Potos

Class

Monocotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Araceae

Order

Alismatals or Alismatales

Genus

Epipremnum

Species

aureum

Description

Semiepiphytic evergreen climbing species, widely used as an indoor plant where it provides a unique ornamental accent with its decorative foliage with different mottling or variegation depending on the variety. Easy to grow, it adapts to different types of exposure in the home or office, preferring suitable filtered light away from direct sunlight as well as soil that is kept moist but not saturated with water.

Variety description

The scindapsu plant is one of the most widely used plants in home environments. It has a high rusticity and is very decorative in whatever form one buys it. It is a tropical plant but is very well adapted in home office shops, and warm, even low light environments. It has no particular selling period as it is produced and cultivated 12 months of the year. In this case it is scindapsus aurea but there are also other cultivars of different colours.

Curiosities and special features

Like other indoor green plants, Epipremnum aureum can also contribute with its foliage to purifying the air of any pollutants present in indoor living and working spaces by reducing their presence. To promote leaf transpiration and ensure proper vegetative development of the plant, wipe the leaves regularly with a cloth moistened with water, removing deposited dust.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the humid tropical biome of the Society Islands, particularly Moorea; clones have been selected from it that differ mainly in the colour shade of the foliage, either solid or variegated with different types of mottling.

Leaf

The leaves have an oblong lamina with a leathery texture.

Leaf colour

Ornamental value is conferred by the variegated shade of foliage.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.15 to 3 m, depending on the developed habit.

Lifespan

Evergreen Perennial Species.

Where to plant

Due to its bearing and the ornamental value of its foliage, it is suitable for hanging baskets, planters, vertical walls, indoor tubs, porches. It is also possible to grow it as a climber on a stake or pole covered with moss to be kept evenly moist.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

The climbing vegetative habitus is ideal for hanging pots and interior vertical walls.

Branching

It develops a meagre branching.

PH

It requires a substrate pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A level below 5.0 can lead to foliage damage such as spotting on older leaves.

Sun exposure

It adapts to different locations in the home or office. The following exposures are recommended: Half shade, Shade.

Avoid direct Sunlight to prevent damage to the foliage.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 20 and 25 °C. Avoid temperature fluctuations and do not place it near draughts or heat sources so as not to impair the growth and colouring of the foliage. Temperatures below 15 °C can lead to yellowing of the plant.

Use

The uniqueness of its foliage and the elegance of its bearing make it widely appreciated in:

Indoor ornamental

Hardiness

Ahighly rustic variety, it can give excellent growth results with just a few cultivation measures.

Soil

Use a high-quality new potting soil for green pot plants, containing peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Cultivation is easy with a low level of maintenance effort required, adding further value to the plant.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation measures for proper vegetative development and to prevent foliage damage:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures

Propagation

Propagation can be by apical cuttings and node cuttings.

Watering

The soil must be kept moist but free of saturated conditions to prevent root rot; always test the moisture level with your fingers before adding water to the pot.

Use temperate water with low salinity, preferably rainwater; also carry out foliar misting to maintain a suitable humidity.

It is recommended not to leave water in the saucer and not to keep the plant too wet if placed in areas below 16/18 °C.

Fertilising

Use a liquid fertiliser for green plants in the pot diluted with irrigation water without exceeding the doses and frequencies. It is advisable to fertilise on previously moistened soil.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

The sap can cause contact dermatitis asEpipremnum aureum contains toxic substances such as calcium oxalate. Use gloves when handling, also do not ingest any part of the plant.

Tip

Avoid watering the plants or water very lightly during the winter in unheated rooms, and avoid keeping water on the underpot. In summer the plant can be placed outside in shady areas or under plants. In dry environments it is good to spray the vegetation at least once a day.