Pothos

If your Pothos is grown indoors or in a shady garden, allow for the top 4 inches of soil to completely dry before watering. In dry months, your Pothos will need to be watered more often than in cooler months. Although, be sure not to overwater as too much moisture can cause discoloration of the leaves and root rot. It is important that you use only lukewarm or cold water for this houseplant.

Epipremnum aureum requires bright light for optimal growth, however, they are one of the more tolerant houseplants in terms of light. Just make sure this houseplant never receives direct mid-day sun as it could burn or discolor the leaves. If your Pothos is grown indoors, situate it in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid deep shade though, as the foliage won’t be allowed to grow as lush and full. Pothos can also tolerate moderate to low humidity and can tolerate fluorescent lighting, making it perfect for offices.

Epipremnum aureum prefers temperatures between 60-85° F (15-30 ° C). It can tolerate winter temperatures as low as 55°F (13°C). If exposed to temperatures below 50 ° F (10°C), its growth will slowdown and the foliage may experience damage.

Pothos can tolerate moderate to low humidity, however it prefers humidity levels between 60-70%. In areas with excessively dry conditions, mist your Pothos with a spray bottle of lukewarm water once a week for optimal health. In kitchens and bathrooms with higher humidity levels, no extra misting will be required.

Epipremnum aureum grows best in a well-draining, light potting soil. For outdoor plants, it’s important to consider soil pH and make sure it’s within the preferred range (6-7.5). You can use a mix of 1 part soil and 1 part perlite or sand for optimal drainage.

Epipremnum aureum should only be fertilized during its growing season when the weather is hot and humid. During this time, an all-purpose, balanced (10-10-10) fertilizer should be applied about once a month. You should never over-fertilize as this can result in nutrient toxicity or the foliage to burn.

The most common pests you’ll see on a Pothos plant are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale – mostly attracted by the darker, shaded areas on the foliage. To prevent an infestation, it is important to keep the foliage dry by spraying it weekly with a mild solution of soapy water. However, if Pothos plant already has an infestation, use a natural neem oil solution to coat all the foliage and treat the plant until the pests are gone. If your Pothos plant is very badly infested, you may have to discard it. Further preventative measures also include checking for pests when bringing new plants into the house, and keeping any old or wilted foliage pruned off the plant.

Most Pothos thrive best in temperatures between 60-85° F (15-30 ° C) and don’t require repotting until it’s outgrown its current pot. This plant is a moderate grower and can take between 6-12 months without needing to be re-potted. To repot, use a well draining potting mix and increase the pot size one or two inches. Make sure the plant has adequate drainage as standing water can cause root rot. Transplanting is best done during the spring.

Pruning is an important part of Pothos’ care and encourages more voluminous, fuller foliage. If your Pothos is looking overgrown, it can be easily remedied by pruning or removing any overgrown stems. Clip new stems below the node and leave a few leaves on each cutting – this will encourage more side growth. If your Pothos is starting to trail too long, it is best to prune it back to an appropriate length for its growth habit.

Using a light and airy mulch, such as peat moss, is beneficial for Epipremnum aureum. Mulching inhibits weeds, reduces water loss, and keeps the soil more evenly moisture. Apply the mulch in thick layers within a few inches of the stem, but avoid piling it up against the stem itself as this will cut off oxygen. Check the mulch every so often and re-apply when needed.

Epipremnum aureum can be propagated using stem cuttings dipped in rooting hormone or a gel medium. Once the stem cutting has rooted, transfer it a pot with soil and water it moderately and consistently. Allow for the soil to dry out between waterings and repot the new Pothos plant in spring. You can also propagate Pothos using air-layering. Air-layering works by wounding the plant stem and encouraging rooting.

Pothos will require some support to train it to climb trellises – guides or sticks are the best options as they’re easy to adjust as the plant grows. You can also attach your houseplant to a wall hook or wall system for a more decorative look. Keep in mind that twine or thread is not recommended for training Pothos as the stems can easily break.

For optimal growth, Epipremnum aureum prefers specific growing and rest periods in the year. The growing season is from February to August, while the rest period is from September to January. During the rest period, allow the foliage to dry slightly and reduce the amount of fertilizer it receives. This will promote healthy, strong growth during the growing season.

Epipremnum aureum is toxic to cats, dogs and other animals and can cause irritation in the mouth, stomach, and skin. If you think your pet has ingested any part of the Pothos plant, take them to the veterinarian immediately for treatment.