Epipremnum
Epipremnum: easy trailing and climbing houseplant
Epipremnum is a resilient green houseplant with long vines and heart-shaped leaves. It can trail, climb or grow along a shelf, which makes it a practical choice for living rooms, offices and smaller spaces. Epipremnum prefers a bright position without strong midday sun, but also tolerates partial shade.
Keep the plant out of reach of pets that tend to chew on leaves.
Want to know more about watering, propagation, yellow leaves and the right position? Read our Epipremnum care guide.
Pothos — Frequently asked questions
How do I choose between trailing, climbing or compact pothos?
Choose trailing types if you want soft cascades from hanging baskets, shelves or high cupboards. Choose climbing forms if you want vertical green on a moss pole, trellis or to cover a column — they develop larger leaves as they climb. Choose compact or younger plants for small pots, desks or low shelves where space is limited. All forms share similar light and water needs, so base the choice mainly on the shape and location you want to fill.
What light and location suit pothos best indoors?
Pothos grow best in bright, indirect light; this keeps variegation clear and growth vigorous. They tolerate lower light but will grow more slowly and variegated leaves may become greener. Avoid prolonged direct sun on leaves and place them where temperature stays steady (not near cold drafts). Bathrooms with moderate light suit pothos if humidity is higher, while bright living rooms bring out the best foliage contrast.
How should I water, prune and care for pothos to keep them healthy?
Let the top few centimetres of potting mix dry before watering; water thoroughly then allow good drainage. Reduce watering in cooler months. Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix and feed lightly during the main growing season. Prune to control length and encourage bushier growth—cut just above a leaf node and root cuttings in water or soil to make new plants. Repot when roots become crowded, typically every 1–2 years for actively growing specimens.
How can I use different pothos types and leaf colours for visual effect?
Select deep-green forms for a lush, low-maintenance backdrop in darker corners; choose variegated forms to brighten areas and add contrast where light is better. Large-leaved climbing types make bold vertical accents; smaller-leaved or trailing types soften shelves and window ledges. Combine heights, pot sizes and textures to create layered displays or use a trained climber as a living room focal point.