Care of the indoor plant Epipremnum aureum or Golden pothos |
The genus Epipremnum, family Araceae, includes 40 species of climbing plants native to tropical regions of Asia and the Pacific. Some species are: Epipremnum aureum, Epipremnum nobile, Epipremnum giganteum, Epipremnum amplissimum. Common names: Golden pothos, Money plant, Marble queen, Devil's vine. This species is native to New Guinea, Indonesia, and Malaysia. They are tropical evergreen climbing plants with fine stems that reach 20 meters (65.6 feet) in length. The stems have adventitious roots at the nodes to capture ambient moisture. In its natural environment it produces large leaves but if they are grown indoors, they usually do not exceed 10 cm (3.93") in length; the leaves are glossy, bright green with yellowish spots. It is not usual for them to bloom. These fast-growing, easy-to-grow plants are used as a houseplant, greenhouse or terrace in hanging pots or as climbing plants (with a moist moss-covered stake). Epipremnum aureum needs a diffuse light exposure or shade; in shade they grow slowly and the leaves turn green. In winter the temperature should not be below 14 ºC (57.2 ºF). The soil can be a mixture, in the same proportions, of peat, sphagnum, leaf mulch and coarse sand. Transplant in spring if the roots show below the pot. Water frequently in summer and spring; reduce watering from autumn and in winter water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry. Spray the leaves regularly in summer so that the humidity is high. Fertilize in spring and summer every 15 days with mineral fertilizer for indoor plants. Golden pothos can be pruned to control their growth and to obtain cuttings. Marble queen can be attacked by fungi on the roots if there is excessive watering and by mites and aphids if the humidity is low. Money plant propagates easily by cuttings, in spring or summer; root in sandy substrate or in water. |
Images of the indoor plant Epipremnum aureum or Golden pothos |