Common name: Pothos, Golden Pothos, Devils Ivy
Family: Araceae, Arum
Height x width: trailing or climbing to 3' or more
Foliage: ovate, alternate, entire, glossy, bright green generally dashed golden yellow, 4-12" long with heart-shaped bases; deeply lobed when mature, to 24" or more
Flowers: spikes of tiny flowers in spathes, seldom seen in cultivation
Light: bright to moderate, tolerates low (becoming less variegated)
Temperature: warm to average
Watering: moderate
Fertility: moderate
Humidity: average
Soil: average
Pests and Problems: root and stem rots (from overwatering), mealybugs (often most serious problem); leaves wilt from too dry or too wet or too cold; leaves fade in direct sun
Growth habit, uses: indoor foliage groundcover or more commonly hanging or cascading; reportedly helps purify indoor air
Other interest: native to the Solomon Islands of the south Pacific ocean; from the Greek epi meaning upon, and premnon meaning a trunk, refering to its natural growth upon tree trunks; sap may irritate skin and ingestion may cause severe throat irritation
Other culture: generally quite adaptable, making it one of the more popular houseplants
Propagation: leaf bud or stem tip cuttings
Cultivars:
Other than the golden variegated species, only one cultivar is commonly found.
'Marble Queen'--mainly white leaves flecked or splashed with yellow, cream, green
Return to Perry's
Perennial Pages | PSS121
course
