Golden pothos
Epipremnum aureum (Araceae)
Also called Pothos, Devil's Ivy, Taro Vine, Ivy Arum.
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
What makes it toxic: Insoluble calcium oxalates.
Signs to watch for: Oral irritation, intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.
Source: ASPCA entry "Golden Pothos", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol Copes
- Medium light 6+ mol Copes
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
Extension sources say pothos grows best in bright, indirect or filtered light but copes with low light for long periods; Iowa State simply says low to moderate light. Keep it out of much direct sun.
Direct sun: best kept out of it.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 0.5 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Easy. Water: Let the potting mix dry out slightly and water when the surface is dry.
Variegated leaves tend to lose their color in low light.
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bright indirect light
- Baby's tears (Soleirolia) bright indirect light
- Grape ivy bright indirect light
- Lady palm bright indirect light
- Money tree bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "Golden Pothos"
- Light and care: NC State Extension, "Epipremnum aureum (Golden Pothos)"
- Light and care: University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension (Wisconsin Horticulture), "Pothos, Epipremmum aureum"
- Light and care: Illinois Extension, "Lighting | Houseplants"