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Home Page » Home & Garden » Gardening » Golden pothos: Epipremnum aureum

Golden pothos: Epipremnum aureum

Other common names: devils ivy

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Often confused with philodendron, golden pothos (also known as is a climbing or trailing foliage houseplant with heart-shaped green leaves splashed with yellow. It is relatively easy to grow in a well-lit spot away from direct sun. Many variations exist, including 'Marble Queen,' with white leaves blotched with yellow and green, and 'Golden Queen,' with yellow leaves marked with green.

Profile

Plant typehouse-plant
Lightmedium-light-indoors
Height up to 6 ft.
Spread up to 3 ft.
Habitclimbing
Soil moistureaverage
Bloom size5 in. to 5 in.
Foliage colorvariegated
Foliage size1 ft. to 1 ft.

did you know?

Golden pothos is a tropical climber native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacfic. Contact with the plant's sap may cause skin irritation.

general maintenance:

Groom plants, removing yellowed foliage. Mist plant regularly. Repot in spring if pot bound.

pests/diseases:

Spider mites and scale insects can be a problem; root and stem rot may occur.

controls:

To control spider mites and scale, apply insecticidal soap, following label directions. To deter spider mites, mist frequently to increase humidity and group plants on trays filled with moist pebbles. Avoid overwatering, which encourages rots. If rot occurs, cut out diseased portions.

how to sow/plant:

Grow in a hanging basket or pot filled with all-purpose potting mix. Set plants at same depth they grew in previous pot. The soil level should be 1/2 to 1 inch below rim of pot to provide a water reservoir when watering. To train as a climber, provide a support such as a moss-covered stick for aerial roots to attach to.

water and fertilize:

When soil surface is dry to touch, water thoroughly until water flows out the pot's drainage holes. During growing season, regularly apply fertilizer formulated for houseplants, following label directions. Stop fertilizing in winter, when the plant is resting, and resume in spring as days lengthen.

garden hint:

To encourage bushy growth, pinch plants regularly. Because the foliage's variegation will fade in poor light, keep plants in a well-lit spot but out of direct sun.

features:

    garden uses:

    • Containers
    • Indoors

    other uses:

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