How-to Guide
Pothos: The Forgiving Vine, and the Few Ways to Kill It
The short answer
Pothos prefers bright, indirect light but survives long periods in low light, per NC State Extension. Water on a dry-out cycle: let the well-drained potting medium dry out between waterings, because root rot and blackening leaf margins come from overwatering.
It is also one of the easiest houseplants to multiply, since the vines easily root in water from stem cuttings. One real caution: pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs if chewed, so keep vines trailing out of a pet's reach.
What Pothos Is
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), sold as golden pothos or devil's ivy, is a trailing aroid vine with heart-shaped, often variegated leaves. Its reputation as nearly unkillable is earned, but it still has two failure modes: constantly wet soil and deep shade.
Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal, and the plant tolerates low light for long stretches. The cost of dim corners is cosmetic first: low light causes loss of variegation, turning marbled leaves plain green.
Watering
Let the potting medium dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly. NC State ties the classic symptoms directly to excess water: root rot and blackening of the leaf margins occur with overwatering.
⚠ If leaf edges are blackening or stems are mushy at the soil line, stop watering and check the roots — that is overwatering, not thirst.
Soil, Humidity, and Temperature
- Use any well-drained potting mix; pothos tolerates soil high in organic matter.
- Normal room conditions are fine; to raise humidity, use a humidifier or set the pot on a tray of wet pebbles.
- Yellowing of the oldest leaves over time is normal aging; widespread yellowing suggests low light or watering trouble.
Propagation
- 1Cut below a node — Take stem cuttings with at least one node and leaf.
- 2Root in water — NC State notes the vines easily root in water; pot the cuttings once roots are established.
Problems and Pet Safety
- Root rot: the main killer, always via overwatering or poor drainage.
- Loss of variegation: move the plant to brighter indirect light.
- Old-leaf yellowing and drop: normal over time.
⚠ NC State reports pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals; chewing it causes oral irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, and it is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. Keep it out of reach and consult the ASPCA plant list and your vet if a pet chews it.
Sources
Reviewed 2026-07-18. We cite university Extension, government, and established horticultural sources — and never invent pesticide rates or dangerous treatments.
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) — Bright indirect light, survives low light with variegation loss; dry out between waterings; root rot and black leaf margins from overwatering; water propagation of stem cuttings; calcium oxalate toxicity to humans, cats, dogs.