Epipremnum pinnatum aka Pothos

Taxonomy

Epipremnum pinnatum, commonly known as centipede tongavine, dragon-tail plant, or in Tagalog, tibatib, is a species of flowering plant from the family Araceae. It is native to rainforests of Southeast Asia, India, and Australia and can grow to reach a length of 12 meters (40 feet) in the wild. At home, however, the length of the plant is rarely more than 2-3 meters due to its unpretentious nature. It is a branching plant with large leaves that are long, up to 40 centimeters (16 inches) in diameter and have a slit. The genus name Epipremnum comes from the Greek roots meaning 'upon' and 'stump', since these plants are great tree climbers! All parts of it are toxic, so it must be kept away from pets and children.

Common names

Pothos, Devil's Ivy, Golden Pothos

How to care for Pothos

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Pothos due to its easy-going nature.

Water

Pothos should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Pothos loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Pothos prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Pothos to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Pothos. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Pothos is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Pothos’s native range is tropical China through Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.


More info:
Wikipedia