Pothos Aureus Plant Buying Guide In New Zealand – Care Tips & More

Pothos is famously adaptable when it comes to lighting, making it ideal for New Zealand homes with varied conditions. Whether you're in a bright Auckland apartment or a shaded Wellington flat, this plant adjusts with ease.
‍Best Light:
Moderate to bright, indirect light is ideal. Pothos will flourish near east- or west-facing windows where it gets soft sunlight. It can even thrive under fluorescent lights, making it great for offices or low-light corners.
‍Low-Light Friendly?
Absolutely. Pothos tolerates low light like a champ—but you may notice slower growth and paler or less variegated leaves. That’s okay—it’s still healthy, just conserving energy. Perfect for bedrooms, bathrooms, or shaded hallways.
‍Direct Sun? Not So Fast.
Avoid direct, harsh sun (like north-facing windows during summer), as it can scorch those beautiful heart-shaped leaves. If you're placing it near strong light, use a sheer curtain to filter the rays.

💡 Pro Tip: If your Pothos becomes “leggy” (long vines with fewer leaves), that’s a sign it needs more light. Move it closer to a window or add a grow light to give it a boost.

One of the best things about Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) is its flexibility—it adapts to the space you have, whether you're living large or keeping it cozy.
‍
‍Compact or Climbing – It’s Your Call:
Pothos can be styled to fit any setting. Want it bushy and compact? Just trim the vines regularly, and it’ll stay neat in a small pot on a shelf or desk. Prefer a lush, trailing look? Let it grow and cascade from a hanging basket or shelf edge. It can also be trained to climb along a moss pole or trellis for more vertical impact.
‍Perfect for Tight Spots:
Even if your space is minimal—like a bathroom ledge, tiny entryway, or bookshelf—Pothos works. It’s a classic for renters, students, or anyone in an apartment where every inch matters.
‍Scalable Style:
Because it grows quickly in the right conditions, Pothos gives you the flexibility to “scale” your greenery. Start with a small pot, and as the plant grows, move it to larger spaces—or propagate the vines to create multiple plants around your home.

🧠 Space-Saving Tip: Hang your Pothos in a macramé planter near a window or use it as a trailing accent on a high shelf—it’ll thrive while freeing up precious surface space.

Pothos thrives in typical indoor temperatures ranging from 16°C to 27°C. That’s your cozy lounge, office corner, or kitchen window—no special setup needed.

‍What to Avoid:
‍❄️ Cold drafts or chills: Try to keep your Pothos away from open windows in winter or chilly hallways where the temperature drops below 10°C. Cold air can damage the leaves.
🔥 Extreme heat: Avoid placing your plant right next to heaters or fireplaces. Sudden heat surges can stress the plant or dry it out too quickly.

Pothos is known for its elegant, trailing vines that can quickly transform any space into a lush, tropical corner. Indoors, it grows by sending out long, flexible stems that can cascade several feet down from shelves, baskets, or windowsills. Given the right conditions, the vines can easily grow up to two meters or more, making it a dramatic yet manageable plant.

The leaves are heart-shaped and glossy, often starting small but becoming larger and more vibrant as the plant matures—especially when grown in bright, indirect light. You can let Pothos trail freely for a wild, natural look, or you can train it to climb a moss pole or trellis for a more upright, sculptural effect.

In lower light, it tends to grow more slowly and may produce longer vines with more space between leaves. But with consistent light and the occasional trim, it becomes full, bushy, and beautifully dense. Regular pruning at the tips not only keeps it tidy but also encourages more compact, vigorous growth. This makes Pothos an ideal choice whether you're styling a hanging planter, filling an empty corner, or decorating a bookshelf.

No matter how you style it, Pothos adapts easily to its space—and with the right encouragement, it will happily sprawl or climb to match your vision.

If you’re after a houseplant that’s almost impossible to mess up, Pothos is your best friend. Known for being one of the easiest indoor plants to care for, it’s a great option for beginners, frequent travelers, or anyone with a forgetful watering routine.

✅ Watering
Pothos prefers to dry out between waterings. Water only when the top 2–3 cm (1 inch) of the soil feels dry. It’s better to underwater than overwater—soggy soil can lead to root rot. Depending on your environment, this could be once every 1–2 weeks.

🌿 Feeding
Feed with a balanced houseplant fertiliser every 2 weeks during the growing season (spring to early autumn). In winter, monthly feeding is enough.

🧼 Cleaning
Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth once a month to remove dust and keep them glossy. This also improves photosynthesis, especially in lower light rooms.

✂️ Pruning
Minimal pruning is needed. Clip back long vines to control size and promote bushier growth. If vines get leggy, just trim them near a leaf node.

⏱️ Time Commitment Summary:
✅ Water: Every 1–2 weeks
✅ Fertilise: Every 2 weeks (spring–autumn), monthly in winter
✅ Dust: Monthly
✅ Prune: Occasionally

Pothos is one of those plants that just keeps on giving. With the right care, a single plant can live for 10 years or more. In fact, when propagated from healthy cuttings and maintained in fresh, well-draining soil, Pothos can live indefinitely. Many plant parents enjoy keeping their original plant alive for years by trimming, repotting, and re-rooting vines, which keeps the growth looking full and vibrant.

Yes, Pothos is considered mildly toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause irritation and discomfort when chewed or swallowed. For pets like cats and dogs, symptoms may include drooling, oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. In children, it can cause a burning sensation in the mouth, swelling, and nausea.

To get the most out of your Pothos plant and keep it looking lush and vibrant, a few thoughtful additions can go a long way.

‍Pot with Drainage
Pothos hates soggy roots. Make sure you choose a decorative pot with proper drainage holes or pair a nursery pot with a stylish outer cover pot to catch excess water.
🧪 Balanced Liquid Fertilizer
A general-purpose houseplant fertilizer—ideally a balanced 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula—helps boost growth during the growing season (spring through fall). Go for liquid form and dilute it to half strength.
🧼 Soft Microfiber Cloth
Because Pothos has large, glossy leaves, dust can build up quickly and block photosynthesis. A microfiber cloth makes it easy to wipe them clean and keep your plant breathing and glowing.
🌿 Moss Pole or Trellis
If you'd like your Pothos to climb, give it a support structure. A moss pole or trellis not only helps mimic its natural growing habit but also adds a decorative element to your space.
💧 Moisture Meter (Optional)
If you're prone to overwatering, a basic moisture meter can be a plant-saver. It tells you exactly when your pothos needs a drink.These simple additions can help your pothos thrive while elevating your plant care experience.