Epipremnum aureum

Golden pothos is among the species tested in the NASA Clean Air Study (Wolverton et al. 1989, TM-101766) for the removal of gaseous indoor air pollutants in sealed chambers. In those sealed test chambers it removed measurable amounts of formaldehyde, benzene and xylene with moderate efficiency. Follow-up work (Cummings & Waring 2020) shows that the achievable purification effect in real-world rooms is practically negligible compared with normal air exchange through ventilation.

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Epipremnum aureum is one of the most popular houseplants worldwide and is considered almost indestructible. It is grown indoors as a hanging plant, as a climber on moss poles, or as a groundcover. Its tolerance of low light, irregular watering and drought makes it a classic beginner plant.

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Like many indoor plants, golden pothos can contribute to occupant wellbeing: controlled studies on indoor greenery show effects on perceived stress, concentration and the quality of the environment. These effects are documented for indoor plants in general and are not specific to this species.

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In tropical and subtropical landscapes, Epipremnum aureum is used as a creeping or climbing ornamental in parks and gardens. In Florida, Hawaii, Australia, Southeast Asia and many Pacific islands, however, it is regarded as invasive: it smothers native vegetation, climbs high into the canopy and alters entire forest ecosystems. Outdoor planting in tropical regions is therefore problematic.

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Epipremnum aureum is extremely easy to propagate vegetatively: stem cuttings with one node and an aerial root develop roots in a glass of water within two to three weeks and can then be potted on. This makes it a classic exchange and gift plant in the houseplant community.

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