Pothos Plant Benefits, Varieties, and Complete Plant Care

Pothos, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, is a popular and versatile indoor plant prized for its attractive foliage and easy care requirements. It is commonly referred to by various names, including Devil’s Ivy, Golden Pothos, or simply Pothos.

Types of Pothos Plant

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) comes in several well-known varieties, each having distinctive leaf color, size, and pattern variations. Among the typical varieties of pothos are:

1. Pearls and Jade Pothos
2. N’Joy Pothos
3. Manjula Pothos
4. Neon Pothos
5. Golden Pothos
6. Jade Pothos
7. Marble Queen Pothos

Benefits of Pothos Plant

Epipremnum aureum, also known as pothos, is a stunning indoor plant that has many practical and aesthetic advantages. Having pothos plants in the house has the following advantages:

Air Purification: Pothos plants are excellent in removing noxious chemicals from indoor air, such as trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and benzene. A healthy lifestyle and improved air quality may result from this.

Simple Care: Pothos plants are renowned for their hardiness and little upkeep needs. They tolerate a wide range of light conditions, including low light, and can tolerate occasional neglect, making them ideal for first-time gardeners or those with busy schedules.

Aesthetic Appeal: Pothos plants bring a splash of greenery and charm to any interior area with their heart-shaped leaves and lush, trailing tendrils. They look great in hanging baskets, potted as trailing plants, or arranged on shelves.

Disadvantages of Pothos Plant

Toxicity: If consumed by people or dogs, the calcium oxalate crystals found in pothos plants can irritate the skin and disturb the digestive system. To avoid irritation to the skin, pothos plants must be managed carefully and kept out of the reach of pets and kids.

Planting: pothos outside in tropical or subtropical areas can lead to invasive growth because of their fast-growing tendency. They might cause ecological problems if they expand quickly and outcompete local flora.

Sensitive to Overwatering: If pothos is overwatered, it may get root rot, much like many other indoor plants. Because standing water can cause problems with moisture, it’s important to let the soil dry out in between waterings and to prevent leaving the plant submerged in water.

Limited Air Purification: Although pothos plants get high marks for their capacity for cleaning the air, research indicates that this capacity may not be as strong as that of certain indoor plants when it comes to cleaning indoor air pollutants.

Pothos of plant care

Caring for a pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum) is relatively simple and straightforward. Here are the key aspects of pothos plant care:

Light: Pothos plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate lower light conditions. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight,

Watering: Pothos plants are relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand occasional periods of dry soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s essential not to let the plant sit in water.

Soil: Pothos plants prefer a well-draining potting mix. It is effective to combine sand or perlite with potting soil. Repotting may be necessary every couple of years to refresh the soil and provide room for growth.

Temperature and Humidity: They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but are sensitive to frost. They also prefer moderate to high humidity levels but can adapt to drier indoor environments.

Fertilization: Feed your pothos plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season (spring and summer) every 4-6 weeks. Reduce or cease fertilization during the fall and winter months when growth slows down.

Pruning: Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and aids in maintaining the form of the plant. Trim back leggy stems and remove any yellowing or dead leaves to keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.

Propagation of Pothos Plant

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) may be propagated by stem cuttings, which is a somewhat easy process. The following is a step-by-step instruction for growing pothos:

Pick a Healthy Stem: Pick a stem with many leaves that is at least 4-6 inches long and in good condition from the parent plant. Seek for a stem that shows no symptoms of illness or injury.

Prepare the Cutting: Cut the stem slightly below a node with pruning shears or clean, sharp scissors. Nodes, which are the spots on the stem where leaves erupt, are essential for the growth of roots.

Remove bottom Leaves (Optional): In order to keep the cutting from decaying, you can remove the bottom leaves if they will be buried in soil or submerged in water. At the very top of the cutting, leave two or three leaves at the very least.

Rooting in Water: Submerge the cutting, at least one or two nodes should be fully immersed, in a container of clean water. The container should be placed in an area with strong, indirect sunlight. Every few days, change the water to avoid stagnation and promote root development.

Optional: Rooting in Soil: Alternatively, you may place the cutting straight into a tiny pot that has been moistened with potting mix. After carefully compacting the earth around the cutting, bury the node(s) in the ground. To simulate a mini-greenhouse, you can place a plastic bag over the pot. This will assist in maintaining moisture and promote roots.

Await Root Growth: It usually takes a few weeks for roots to take hold. The roots buried in the ground or immersed in water will begin to show through the nodes. When the cutting has well-established roots extending several inches, it is suitable for transplanting into a separate pot.

After the cutting’s roots have grown, gently place it in a tiny container with a potting mix that drains well. After creating a hole in the ground and carefully inserting the roots, lightly compact the earth around the cutting.

Repotting  of Pothos Plant

Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum) are usually replanted to provide them access to new soil, increase the amount of area for their roots to grow, or improve their growing conditions. For repotting a pothos, follow these instructions step-by-step:

Select the Proper Timing: When a pothos plant is actively developing, the spring or early summer, is the ideal time to repot it. When the plants are dormant in the winter, do not replant.

Buying a New Pot: To stop waterlogging, the new pot needs a drainage hole at the bottom. Be careful not to choose a pot that is too big, since pothos plants need somewhat tight containers.

To enhance drainage, fill the bottom of the new pot with a layer of tiny pebbles or broken crockery. In the bottom of the pot, spread a layer of brand-new, well-draining potting mix.

Ease the pothos; plant out of its present container by gently toppling it on its side. Should the plant be root-bound, meaning its roots are firmly packed within the container, you can use your fingers or a gardening tool to carefully separate the roots.

Inspect and Prune the Roots: Look for any indications of illness or decay in the roots. Clean scissors or pruning shears should be used to cut off any damaged or too-long roots. It promotes strong root development.

The pothos plant: should be placed in the center of the new pot, with the top of the root ball resting just below the pot’s rim. Press down gently to remove any air pockets before adding more potting mix to the edges.

Disease of Pothos Plant

Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum) are generally resilient and not prone to many diseases if provided with proper care.

Mealybugs and Aphids: While not diseases, these pests can infest pothos plants, sucking sap from the leaves and causing wilting and yellowing. Treat infestations by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or cotton swab dipped in soapy water or neem oil.

Leaf Spot: Leaf spot diseases, caused by various fungal or bacterial pathogens, can cause dark, water-soaked spots or lesions on the leaves. To prevent leaf spots, avoid overhead watering, as moisture on the leaves can promote fungal growth.

Pothos Plant of Vastu

In Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and placement, plants play a significant role in balancing the energy flow within a home or office. Pothos plants, also known as Epipremnum aureum or money plants, are considered auspicious in Vastu and are believed to bring positive energy and prosperity when placed correctly.

Direction: According to Vastu principles, placing pothos plants in the north or northeast direction of your home or office is considered auspicious. The north direction is associated with prosperity and wealth, while the northeast direction is considered the most auspicious and is associated with positive energy and spiritual growth.

Placement: Pothos plants can be placed indoors or outdoors, but they are commonly used as indoor plants. In Vastu, it’s recommended to place pothos plants near the entrance or in the living room to attract positive energy and prosperity into the home. Avoid placing them in the bedroom or bathroom.

Pothos Plant for pets

The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause irritation and discomfort if chewed or eaten by pets. Keep pothos plants out of reach of pets, such as placing them on high shelves or using hanging baskets.

How to buy Pothos Plant

Local Nurseries and Garden Centers: Visit local nurseries and garden centers in your area. They often offer a variety of houseplants, including pothos, at reasonable prices. Sometimes, smaller, independent nurseries may have better deals than larger chain stores.

Online Marketplaces: Explore online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, or Amazon. Many sellers offer pothos plants at competitive prices, and you may find deals on bulk orders or smaller cuttings.

Pothos Plant Names In other languages

1. Spanish: Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as “Potus” or “Potus dorado.”
2. French: In French, pothos is often referred to as “Scindapsus doré” or simply “Pothos.”
3. German: In German, it’s commonly known as “Efeutute” or “Goldene Efeutute.”
4. Italian: In Italian, it’s called “Epipremno” or “Potus aureo.”
5. Portuguese: In Portuguese, pothos is often referred to as “Poto” or “Epipremno.”
6. Dutch: In Dutch, it’s known as “Epipremnum” or “Gouden Epipremnum.”
7. Chinese (Mandarin): In Mandarin Chinese, pothos is known as “金葛” (jīn gě) or “金蔓” (jīn màn).
8. Japanese: In Japanese, it’s referred to as “ポトス” (Potosu) or “エピプレムナム・アウレウム” (Epipurēmunamu aureumu).
9. Korean: In Korean, it’s known as “포토스” (Potosu) or “골든 포토스” (Goldeun Potosu).
10. Russian: In Russian, it’s called “Эпипремнум золотистый” (Epipremnum zolotistyy) or simply “Потос” (Potos).
11. Hindi: पोथोस पौधा (Pothos Paudha)
12. Telugu: పోథోస్ చెట్టు (Pothos Chettu)
13. Kannada: ಪೋತೋಸ್ ಸಸ್ಯ (Pothos Sasya)
14. Tamil: போதோஸ் தாவரம் (Pothos Thaavaram)

Conclusion

In conclusion, Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant known for its easy care, attractive foliage, and air-purifying properties. It’s native to the Solomon Islands and belongs to the Araceae family.

FAQs of Pothos

1. What are the benefits of having a Pothos Plant?
   Ans: Pothos plants are great for making your home look pretty and they’re super easy to take care of. They can even help clean the air by removing toxins.
   
2. Are there any disadvantages to having a Pothos Plant?
   Ans: Sometimes Pothos plants can make pets sick if they eat them, so it’s important to keep them away from pets who might nibble on them.
   
3. How do you take care of a Pothos Plant?
   Ans: Pothos plants like bright, indirect sunlight, and they don’t need too much water. Just give them a drink when the soil feels dry and they’ll be happy!
   
4. How do you make more Pothos Plants?
   Ans: You can make more Pothos plants by cutting a piece of the stem and putting it in water. After a while, it will start growing roots and you can plant it in soil.
   
5. When should you give your Pothos Plant a bigger pot?
   Ans: If your Pothos plant is getting too big for its pot or if you see roots coming out of the bottom, it might need a new home. Repot it into a bigger pot with fresh soil.
   
6. What can make a Pothos Plant sick?
   Ans: Overwatering or bugs like spider mites can make a Pothos plant sick. Make sure to water it just the right amount and keep an eye out for any bugs.
   
7. Is there anything special about where you put a Pothos Plant?
   Ans: Some people believe that putting a Pothos plant in certain places can bring good luck and happiness to a home.
   
8. Is Pothos safe for pets?
   Ans: Pothos are usually safe for pets, but it’s best to keep them away from pets who might try to eat them.
   
9. How do you buy a Pothos Plant?
   Ans: When buying a Pothos plant, look for one with bright green leaves and no signs of damage or pests. Make sure it’s not too big for the pot it’s in, and that the soil is moist but not wet.