Enciclopedia Alismatales Araceae Monsteroideae Epipremnum

Araceae

Epipremnum

Devil's Ivy

Regno	Plantae
Sottoregno	Tracheobionta
Superdivisione	Spermatophyta
Divisione	Magnoliophyta
Classe	Liliopsida
Ordine	Alismatales
Famiglia	Araceae
Sottofamiglia	Monsteroideae
Genere	Epipremnum

Luce

Low

Acqua

Low

Specie

Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is a versatile and hardy houseplant that is highly valued for its attractive foliage and ease of care. It belongs to the Araceae family and is known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. Pothos plants are popular for both indoor and outdoor use due to their adaptability and low maintenance requirements.

Habitat naturale

Pothos is native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific. In its natural habitat, it grows as an understory plant in tropical forests, where it climbs trees and rocks with the help of its aerial roots. The plant thrives in high humidity, warm temperatures, and well-draining soil.

Storia e cultura

Pothos has been used in various cultures as a symbol of prosperity and good luck. It is often seen in homes and offices as a decorative plant believed to bring positive energy. Its hardiness and ability to thrive in low light conditions have made it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

Utilizzi

Pothos is primarily grown for its ornamental value. Its attractive, trailing vines make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, shelves, and trellises. The plant's ability to purify indoor air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene has further increased its popularity as a houseplant.

Conservazione

Pothos is not considered endangered and is widely cultivated around the world. However, it is essential to control its growth in outdoor environments where it can become invasive, especially in tropical regions.

Specie e varietà (2)

Epipremnum aureum

8 cultivar

Epipremnum pinnatum

2 cultivar

Guida alla cura

Luce

One of the most light-adaptable houseplants available — Pothos survives in quite low light (including rooms lit only artificially) but produces its best, most variegated growth in bright indirect light. Important: variegation (golden, marble queen, neon patterns) fades or disappears completely in low light as the plant increases chlorophyll. Direct sun scorches the leaves.

Acqua

Allow the soil to dry out between waterings — Pothos is drought-tolerant and much more likely to be overwatered than under-watered. Water thoroughly when the top 3–4 cm are dry, then allow to dry again. Pothos can also grow indefinitely in a vase of water alone (water propagation). Yellow leaves are usually a sign of overwatering.

Substrato

Any well-draining potting mix is suitable. Adding perlite (3:1) improves drainage and reduces root rot risk. Can also be grown in semi-hydro or full hydroponics.

Temperatura e umidità

Optimal 18–27 °C; tolerates down to 10 °C but grows best in warmth. Standard indoor humidity is fine — Pothos is not humidity-dependent. Tolerates dry conditions well.

Concimazione

Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. No feeding in autumn or winter. Pothos is not a heavy feeder.

Potatura

Prune regularly to maintain desired length and encourage bushiness — cut just above a node (a small brown bump on the stem) and the stem will branch from that point. Cuttings root effortlessly in water within 2–3 weeks and make excellent gifts. Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate) — keep out of reach of pets. In low light, prune all-green stems back to encourage growth of variegated stems near the light source.

Propagazione

Talea

Pothos is easily propagated through stem cuttings. This method is simple and highly effective.

Cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem, ensuring it has at least 4-5 leaves.

Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes.

Place the cutting in water or directly into a pot with moist potting mix.

If using water, change it every few days to prevent stagnation. Roots should develop within a few weeks.

Once roots are established, transplant the cutting into soil if it was started in water.

Divisione

Mature Pothos plants can be divided during repotting to create new plants.

Remove the plant from its pot and gently separate the root ball into smaller sections.

Ensure each section has roots and at least one stem with leaves.

Plant each section in a separate pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix.

Water thoroughly and place in bright, indirect light.

Domande frequenti

Why is my variegated Pothos losing its pattern?

Low light causes Pothos to revert toward solid green to maximise photosynthesis. Move to a brighter position — bright indirect light will restore variegation in new growth within weeks.

Can Pothos grow in water?

Yes — Pothos is one of the best plants for water propagation and can live indefinitely in a vase of water. Change the water weekly, add a few drops of liquid fertilizer monthly, and place in bright indirect light.

Is Pothos toxic to pets?

Yes. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) contains calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion causes drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing in cats and dogs. Keep out of reach of all pets.

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