Green Dragon Pothos

Green Dragon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum 'Green Dragon') is an evergreen trailing vine with plain green, heart-shaped leaves. It is a quick grower, about 30cm tall in a pot and trailing a metre or more, and it is the classic low-fuss foliage plant for hanging baskets, shelves and shady corners. Keep it out of reach of pets, because pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.

Why you'll love it

• Easy for beginners. It asks for little beyond bright, indirect light and a drink when the top of the soil is dry.
• Quick and trailing. It cascades from a hanging pot or climbs a post, so it fills space fast.
• Green all year. The evergreen heart-shaped leaves stay vibrant through every season.
• Forgives lower light. It thrives in bright, indirect light, and tolerates lower light conditions too.
• Changes as it matures. Older, larger plants outdoors can develop divided leaves, like a Swiss cheese plant (Monstera).

Where it works best

Hanging baskets and shelves. Plant one per hanging pot so the vines cascade freely. A single healthy plant will trail well past a metre.

Tree bases in tropical gardens. In frost-free tropical gardens, plant at the base of a tree and let it climb the trunk, 40cm apart if you want a thick cover.

Bright rooms. Indoors, a position near a window with bright, filtered light suits it, away from hot direct sun.

Growing Green Dragon Pothos in Australia

Position and climate. Bright, indirect light is best, and it tolerates lower light. Plant in a sheltered position and avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaf. Outdoors it suits frost-free tropical and subtropical gardens, and it is frost tender, so elsewhere grow it indoors or on a covered patio. Planted in the ground in warm, humid regions it can climb hard and escape, so we suggest pots or baskets there.

Soil. A free-draining potting mix in a pot with drainage holes suits it. In a basket, a mix with some coir or bark keeps the roots moist but never soggy.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it settles in, for about 12 weeks, then whenever the top of the soil feels dry during the growing season. A slow release fertiliser in spring is all the feeding it needs.

Pruning. Remove any dead leaves. Pinch back long runners if you want a fuller plant, or let them trail for length.

What to expect when it arrives

Green Dragon Pothos is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Expect a small plant with a few short runners. Pot it on into a basket or pot with a few plants together, and it will fill out quickly in warm weather.

The tubes come from our grower, who does not always have them. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is available again.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all pothos and devil's ivy
• House and indoor plants
• Indoor plant tips for beginners
• Pet friendly indoor plants

Common questions

Is pothos safe for pets?

No. Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if the leaves or stems are chewed, so hang it out of reach or choose a pet friendly indoor plant instead.

How much light does it need?

Bright, indirect light is ideal, though it tolerates lower light. Direct sun scorches the leaves, so keep it back from a hot window.

Can I grow it outside?

Yes, in frost-free tropical and subtropical gardens, in a sheltered spot. It is frost tender, so in colder regions keep it indoors.