Scindapsus aureus or Pothos
LIGHT TOLERANCE:
Though lacking blooms, this tropical vine which is similar to philodendron, comes in an array of foliage colours and patterns. Nearly fool-proof even for beginners, pothos are forgiving of neglect, virtually pest and disease-free, and tolerant of low light, making them a good choice for darker rooms and offices. You can display these beautiful trellising plants in a hanging basket, or they will drape gracefully off of shelving. On top of being easy to take care of, it is a natural air purifier making it a great bedroom addition.
Pothos has thicker, more textural leaves than those of the philodendron, which tend to be darker, smoother and less likely to be variegated. Philodendron foliage is also distinctly heart shaped, while pothos leaves can be asymmetrical. Their shiny leaves are 10cm to 15cm long.
LIGHT: Pothos prefer bright, indirect light, but will happily tolerate medium and low light. The variegated types require more light than the non-variegated. Your Pothos will not do well in direct sunlight–the sunlight can burn the foliage.
WATER: Allow the soil to dry out between watering your pothos. Poke down into the soil gently to see if the top 5cm are dry. When it seriously needs more water, it’s leaves will start to curl. Flush the soil with water for and empty any saucer/drip-tray under the pot to make sure that the roots don’t drown and get over-hydrated. Pothos do enjoy humidity, making them a good choice for bathrooms. It will enjoy being spritzed occasionally, or being placed on top of a pebble tray filled with water to create humidity.
SOIL: Pothos will do well in almost any kind of soil, as long as it’s well-draining and nutrient-rich. You can choose any potting soil and prepare it by combining peat moss and perlite for moisture retention and aeration. Avoid using regular garden soil as it is too heavy for pothos.
FERTILISING: Pothos are light feeders so an application of general fertilizer is only required once every month or so from during the spring and summer months to keep plants looking healthy.
RE-POTTING: Check your pothos for re-potting approximately every two years. If it’s getting root-bound and ready to be repotted, look for a new pot that’s about 5cm larger in diameter. Use containers with drainage holes, so your roots don’t get waterlogged. If your vines are long, gently tie them to keep them out of the way until you’re finished. Always use a well-draining soil to prevent overwatering and root rotting issues.
(Note: The information provided in this article is based on general guidelines for cultivating Pothos. Individual plant care may vary, so always observe your plant’s specific needs and adjust your care accordingly.)
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