Pothos, the most famous of all hanging plants
Epipremnum aureum
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Epipremnum
- Species
- Epipremnum aureum
Other names:Epipremnum pinnatum 'Aureum', Pothos aureus, Scindapsus, Scindapsus aureus, Rhaphidophora aurea
Among plant enthusiasts, the Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is undoubtedly the only species capable of rivaling monstera deliciosa. Grown for its decorative foliage, this araceae native to Polynesia and the Solomon Islands has become a classic houseplant.
How can you identify the Pothos, Epipremnum aureum?
Pothos is an evergreen perennial plant. Its growth habit depends on its growing conditions. In its native tropical forests, this semi-epiphytic vine twines around trees and grows as a climber. But it creeps along the ground or hangs down when no support is available. Do you grow your pothos in a pot indoors? Its stems can reach three meters in length. That's impressive, but much shorter than in the wild, where its vines can exceed 20 meters!
The cylindrical, green stems are sometimes streaked with yellow or white. They measure no more than four centimeters in diameter and bear aerial roots.
The leaves are attached to the stem by a smooth petiole. Glossy and heart-shaped, they grow larger when the plant can climb a support. They can reach 90 centimeters long and 45 centimeters wide. If you've chosen to grow your pothos as a hanging plant, the leaves will be no more than 20 centimeters long.
The color of the foliage varies depending on the cultivar and hybrid. In the botanical Epipremnum aureum, the leaf blades are bright green, either solid or streaked with cream. But the leaves of Epipremnum aureum 'Néon' are bright green, almost fluorescent. Pothos 'N'Joy, on the other hand, has light green leaves with white variegation.
You're unlikely to see your pothos bloom in your living room. However, in its natural habitat, the plant produces a greenish spadix surrounded by a rounded spathe.
Epipremnum aureum is toxic. Its leaves and stems contain calcium oxalate crystals. This substance causes digestive and respiratory problems if ingested. Small pets, such as cats, are particularly sensitive to it.
Our care tips
The Pothos are not difficult to care for. Regular watering, a little moisture, a pot optimized for drainage and a little fertilizer are all that's needed.
Watering
Keep the soil slightly moist. Water only when the substrate is dry on the surface, for one or two centimeters.
Water with non-calcareous water at room temperature, without soaking the soil.
Thirty minutes after watering, empty any stagnant water from the cup. This will keep the roots dry and prevent them from rotting.
Misting
Spray foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Fogging helps improve humidity, clean leaves and control pests.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Epipremnum aureum to give it more space.
Repot your Pothos in a pot one size larger than the previous one.
If you've decided to give your plant a climbing habit, install your stake now.
Pour in a bed of clay balls or gravel for drainage and a layer of potting soil for houseplants. Plant your Pothos in the center and add substrate. You can guide the stems along the stake to structure the shape of your plant.
Tamp to remove air bubbles.
If your indoor air is dry, place the pot on a saucer of moist clay balls. Water evaporation improves humidity.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Epipremnum aureum, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Apply green plant fertilizer in addition to watering.
Cleaning
Dust on the leaves slows down photosynthesis and hinders your plant's growth. Clean foliage with a clean, damp sponge. This operation also helps prevent invasions by mites and other pests.
Pinch
Pinch your Epipremnum aureum during its growing season.
There may be several reasons why you want to deadhead your Epipremnum aureum: to contain its growth, to multiply the plant or to stimulate its development.
Use your fingers or sharp, disinfected secateurs to cut between two knots.
Wear gloves when handling your plant.
Wear gloves when handling your plant.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Cut a stem at least ten centimeters long using sharp, clean pruning shears.
Remove the flowers and leaves at the base, keeping only those at the tip.
Remove the flowers and leaves at the base, keeping only those at the tip.
Immerse your stem in a glass of water at room temperature. Place the cutting in a sunny, draught-free spot. Remember to change the water to keep it clear.
When the roots are at least three centimetres long, you can repot your young shoot.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Clay soilHumus soilSandy soil
- Planting method
- In pots
- Categories
- ClimberIndoorHanging plants
- Tags
- BeginnerSmall potToxic
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11a (4.4°C ≤ T° < 7.2°C)
- Leaf colors
- Light greenWhite
- Flower color
- Pale green
Discover plants from the same family
Pothos 'Manjula'
Epipremnum aureum 'Manjula'
Pothos 'N'Joy'
Epipremnum aureum 'N'Joy'
Pothos 'Néon'
Epipremnum aureum 'Néon'
Pothos 'Marble Queen'
Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen'
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