Jubair1985 · CC BY-SA 4.0
About
Known by many names, including golden pothos and money plant, *Epipremnum aureum* is a highly popular and extremely hardy houseplant. It is notable for its ability to thrive in various conditions and its ease of propagation via cuttings, making it a favorite for collectors.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant is an evergreen vine that can grow up to 20 m tall, with stems up to 4 cm in diameter. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped and entire on juvenile plants, but become irregularly pinnatifid on mature plants, reaching up to 100 cm long and 45 cm broad. Flowers are produced in a spathe up to 23 cm long.
Distribution & habitat
Originally endemic to Mo'orea in the Society Islands, it is now wild in many tropical countries, including Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, the Philippines, and various Pacific islands.
Cultivation notes
It is best kept in indirect light, tolerating intense luminosity but avoiding long periods of direct sunlight. It prefers a temperature between 17 and 30 °C and generally requires watering when the soil feels dry. Fertilizing every 2–3 months during the growing season and replanting every 1–2 years helps maintain health. It is also used in aquariums, where it absorbs nitrates from the water.
History & etymology
First described in 1880 as *Pothos aureus*, leading to its common name 'pothos'. It was later synonymized with *Epipremnum pinnatum* before being correctly classified as *Epipremnum aureum* after closer observation of its leaves and growth patterns.
Habitat
- Altitude
- —
- Altitude Class
- —
- Native To
- Thailand, Sulawesi, Malaysia, New Caledonia, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Sabah, Philippines, Java, South Africa, Florida, Myanmar, Australia, India, Vietnam, Japan, Sarawak
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- easy
Crossed E. Aureum with another species?
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