48]
https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/hortsci/59/12/article-p1736.xml
[49]
Mastering Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum) Ultimate Guide Care
Decorative Use: Ideal for hanging baskets, tabletops, shelves, green walls, and trellises. Special Features: Easy to propagate, versatile in display options, ...Missing: ornamental | Show results with:ornamental<|control11|><|separator|>
[50]
Wekiva Foliage Golden Pothos Hanging Basket-Live Plant in an 8 in ...
Out of stockThe Golden Pothos, also known as Epipremnum Aureum or Devil's Ivy, is a striking indoor plant celebrated for its vibrant green and yellow variegated leaves.Missing: ornamental design
[51]
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Wekiva-Foliage-Golden-Pothos-Hanging-Basket-Live-Plant-in-an-8-in-Hanging-Basket-Epipremmum-Aureum-Perfect-Houseplant-GoldPo8x1/334029436
[52]
Can You Grow Pothos Plants Outdoors? Will They Survive?
Oct 5, 2023 · Epipremnum aureum is remarkably fast-growing and resilient. It can be grown as a perennial in subtropical zones or as an annual or potted plant ...
[53]
https://www.epicgardening.com/pothos-outdoors/
[54]
https://leafculture.co.uk/blogs/blog/top-trending-houseplants-for-2025
[55]
A Study of Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement
The chemicals chosen for study were benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. The results show that plants can play a major role in removal of organic ...Missing: Pothos Epipremnum aureum xylene
[56]
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930072988
[57]
(PDF) Comprehensive Review of Aquaponic, Hydroponic, and ...
Jan 12, 2023 · This study examines money plant ( Epipremnum aureum ) nitrate nitrogen removal efficiency in a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic ...
[58]
Epipremnum aureum is a promising plant candidate for developing ...
May 22, 2025 · This study examines money plant ( Epipremnum aureum ) nitrate nitrogen removal efficiency in a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic ...
[59]
How to Propagate Plants in Water with Kids - Raising Global Kidizens
Rating 5.0 (3) · 336 hr 30 minAug 20, 2021 · Learn the science of how plants propagate in water and how you can propagate plants like pothos, Chinese money plants, and spider plants with your kids at home!
[60]
[PDF] Epipremnum aureum (Linden & André) G.S.Bunting
Wound Healing: In traditional medicine, extracts from have been used topically to promote wound healing. It is believed that its antimicrobial and anti- ...Missing: Polynesia | Show results with:Polynesia
[61]
Harnessing the potential of Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) for indoor ...
May 1, 2025 · Botanical biofiltration using active green walls based on air-purifying plants can support an effective control of indoor air pollution.Missing: farming | Show results with:farming
[62]
Pothos (Epipremnum) - Queensland Poisons Information Centre
All parts of the Pothos (Epipremnum) plant contain needle-like calcium oxalate crystals, which if chewed or eaten, can cause immediate pain or a burning ...
[63]
Golden Pothos - ASPCA
Additional Common Names: Pothos, Devil's Ivy, Taro Vine, Ivy Arum ; Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum ; Family: Araceae ; Toxicity: Toxic to Dogs, Toxic to Cats.
[64]
Epipremnum aureum - Florida Natural Areas Inventory
Habitat. Tropical hardwood hammocks, floodplain forests, pinelands, hammocks, disturbed areas. Comments. Roots easily from cuttings. Map of species ...
[65]
Epipremnum aureum - UF/IFAS Assessment - University of Florida
Jun 26, 2025 · Epipremnum aureum, also known as golden pothos, has a high invasion risk in Central, North, and South Florida. It is a forb/herb, vine, and its ...
[66]
[PDF] water plants cacti - Cairns Regional Council
Weed in Queensland. DEVIL'S IVY. Epipremnum aureum. • The plant has yellow-green pointed leaves. • The weed has an invasive nature and climbing ability. indoor ...
[67]
[PDF] Invasive Plant Management Guide: Golden pothos
Golden pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum cv. Aureum) is a climbing vine with large, waxy green and yellow leaves, thick stems and numerous dotted aerial roots. Also ...Missing: invasiveness | Show results with:invasiveness