Epipremnum Aureum, commonly known as Golden Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant that belongs to the Araceae family. This plant is native to the Solomon Islands, but it has become a common houseplant all over the world because of its easy care and beautiful appearance.
Golden Pothos is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced plant owners alike because it can thrive in almost any condition. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know to care for your Epipremnum Aureum and keep it healthy and beautiful.
Plant Description
Golden Pothos is a fast-growing, trailing vine that can reach up to 20 feet in length when grown in ideal conditions. The plant produces long, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are variegated with green and yellow, although there are cultivars with white, silver, and neon green variegation. The plant’s stems are thin and wiry, and they can grow to be several feet long. Golden Pothos produces small, unremarkable flowers and small, round, fleshy fruits that are not edible.
Light Requirements
Epipremnum aureum is a very adaptable plant that can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. It does, however, thrive in direct, bright light. This means that you should avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves and cause them to turn yellow or brown. If you want to keep your Golden Pothos in a low-light environment, you can place it near a north-facing window or use artificial lighting.
Watering
Golden Pothos is a very forgiving plant when it comes to watering, and it can tolerate both overwatering and underwatering to some extent. However, to keep your plant healthy and prevent problems, it is best to water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. You should avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the leaves to wilt and the plant to become stressed.
When you water your Epipremnum aureum, you should water it thoroughly so that water drains out of the bottom of the pot. You should also avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can cause root rot and other problems. It is best to water your golden pothos in the morning so that any excess moisture can evaporate during the day.
Humidity
Golden Pothos prefers moderate to high humidity levels, but it can tolerate lower humidity levels. If you live in a dry climate, you can increase the humidity around your plant by placing a humidifier nearby or by misting the leaves with water. You can also place a tray of water near the plant to increase the humidity level in the surrounding area.
Soil
Epipremnum aureum is not very picky when it comes to soil, and it can grow in a variety of soil types. However, it favors organically dense, well-draining soil. You can use a commercial potting mix that is designed for indoor plants, or you can make your own by mixing equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Fertilizer
Golden Pothos is not a heavy feeder, but it benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. You can use a balanced fertilizer that is designed for houseplants, and you should apply it every two to three weeks during the spring and summer months. You can reduce the frequency of fertilization during the fall and winter months, or you can stop fertilizing altogether.
Propagation
Epipremnum aureum is a very easy plant to propagate, and you can propagate it through stem cuttings or by dividing the plant. To propagate your Golden Pothos through stem cuttings, simply follow these steps:
- Choose a healthy stem with at least two nodes (the points where the leaves are attached to the stem). Cut the stem just below the lowest node, using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, leaving only one or two leaves at the top.
- Enter powdered rooting hormone at the cut end of the stem (optional).
- In a little container with moist, drained soil, plant the cutting. Make a hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil, and insert the cutting into the hole, firming the soil around it.
Place the cutting in a warm, bright area that is not in direct sunlight after properly watering it. To produce a humid climate, place a clear plastic bag over the pot or a dome over it.
Check the cutting every few days to make sure the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. After a few weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the top of the stem. Once the cutting has rooted and established itself, you can remove the plastic bag or dome and treat it like a mature Golden Pothos plant.
To divide your Golden Pothos, simply remove the plant from its pot and gently tease apart the roots, separating the plant into two or more sections. Make sure each section has a healthy root system and several stems and leaves. Repot each section in a fresh pot with well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
Common Problems
Golden pothos is a hardy plant that is not often affected by pests or diseases. However, it can still develop problems if its growing conditions are not ideal. The following are some typical problems you might run into and how to fix them:
- Yellowing or browning leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or too much direct sunlight. Check the moisture content of the soil and modify your watering plan as necessary. Move the plant to a brighter or shadier location, depending on the cause of the problem.
- Drooping leaves: This can be caused by underwatering or root rot. Examine the soil’s moisture content and modify your watering plan as necessary. If the roots are rotting, repot the plant in fresh soil and trim away any damaged roots.
- Pests: Golden Pothos is rarely affected by pests, but it can sometimes attract spider mites, mealybugs, or scale insects. Check the leaves and stems regularly for signs of pests, such as webbing, sticky residue, or small insects. If you spot any pests, remove them manually or use a mild insecticidal soap.
- Wilting: This can be caused by a lack of water or by root rot. Examine the soil’s moisture content and modify your watering plan as necessary. If the roots are rotting, repot the plant in fresh soil and trim away any damaged roots.
Epipremnum Aureum is a wonderful plant that is easy to care for and adds a touch of greenery to any indoor space. With proper care, your Golden Pothos can grow into a beautiful, trailing vine that will brighten up your home or office. Remember to provide it with bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering and fertilization, and your plant will thrive for many years to come.
Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Epipremnum Aureum
Q: What is Epipremnum aureum?
A: Epipremnum aureum, also known as the golden pothos or devil’s ivy, is a popular houseplant that belongs to the Araceae family. It is native to the Solomon Islands in the Pacific and is known for its attractive golden or variegated leaves.
Q: How do I care for Epipremnum aureum?
A: Epipremnum aureum is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. It can tolerate low light conditions, but the leaves may not grow as fast or lose their variegation. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot. Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Q: Can Epipremnum aureum be grown in water?
A: Yes, Epipremnum aureum can be grown in water. It is a popular way to propagate the plant, and it is also a decorative way to display the plant. Simply place the cuttings of the plant in a jar or vase filled with water, making sure the stem is submerged in water. Change the water every week to prevent bacteria growth.
Q: Is Epipremnum aureum toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Epipremnum aureum is toxic to pets, especially dogs and cats. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and children, or consider choosing a pet-safe plant instead.
Q: How do I propagate Epipremnum aureum?
A: Epipremnum aureum can be easily propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a 4-6-inch stem below a node and remove the lower leaves. Place the stem in water or well-draining soil and keep it in bright, indirect light. The stem should root in a few weeks. Alternatively, the plant can be propagated by dividing the root ball during repotting.
Top 10 Interesting Facts About Epipremnum Aureum
- Epipremnum aureum is also known as “Devil’s Ivy” or “Pothos,” and it belongs to the Araceae family.
- This plant is native to the Solomon Islands, but it is widely cultivated as a houseplant worldwide.
- Epipremnum aureum has beautiful heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 3 feet long. The leaves are green and sometimes variegated with yellow or white markings.
- This plant is incredibly easy to care for, and it can thrive in a wide range of light conditions. It is a great choice for beginners and busy people who do not have time to care for plants.
- Epipremnum aureum is known for its air-purifying qualities. It can remove harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air, making it a great addition to any indoor space.
- This plant is also known for its ability to propagate easily. You can take stem cuttings and root them in water or soil to create new plants.
- In its natural habitat, Epipremnum aureum can grow up to 65 feet tall, but as a houseplant, it typically reaches about 6–8 feet in height.
- This plant is toxic to pets if ingested, so it is important to keep it out of reach of cats and dogs.
- Epipremnum aureum is a popular Feng Shui plant that is said to bring good luck, prosperity, and wealth.
