Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

*Note: Images are used as an example only. Plant colouration, size and variegation may vary.*

Golden Pothos
Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum
(Also known as Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos.)

Overview
Golden Pothos is a hardy, fast-growing tropical plant recognised for its heart-shaped green leaves with attractive golden-yellow variegation. It is highly adaptable and can be grown with its roots in water or planted in a suitable substrate, making it particularly popular for aquariums, paludariums, and indoor plant setups. When grown with its roots submerged and foliage above the water, Golden Pothos can also help utilise nutrients from the aquarium water as it grows.

Key Features

• Attractive heart-shaped leaves with golden-yellow variegation

• Fast-growing and highly adaptable

• Can be grown with roots in aquarium water while foliage remains above the surface

• Helps utilise excess nutrients as it grows

• Excellent choice for aquariums, ripariums, and paludariums

• Easy to propagate from stem cuttings

Care Level: Easy
Extremely adaptable and forgiving, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It grows particularly well with bright, indirect light and access to nutrients.

Habitat Requirements
Environment Type: Terrestrial / Riparian
Tank Use: Best grown with the roots submerged and foliage kept above the water
Temperature: Ideally 18–28°C
Lighting: Low to bright indirect light; brighter indirect light generally encourages stronger growth and more pronounced variegation
Water Parameters: Adaptable; aquarium water is generally suitable when the plant is grown hydroponically
Water Flow: Gentle water movement around the roots is beneficial, but strong flow is unnecessary
Placement: Position the roots in the aquarium while keeping the leaves and stem above the waterline. A plant holder, suction cup, or other support can be used to secure the plant.

Nutrition and Growth

Primary Nutrients: Utilises nutrients available in aquarium water when grown hydroponically, including nitrogen and other dissolved nutrients
Supplementation: Additional fertilisation is usually unnecessary when grown in a nutrient-rich aquarium
Growth Rate: Fast-growing under suitable conditions
Propagation: Easily propagated by taking stem cuttings containing at least one node and allowing the cutting to develop roots

Compatibility

Aquarium Compatibility: Suitable for most freshwater aquariums when grown with the roots submerged and foliage above the water
Fish and Shrimp: Generally compatible with peaceful freshwater fish and shrimp
Avoid: Do not completely submerge the leaves or entire plant. The foliage is not intended for permanent underwater growth and may deteriorate if fully submerged
Considerations: Ensure the plant is securely positioned so that it cannot fall completely into the aquarium

Size and Lifespan
Growth: Can produce long trailing or climbing vines exceeding 1 metre when given suitable conditions
Lifespan: Several years with appropriate care; potentially much longer when regularly maintained and propagated

Behaviour and Growth
Golden Pothos produces new leaves along trailing or climbing stems and develops an extensive root system when grown in water. In an aquarium, the roots can gradually extend through the water column, creating additional structure and cover for shrimp and small fish. As the plant grows, it can also remove dissolved nutrients from the water, helping contribute to nutrient uptake in the aquarium.

Special Requirements or Considerations
The most important consideration when using Golden Pothos in an aquarium is to keep the foliage above the waterline. Only the roots and, where appropriate, a small section of the stem containing nodes should be exposed to the water. Avoid burying or completely submerging the leaves, as prolonged underwater growth can cause them to deteriorate.

Golden Pothos is also toxic if ingested, so it should be kept away from pets or children that may chew on the plant.

Ideal For

• Freshwater aquariums with open tops

• Planted and natural-style aquariums

• Shrimp tanks

• Paludariums and ripariums

• Aquarists looking for fast-growing nutrient-absorbing plants

• Beginners seeking an easy-to-maintain plant

Additional Notes
Golden Pothos is an excellent emersed plant for freshwater aquariums. Its attractive foliage, rapid growth, and ability to utilise nutrients from aquarium water make it both decorative and functional. For the best results, provide bright indirect light, keep the roots submerged while maintaining the foliage above the water, and regularly trim or propagate excess growth to keep the plant manageable.

Important: Golden Pothos should not be treated as a fully aquatic plant. It is best used as an emersed plant with its roots in the aquarium and its leaves above the water.