How to Grow and Care for Hawaiian Pothos

The Hawaiian Pothos, Epipremnum aureum ‘Hawaiian’, is a robust and visually striking variant of the common pothos. It is celebrated for its large, heart-shaped leaves that feature vibrant, golden-yellow variegation. This plant’s hardiness and decorative appeal make it a popular choice for adding a tropical feel to indoor spaces.

Identifying Hawaiian Pothos

Distinguishing a Hawaiian Pothos from other varieties, particularly the Golden Pothos, comes down to visual cues. The most notable difference is the size of the leaves; Hawaiian Pothos leaves grow significantly larger under similar indoor conditions, and a mature leaf can be larger than your hand.

The variegation pattern is another identifier. While both types feature golden-yellow splashes, the Hawaiian Pothos displays larger, more pronounced patches of a lighter, creamier yellow. In contrast, the Golden Pothos has smaller, scattered flecks of a deeper golden hue. The growth habit of the Hawaiian Pothos is also faster due to its larger leaf surface area.

Hawaiian Pothos Care Guide

Light

Proper lighting is important for maintaining the health and vibrant variegation of your Hawaiian Pothos. This plant thrives in bright, indirect sunlight, and an east or west-facing window is often ideal. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, its growth may slow and the golden variegation might become less distinct. Avoid placing it in prolonged, direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Water

The Hawaiian Pothos prefers its soil to dry out slightly between waterings. A reliable method is to check the top inch of soil with your finger; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, and discard any excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a more common issue than underwatering for this plant.

Soil

A well-draining potting mix is important for a Hawaiian Pothos. Standard houseplant soil amended with perlite or orchid bark will provide the necessary aeration and drainage. The pot must have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Repotting is needed every one to two years, or when the plant becomes root-bound.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant prefers warm and humid conditions. Ideal temperatures range between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid placing the plant near drafts or cold windows, as sudden temperature fluctuations can cause stress. While it can adapt to average household humidity, it will flourish with higher humidity levels.

Fertilizer

To support its growth, feed your Hawaiian Pothos during its growing season in the spring and summer. A balanced, all-purpose houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength is sufficient. Apply it once a month to damp soil. It is not necessary to fertilize during the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.

Propagating Hawaiian Pothos

Propagating Hawaiian Pothos through stem cuttings is a straightforward way to create new plants or make your current one fuller. The best time to propagate is during the spring and summer growing season.

Using clean scissors, take a cutting from a healthy vine that has at least two leaves and a few nodes (the small bumps where roots sprout). Remove the lowest leaf to expose a node. You can then root the cutting in either water or soil.

For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of water with the nodes submerged. Set the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly. Roots should form in two to four weeks; transfer the cutting to soil once the roots are an inch or two long.

Common Issues and Solutions

Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering, so ensure the soil dries out and the pot has adequate drainage. Fading variegation and leggy growth (long stems with sparse leaves) both indicate insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter location and pruning long vines can restore its appearance and encourage fuller growth.

Inspect your plant regularly for pests like spider mites. Note that Hawaiian Pothos is mildly toxic to pets and humans if ingested, causing mouth and stomach irritation.