Trailing Pothos
Trailing Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant, also known as Devil’s Ivy or Money Plant. Native to French Polynesia, the perennial plant belongs to the Araceae family of flowering plants. It is a fast-growing vine, and can reach up to 40 feet in length with its long, trailing stems. The dark-green oval-shaped leaves are variegated, usually with shades of yellow and creamy white. The plant grows flowers of under 1 inch long, but this is rare and almost always happens outdoors, since the plant is not able to set fruit indoors. Although trailing pothos is easy to care for and can be found worldwide, there are certain conditions that favor its growth.
Watering Trailing pothos should not be done too often, as the plant should not be planted in soggy soil. When the soil becomes dry to the touch, giving the plant a good soak is preferred over misting it regularly. After watering, Trailing Pothos still needs to be tested with its finger to make sure the soil remains slightly damp and not soggy. A simple rule of thumb is to let the soil dry out before the next watering. Take special care to avoid letting the plant sit in water, as that will lead to root rot.
Trailing pothos is perfect for those who are new to keeping houseplants, as it is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of light levels. The best light for trailing pothos is a bright, indirect light. The plant can thrive in direct sunlight, but excessive exposure to sun can cause the leaves to darken or show signs of burning. When lighting is not sufficient, the stems will become leggy. If your trailing pothos is located close to a window, it is important to keep it away from cold drafts, as the plant may become damaged from the sudden temperature change.
Trailing Pothos is quite temperature tolerant and can thrive in a wide range of temperatures. Average room temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius) should suit the plant just fine. It is important to avoid putting the plant in a draft or cold area, as it can become damaged easily. The plant also requires consistent temperatures, meaning that sudden temperature changes should be avoided.
Trailing pothos does not require high levels of humidity to thrive. The plant will do fine in an average home or office environment. The only time special care should be taken to increase humidity is when there is very dry air due to frequent temperature fluctuations in the room, using a humidifier or misting the leaves with distilled water every once in a while. Also, it is important to keep the plant away from direct airflow from air conditioning or any other heating/cooling system.
Trailing Pothos prefer moist, light acidic soil. The ideal soil pH range should be between 6.0 to 7.0. It is best to use a soil that is a mix of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite for best drainage. The soil should also contain some amount of organic matter, such as compost, for nutrients. It is also important to note that Trailing Pothos should not be over-watered, and the ideal soil should be one that drains well and remains slightly damp in between waterings.
Trailing Pothos can benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy and long-lasting green foliage. A balanced or specially formulated houseplant fertilizer should be used, with the instructions to be followed closely. During its active growing period, the fertilizer should be applied once every four weeks to encourage lush growth. The amount of fertilizer should be cut in half during the rest period. Applying too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to yellow and drop, so always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Trailing Pothos can be susceptible to several types of pests. These include aphids, mealybugs, scale, thrips, and spider mites. The first sign of a pest infestation is usually the distorted or wilting leaves of the plant, which may also be accompanied by a sticky residue. Treating the plant with an insecticidal soap can help in getting rid of pests. It is important to not only treat the leaves but also the stems or roots of the plant, as the pests may have spread to these areas. Also, make sure to discard any dead or decaying leaves, as they can attract even more pests to the plant.
Trailing Pothos generally do not require much repotting, but re-potting the plant can help to promote healthy new growth. If the plant has become pot-bound (roots wrapping around inside the pot), it may be a good time to switch to a larger pot size. It is important to use a potting mix that has been enriched with organic matter, such as compost. Make sure to lightly water the plant before repotting. It is also important to not repot the plant during its active growing season, usually from spring to summer, as this can cause shock to the plant.
Trailing Pothos should be regularly pruned to keep its shape and structure. It is important to use sharp, sterile scissors to ensure clean cuts and to prevent the spread of disease. The best time to prune its stems is in late spring. Make sure to select healthy stems that have at least three leaves to encourage healthy new growth. Prune the stems just above a pair of leaves and dispose of the discarded stems right away.
Mulching the Trailing Pothos is helpful for keeping the soil moist and preventing weeds from growing around the plant's roots. It is best to select organically-rich mulch, such as compost, high-grade leaf mold, or bark chips for added nutrition. Make sure to not apply mulch too close to the stem of the plant, as this can cause rot. Instead, apply a thin layer of mulch at a distance of at least 4 inches from the stem of the plant.
Propagating Trailing Pothos is relatively easy, as it can be done by both cuttings as well as layering. Cuttings can be taken by snipping several healthy stem tips with at least four leaves. After taking the cuttings, dip them in water for about 10 minutes before planting. To propagate by layering, bending a stem towards the soil and positioning a rock or anchor will help to allow the stem to take root. Once the stem takes root, simply cut it away from the main plant and place the rooted cutting in a new pot.
Trailing Pothos is quite a heavy plant and finding the right support structures for it is essential. The plant requires both horizontal and vertical support structures to keep its shape. When selecting a support structure for the plant, select a sturdy one as the plant can quickly outgrow any lightweight structures. Poles, stakes, and trellises are all good options for support.
Trailing Pothos plants require a rest period in order to stay healthy and promote good leaf growth. During its rest period, it needs limited amounts of water and fertilizers, with the temperature and light levels stable. The ideal time for a rest period is in the winter, usually from November to February, in areas with milder climates. It is important to stop watering the plant completely during the rest period, as any water can cause the leaves to rot.
Trailing Pothos is not typically poisonous to cats or dogs, but can be mildly toxic when consumed by animals. It is important to monitor your pets when growing this plant indoors, as some animals may decide to chew on the leaves. If too much of the plant is consumed, it can lead to irritation and discomfort in the pet.
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