Golden Pothos Goldilocks

Golden Pothos 'Goldilocks' (Epipremnum aureum 'Goldilocks') is the all gold form of the plant most Australians know as devil's ivy. Where the common pothos is green splashed with cream, this one carries almost solid chartreuse to butter yellow leaves, which lifts a dim shelf without needing a flowering plant. Trailing or climbing it runs to about 2m, and it grows fast enough to look established within a season.

Why you'll love it

• Colour from foliage alone. The near solid gold leaf reads as a highlight in a room of green plants, and it never needs to flower to do it.
• Fast to fill a space. Stems extend quickly in warm months, so a small plant becomes a proper trailing curtain within a year.
• Tolerant of neglect. It handles a missed watering and dry indoor air far better than most tropical foliage plants.
• Grows either way. Let it trail from a hanging pot, or give it a moss pole and the leaves get noticeably larger as it climbs.

Where it works best

Indoors on shelves and in hanging pots. Position it within a couple of metres of a bright window but out of direct sun. Good light keeps the gold strong.

Pots and containers. A 200mm pot suits one plant for a year or two. Group three around the rim of a wider pot for a full curtain sooner.

Sheltered balconies and courtyards. In tropical and subtropical gardens it grows outdoors in bright shade, climbing a post or a shaded wall.

Growing Golden Pothos 'Goldilocks' in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light indoors anywhere in the country. Outdoors it is limited to tropical and subtropical zones in shade, because it is frost tender and cold below about 10 degrees marks the leaves. In temperate and cool gardens grow it inside all year.

Soil. A free draining indoor mix with added perlite or bark. Repot in spring every two years, or when roots start circling the drainage holes.

Water and feed. Let the top third of the mix dry out, then water thoroughly and let it drain. It is far more forgiving of dryness than of soggy mix. Feed monthly with a diluted liquid fertiliser in spring and summer only.

Pruning. Trim any stem back to just above a leaf node whenever it gets straggly, and the plant branches from that point. Cuttings root readily in water, the simplest way to thicken a thin pot.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in two sizes: tube stock, and a 200mm pack of six. Tubes are young rooted plants with a few leaves, best potted up and grown on. The 200mm pack of six gives instant trailing length, or enough plants for a whole shelf in one order.

Plants are packed upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a settling fortnight, then new leaves within four to six weeks in warm conditions. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Why variegated plants behave differently
• Browse the full indoor plant range
• More coloured and patterned foliage plants
• How to repot without setting a plant back

Common questions

Why are the new leaves coming through green?

Not enough light. Gold foliage carries less chlorophyll, so the plant compensates by greening up in dim conditions. Move it closer to a bright window and the next flush returns to colour.

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

No. All pothos are toxic to cats and dogs, causing mouth irritation and vomiting if chewed. Hang it well clear of pets, or choose a pet safe plant instead.

Does it need a moss pole?

Only if you want larger leaves. Trailing from a shelf the leaves stay small and neat; climbing a pole they can double in size over a couple of seasons.

Why are the leaf edges browning?

Usually dry air, or fertiliser salts in the mix. Flush the pot with plain water every few months and keep it clear of air conditioning vents.