Golden Pothos is a (scientific name: Epipremnum aureum) is a flowering species from the plant family Araceae. It has multiple names, including marble queen, money plant, devil’s vine, and many more. It is mostly found in temperate zones, but it has also established itself in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. In South Asia, this houseplant is famous as the money plant.
Although it’s a flowering plant, it seldom flowers. Its heart-shaped greenish-yellow-marbled foliage exhibits an attractive appearance. It’s an ascending vine with an average length of 40 feet and spreads about 3-6 feet outdoors. However, they grow to a maximum length of 10 feet. Golden Pothos is known to be one the easiest houseplants as they nearly need no attention.
Aerial Roots
Aerial roots are always above ground and help the plant to anchor steadfastly and assimilate water and nutrients. Due to their aerial roots, they’re worthy of hanging in baskets, growing in bowls, or hanging on trellis and lattices.
Sunlight
Golden Pothos is also known as the devil’s vine because of its immortality. This is among a few houseplants which require indirect bright light. They cannot bear intense direct sunlight since it causes sunburns. They can even thrive on a few hours of early-morning light. According to Apartment Therapy, it grows relatively well in low light.
Soil
For ideal growth, a mixture of peat moss and sand should be used in the drainable pot. Sand retains water and keeps the roots moist. A drainable pot is preferred because it disposes of extra water and provides the ideal soil-mixture for growth.
Watering
It’s dependent upon the location. In lower light areas, it should be watered less, and vice versa. The general rule is to water it once every 1-2 weeks when the top of the soil is dry between 2-4 inches. It is suggested that roots should remain misty rather than soggy. It’s advised to avoid abrupt changes in the location and medium of growth.
Temperature
Experts at The Sill suggest that the optimal temperature is between 18℃-26℃. Their temperate origin allows them to endure mild-high spells of high and low temperatures. Still, there’s a possibility of retarded growth. If in the pot, they should be relocated according to ideal temperature needs.
Humidity
Due to their tropic nature, they can grow well in higher humidity. They can thrive in any humidity level. Whether low or high, these can endure almost any level. Pothos can adjust the humidity factor; this is one reason it’s a great household plant.
Plant Nutrition
Being a stable houseplant, a 20-20-20 fertilizer fed in small doses every month is ideal. Its composition is 20% nitrogen, 20% phosphorus and 20% potassium. This fertilizer should be mixed in the soil. This will fulfill if at all requirements of pothos.
Toxicity
According to the New York Post, the foliage of pothos contains calcium oxalates. If ingested, this can cause vomiting, stomach and breath issues in adults. Moreover, it can prove fatal for children and pets. Therefore, careful supervision is required.
Air Purifying
Golden pothos is among one of the best natural air purifiers that remove toxins. It eliminates volatile organic compounds such as benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene, etc. These VOCs can cause serious issues, including the growth of cancerous cells and nervous disorders. It also has a calming effect.
Repotting
Once the roots have grown to the pot’s full extent, it can be repotted into another bigger sized pot. Repotting is usually required after 2-3 years when it shows symptoms such as drooping of leaves and retarded growth.
Additional Care
They don’t require any additional care. Basic care about light, temperature, soil, and watering is enough. If any problems occur in the foliage, they’re usually because of negligence in these factors. Relocating is strictly not advised.
Common Issues
- Over and under-watering (yellowing and drying)
- Excessive light (drying and sunburn)
- Infestations (leaf spots)
- Poorly drained soil (root rot)
All of these can be sorted out quickly as they become visible on the leaves of the plant.
Diseases
- Physiological (loss of variegation, discolored leaves, small leaves, decaying roots)
- Bacterial ( bacterial leaf spot, cutting soft root)
- Fungal ( Pythium root rot, Rhizoctonia foot rot, southern blight)
- Insects ( caterpillars, mealybugs, mites, scales, thrips)
Final Thoughts
Golden pothos is the easiest and low maintenance houseplant. It not only adds to the beauty but also proves useful against VOCs. Its ability to purify the air, particularly indoors, makes it potentially the best houseplant.
