Can Red-eared Sliders eat Pothos?
Epipremnum aureum
Safety verdict
Toxic
Why
[confidence: high] [source: Exotic reptile veterinarian review (e.g., Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians literature), The Tortoise Table plant database cross-referenced for aquatic chelonians, and peer-reviewed herpetology or veterinary toxicology journal on calcium oxalate toxicity in chelonians] Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, swelling, and gastrointestinal distress in red-eared sliders; repeated exposure can contribute to systemic calcium oxalate issues. It is considered a toxic plant for aquatic turtles and should be kept out of their enclosure entirely.
How much / how often
None — should not be offered at any quantity
Preparation
No preparation method neutralizes the calcium oxalate crystals sufficiently to make this plant safe; avoid entirely
Reviewed by admin on May 2026