Golden pothos (devil’s ivy) Epipremnum aureum
Golden pothos (devil’s ivy) (Epipremnum aureum) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Araceae family, native to Mo’orea in the Society Islands (French Polynesia). It grows 30 cm–15 m (12 in–49 ft) tall and 1–4 m (3.3–13 ft) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 60 cm (24 in) apart.
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Golden pothos (devil’s ivy) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Mature height | 30 cm–15 m (12 in–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–4 m (3.3–13 ft) |
| Spacing | 60 cm (24 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 1 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 521–1043 weeks after planting, for 1–3 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mo’orea in the Society Islands (French Polynesia) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇮🇳 India, 🇦🇺 Australia |
| Invasive in | US (Florida: Category II invasive), Sri Lanka, Pacific islands (incl. Hawaii): check local rules before planting |
Is Golden pothos (devil’s ivy) toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: leaves, stems
Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: chewing causes mouth pain, drooling and vomiting (ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Golden pothos (devil’s ivy)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Golden pothos (devil’s ivy)
- How far apart should I plant Golden pothos (devil’s ivy)?
- About 60 cm (24 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–4 m (3.3–13 ft).
- Does Golden pothos (devil’s ivy) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 1 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Golden pothos (devil’s ivy) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Golden pothos (devil’s ivy)?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Golden pothos (devil’s ivy) flower?
- About 521–1043 weeks after planting, for 1–3 weeks.
- Is Golden pothos (devil’s ivy) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people mildly toxic. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: chewing causes mouth pain, drooling and vomiting (ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs).
- What grows well with Golden pothos (devil’s ivy)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Golden pothos (devil’s ivy). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- Florida Invasive Species Council plant list (Category I and II), Florida Invasive Species Council (formerly FLEPPC)
Notes and assumptions
- Tropical: needs warm nights all year; in a frosty climate grow it under glass or as a summer container plant.
- Indoors and in hanging pots it stays small; climbing a tree in the tropics the yellow-splashed leaves grow huge and split. It almost never flowers in cultivation. Do not let it climb into native forest.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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