Her Name is Plantette

Potting the cuttings from Plantette in my office was so much fun!

Plantette is a 30 year old Golden Pothos, that my husband brought home from his Mother’s Memorial.   

To him, she represented all the great memories that Mom’s worldwide instill in their children. And, as such ,she is an honored member of our family, and is on display proudly in our sweet little home. Now, being empty nesters, Michael and I downsized from our larger homes about ten years ago.  So our home now is just right for the two of us, our cats and of course Plantette!

Caring for Plantette has been fairly easy. Golden Pothos are “epiphytes” so they literally can live off just the air they photosynthesize. If they are potted, however, they do require regular prunning, watering, and an occasional new pot. Plantette has had about 3 new pots in the last 20 years, as she grew larger.

After prunning, I have let those cuttings run wild throughout our outdoor gardens. Plantettes’ “babies” are now everywhere. Growing up the palms and getting quite large leaf faces, to tender little vines running along the edges of our slabs by the garage and carport….I have even put cuttings in festive pots and brought them to my office,

Better Homes and Gardens Destinations, at mile marker 99.3 Oceanside.

If you stopped by our “Keys Livingroom” at the 2026 Gardenwalk and scanned the QR code attached to the cutting from Plantette, you probably landed on this page. I wanted to let you know that the little cutting you walked away with comes from good stock! And here’s a few tips to keep your own “plantette” growing strong:

Water sparringly, like a little sip every couple of days. Misting is good anytime, and tells the little plant someone is around who really cares.

Indirect light is best, and they will tell you if the light is wrong by their leaves turing lighter if too much sun, and darker green in the “just right” light.

When the Pothos shows signs of a major growth spurt ie: many leaves start to dangle and show “epipheets” it may be time to either prune it to keep it in the same small pot, or transplant to a larger pot.

You may also choose to let it run free! Our January/February 2026  issue of BHG , page 17 shows just how great these plants can be, when allowed to run free in an area of indirect light in your home.

An important thing to remember is that Pothos are air scrubbers. During the day they filter the light they absorb and release pure oxygen into your air. At night they release carbon dioxide.  While it’s ok to have them in bedrooms during the day, it’s best to move them to an area just outside the room at night.

I hope you enjoy this wonderful little plant, and that it lives as long (or longer!) than it’s Mom, who is still going strong. If I can share any other tips to help you on your garden adventure, please let me know. Whether cultivating gardens or guiding home journeys, I love helping things grow, so please feel free to reach out.

Yours In The Home And Garden!

Eileen