Epipremnum aureum

Credit: Dinesh Valke

Epipremnum aureum

Credit: Harsh Anjaria

Epipremnum aureum root system

Credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Epipremnum aureum

Credit: Forest and Kim Starr

Pothos, the most famous of all hanging plants

Among plant-addicts, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is probably the only species capable of challenging monstera deliciosa. Grown for its decorative foliage, this rootstock native to Polynesia and the Solomon Islands has become a classic houseplant.

How to recognize the pothos, Epipremnum aureum?

Pothos is an evergreen perennial. Its habit depends on the conditions in which it is grown. In its native tropical forests, this hemiepiphytic vine wraps itself around trees and adopts a climbing habit. But it crawls or falls back in the absence of support. Do you grow your pothos indoors in pots? Its stems can grow up to three meters long. That's good, but much less than in the wild, where its vines exceed 20 meters!

The cylindrical, green stems are sometimes streaked with yellow or white. They measure no more than four centimetres in diameter and bear aerial roots.

Leaves are attached to the stem by a hairless petiole. Shiny and heart-shaped, they are larger when the plant can climb on a stake. They then reach 90 centimetres long and 45 centimetres wide. If you've chosen to grow your pothos in suspension, they'll be 20 centimetres long at best.

Foliage color varies according to cultivar and hybrid. For the botanical Epipremnum aureum, the leaf blades are bright green, plain or streaked with cream. Pothos 'N'Joy other hand, has light-green leaves with white variegation.

You're unlikely to see your Pothos blooming in your living room. However, in its natural environment, 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.

Our maintenance tips

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.

Spray

Spray foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Fogging helps improve humidity, clean leaves and control pests.

Repotting

Every 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.

Cutting

Cutting 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.

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

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Epipremnum - Epipremnum
Species	Epipremnum aureum - Epipremnum aureum
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Clay soil Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting method	In pots
Categories	Climber Interior Hanging plants
Tags	Beginner Small pot Toxic
Origin	Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	11a
Leaf color
Flower color