Golden Pothos is a true gem in the world of plants and Feng Shui! As a Feng Shui expert, let me reveal to you the wonders of this special plant, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, but also known as Devil’s Ivy, Silver Vine, or simply Pothos.
Originating from the lush forests of Solomon Islands, Golden Pothos has become a beloved plant in households thanks to its heart-shaped leaves and cascading vines. Its foliage blends the alluring shades of green, yellow, and sometimes white, making it a stunning focal point in your living space.
This healthy tropical plant is a champion of adaptability, thriving in various light conditions from low light to indirect sunlight, making it a popular indoor plant. You may wonder why Golden Pothos is used in Feng Shui, right? It’s because it symbolizes the desire to climb to success in life. Now, let’s explore the meaning, benefits, and care tips for Pothos plants with LotusBuddhas!
Meaning of Golden Pothos in Feng Shui
In feng shui, Golden Pothos symbolizes growth and renewal. It is like a beacon of positive energy, always reaching and spreading its fresh green color wherever it goes. When placed in the right position, it can bring a breath of fresh air to the space, inviting good luck, wealth and a sense of peace.
According to the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, Golden Pothos is suitable for those born in the year of the Horse and the year of the Monkey. As for Five Elements, Pothos is compatible with those whose attributes are Wood, Fire, and Water. For those who want to advance in their careers, Devil’s Ivy is an excellent choice because of its spiritual significance.
How to use Golden Pothos to attract luck and wealth
I always remind my clients that to fully benefit from the money tree, specifically Golden Pothos, it is important to take good care of it.
To enhance your wealth, place your Golden Pothos in the southeast corner of your home or office. In Feng Shui, this area is known as the “Wealth and Abundance” gua, and having a thriving plant there will help invigorate the flow of prosperity.
To further amplify Pothos’ money-attracting power, use a pot in colors of gold, red, or purple – symbolizing wealth and abundance. And don’t forget to choose a pot with good drainage, as nobody wants their plant to be waterlogged.
As your Golden Pothos grows, let it climb and trail along a trellis or even just stack it on a shelf. In Feng Shui, climbing plants represent growth and expansion, which is exactly what you want to attract when seeking wealth and good fortune.
How to care for Golden Pothos when growing indoors
Golden Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum as botanists call it, is a tough plant that adapts well to indoor conditions. It not only serves as a beautiful decoration for your space but is also relatively easy to care for.
Golden Pothos is not too picky about lighting conditions. However, it prefers bright, indirect sunlight like most indoor plants. The best position is near a window, but don’t worry if your space lacks natural light! This hardy plant can tolerate low light conditions, although its growth rate may slow down a bit.
You should allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry before watering your Pothos. Generally, you should water your Pothos once every 1-2 weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of the environment.
As for temperature, Golden Pothos can adapt to a wide range of temperatures, but it’s happiest in a room with temperatures ranging from 65-85°F (18-29°C). Just make sure to keep it away from drafty windows and heating or cooling vents, as severe temperature fluctuations can cause it to become sick.
You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). In the fall and winter, you can reduce the amount of fertilizer because the plant is in a dormant state.
Moreover, to control the shape of your Pothos, you should trim it. This not only makes the plant bushier growth and more vibrant but also enhances its feng shui energy.
Common problems of Golden Pothos
Although Golden Pothos is a healthy and easy-to-grow plant, as a living organism, it can still encounter some common problems.
Yellow leaves
This can be due to several factors, such as overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light. Overwatering is the most common cause, as it leads to root rot. Make sure you’re letting the top inch or two of the soil dry out before watering your Pothos again. Alternatively, if the soil is too dry, increase your watering frequency.
Brown leaf tips or edges
This is often caused by low humidity, underwatering, or excessive fertilizer use. To increase humidity, you can mist the plant, place a tray with water and pebbles under the pot, or use a humidifier. Be mindful of your watering routine and adjust accordingly, and be sure not to over-fertilize your Pothos.
Wilting
If your Pothos is wilting, it could be due to underwatering or root rot. Check the soil moisture and water the plant if necessary. If the roots are mushy or have a foul smell, root rot might be the culprit. In this case, remove the affected roots, repot the plant in fresh soil, and adjust your watering habits.
Leggy or spindly growth
This can happen when your Pothos is not getting enough light. Move it to a location with bright, indirect sunlight to encourage bushier growth. If the plant has grown too leggy, you can trim it back and propagate the cuttings.
Pests
Golden Pothos can sometimes be affected by common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. You can often spot these pests on the leaves and stems. Treat the infestation by wiping the leaves with a mixture of water and a few drops of mild dish soap, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil as directed.
Here are some common issues of Golden Pothos that I have researched on the University of Florida website. By addressing these common problems and maintaining proper care, your Golden Pothos will thrive and fulfill its potential in air purification as well as attracting luck and prosperity to your home.
Benefits of having a Golden Pothos in your home
Some of my customers have mentioned that Golden Pothos helps them reduce stress when they look at the fresh green leaves decorated with yellow and white streaks. Indeed, this is a beloved indoor plant for many people because of the benefits it brings.
Air purification
According to studies conducted by NASA, Golden Pothos is an excellent air purifier. It helps remove common indoor air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment in your home.
Low-maintenance
Golden Pothos is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of light conditions and is relatively easy to care for. Its forgiving nature makes it an ideal choice for busy homeowners or those new to gardening.
Aesthetic appeal
The vibrant, variegated green leaves of Golden Pothos can brighten up any space and add a touch of natural beauty to your home. Its trailing growth habit makes it perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a climbing plant on a support structure.
Boosts mood and reduces stress
Studies have shown that having plants in your home can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. The presence of Golden Pothos can contribute to a more relaxed and positive atmosphere in your living space.
Increased humidity
Golden Pothos, like most plants, releases moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. This can help increase humidity levels in your home, which may be beneficial during dry seasons or in air-conditioned spaces.
Fosters creativity and focus
Having plants in your home or workspace can help increase concentration and productivity. Golden Pothos can be an attractive and practical addition to your office or study area, providing both visual appeal and potential cognitive benefits.
If you’re a busy person with limited time to care for indoor plants, Pothos is a perfect choice. Not only is it a great indoor plant to freshen up your space, Golden Pothos also provides some health, happiness, and feng shui benefits.
Types of Pothos
In this article, I only share with you about Golden Pothos, but did you know that there are many different types of Pothos, from leaf colors to shapes? Here are some of the most popular Pothos cultivars:
Golden Pothos
This is the most common variety, characterized by its bright green leaves with distinctive yellow marbling. The variegation is more pronounced when the plant receives ample indirect sunlight.
Marble Queen
This eye-catching variety features striking white and green variegated leaves, giving it a stunning marble-like appearance. It grows more slowly than other varieties and requires bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant variegation.
Neon Pothos
With its vibrant, solid chartreuse leaves, the Neon Pothos is a striking addition to any space. The brilliant color makes this variety stand out from the rest.
Pearls and Jade
This variety is similar to the Marble Queen but has smaller, more intricate variegation. The green leaves are adorned with white and silvery-gray marbling, creating an elegant, pearl-like effect.
Manjula Pothos
Manjula Pothos has broad, wavy leaves with white, green, and silver variegation. It’s a patented variety developed by the University of Florida and has a more compact growth habit compared to other Pothos varieties.
Jessenia Pothos
Jessenia Pothos showcases a lovely mix of green and yellow-gold variegation. The variegation pattern can vary, with some leaves having more gold and others displaying more green.
Cebu Blue
Though not technically a Golden Pothos, Cebu Blue is a closely related species that’s often included in discussions about Pothos varieties. This unique plant features elongated, silvery-blue leaves that add a touch of elegance to any space.
Each of Pothos offers its own unique charm, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your personal taste and home decor.
FAQ
How fast does Golden Pothos grow?
As I mentioned, Epipremnum aureum is a fairly robust plant. Under optimal conditions, you’ll see this lush green beauty spread its tendrils at an impressive rate.
On average, Golden Pothos can grow about 1-2 feet per year, but in ideal conditions, it can grow even faster. It’s not uncommon to see these plants reach lengths of 6-10 feet in a relatively short period of time with proper care and a suitable environment.
How often should I water my Golden Pothos?
How to water is a common question among plant enthusiasts. I can assure you that finding the right balance is the key to keeping your Golden Pothos healthy and thriving.
Golden Pothos is a tropical plant, so it likes water. However, you should not water too much as it can lead to root rot. As usual, you need to check if the soil is dry or moist by touching the soil layer about 2 inches down with your finger. If it’s dry, then you can water it. Typically, this will happen once every 1-2 weeks, depending on factors such as pot size, soil type, and the environment in your home.
Remember that the frequency may change depending on the season. In warmer months, your Pothos may need more frequent watering, while in colder months or when the plant is in a dormant state, you may reduce the frequency.
You should also pay attention to the leaves of your Pothos. If they start drooping or wilting, it may be a sign that the plant needs to be watered. On the other hand, if the leaves turn yellow, you may have watered too much and it’s time to cut back.
How to propagate Golden Pothos?
When you own a healthy and beautiful Golden Pothos, you may want to propagate it to grow in other places or give to your friends. Luckily, Golden Pothos is very easy to propagate. Let me guide you through the process. There are two popular methods for propagating Golden Pothos: water propagation and soil propagation. Let’s dive into both:
1. Water propagation:
- First, grab a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
- Look for a healthy vine on your Pothos, and snip off a 4-6 inch cutting just below a leaf node (that’s the little bump where the leaf meets the stem). Make sure your cutting has at least 3-4 leaves.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving just the top two or three leaves on the cutting. This will help the cutting focus its energy on root development.
- Pop your cutting into a jar or glass of water, making sure that the leafless part of the stem is submerged. Keep the leaves above the water to prevent rot.
- Place the jar in a bright spot with indirect light, and watch as roots begin to sprout in a couple of weeks. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
- Once the roots are about an inch or two long, you can transplant the cutting into a pot with well-draining soil.
2. Soil propagation:
- Follow steps a-c from the water propagation method to prepare your cutting.
- Fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix, and make a hole in the center with your finger or a pencil.
- Insert the leafless part of the cutting into the hole, and gently firm the soil around the stem to secure it in place.
- Water the cutting gently, and place a plastic bag or clear plastic cup over the cutting to create a mini-greenhouse. This will help maintain humidity and encourage root growth.
- Keep the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect light, and monitor the soil moisture, watering as needed.
- In a few weeks, your cutting should establish roots and begin to grow. Remove the plastic covering once the cutting is well-rooted and shows new growth.
Propagating Golden Pothos is as easy as pie, and with a little patience and care, you’ll soon have a whole new generation of these lovely, air-purifying plants. Happy propagating!
Is Golden Pothos toxic to pets?
Although Golden Pothos is a beautiful plant and provides many benefits to your living space, it harmful to pets. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause some discomfort if ingested by our furry friends.
If a dog or cat decides to chew on your Pothos, they may experience symptoms such as mouth itching, swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Although this issue usually does not pose a life-threatening risk, it can still be uncomfortable for your pets. Therefore, be sure to hang your Pothos pot high up and out of reach of your pets!
Golden Pothos is truly amazing, isn’t it! Through the sharing of feng shui expert Phung Phuong, LotusBuddhas hopes that you have more options for planting indoor plants to bring luck, prosperity, and overall health to your family.
