Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

Golden Pothos

(Epipremnum aureum)

galery
en

Description

Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as Devil's Ivy or Golden Pothos, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae. Native to Southeast Asia, it is a popular houseplant around the world due to its low maintenance and attractive foliage. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of Epipremnum aureum, including its appearance, care requirements, propagation methods, and potential health benefits. Taxonomy and Nomenclature Epipremnum aureum was first described by the German botanist Karl Koch in 1857. The genus name Epipremnum is derived from the Greek words epi, meaning 'upon,' and premnon, meaning 'a trunk or tree,' referring to the plant's habit of growing upon trees. The species epithet aureum means 'golden' in Latin, which describes the plant's striking variegated foliage. Appearance Epipremnum aureum is a climbing vine that can grow up to 20 meters long in its natural habitat. However, when grown as a houseplant, it typically reaches a height of 1-2 meters. The plant has heart-shaped leaves that are glossy and leathery, measuring 5-10 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. The leaves are variegated, with green and yellow or white marbling, and may turn fully green in low light conditions. The stems of Epipremnum aureum are long and thin, with a green or brown color, and aerial roots that allow the plant to attach itself to other surfaces. Care Requirements Epipremnum aureum is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for, making it a popular choice for beginners. Here are some key care requirements for Devil's Ivy: Light: Epipremnum aureum prefers bright, indirect light, but it can tolerate low light conditions. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it is best to keep the plant away from windows that receive full sun. Watering: The plant prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering again. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important not to let the plant sit in water. Temperature and Humidity: Epipremnum aureum prefers warm temperatures between 18-27°C and high humidity. It can tolerate lower temperatures but may stop growing if the temperature drops below 10°C. If the air in your home is dry, you can mist the plant regularly or place a humidifier nearby. Fertilizer: The plant benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks to encourage healthy growth. Propagation Epipremnum aureum can be propagated easily through stem cuttings. Here is a step-by-step guide to propagate Devil's Ivy: Cut a stem from the mother plant that is at least 10-15 cm long and has several leaves. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only the top two or three leaves. Place the stem in a jar of water, making sure that the bottom of the stem is submerged. Change the water every few days to prevent it from becoming stagnant. After a few weeks, the stem will develop roots. Once the roots are at least 2-3 cm long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot with well-draining soil. Health Benefits Epipremnum aureum is not only an attractive houseplant but also has several potential health benefits. According to a study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Devil's Ivy can help remove indoor air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum:
Class: Liliopsida
Order:Alismatales
Family:Araceae
Genus:Epipremnum
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