The Care and Management of Epipremnum aureum
This article provides an in-depth explanation for netizens who are interested in the experience of caring for Epipremnum aureum at home. Below, the editor will introduce the care and management of Epipremnum aureum.
Epipremnum aureum is a perennial evergreen vine, with stems that can grow over 10 meters long. It is a slightly woody epiphytic vine with aerial roots, internodes with small grooves, leaves that grow larger over time, ovate alternate leaves that are evergreen, glossy, light green, and variegated cultivars with irregular golden, white, and grayish-green spots and stripes. It is known for its "beautiful leaf shape and elegant plant form" and has become one of the popular evergreen flowers for home planting. Epipremnum aureum can purify the air and make full use of space, adding vibrant lines and bright colors to the dull cabinet surface. In recent years, it has become an excellent choice for indoor decorative foliage plants.
I. Temperature Management: Epipremnum aureum is a tropical foliage plant that prefers a warm environment. The most suitable growth temperature is 20-28°C during the day and 15-18°C at night. It is important to avoid large temperature differences; the minimum temperature for overwintering is 10-13°C. The growing season is from April to September, with a suitable temperature of 15-25°C. When the temperature exceeds 30°C or is below 10°C in winter, the stem and leaf growth will slow down, and the leaves will become droopy and soft. If it drops below 5°C, it will frostbite and shed leaves. To ensure the safe overwintering of Epipremnum aureum, a temperature above 10°C is required. If the temperature in winter is below 10°C, the plant should be placed in a greenhouse, plastic greenhouse, or indoors for overwintering. In the warm winter regions of South China and Southwest China, it can be cultivated outdoors.
II. Light Management: The original growth conditions of Epipremnum aureum are in the forest shade under tall trees, making it a shade-tolerant plant that dislikes direct sunlight and prefers diffused light, and is relatively shade-tolerant. When grown indoors, it can be placed near a window but should avoid direct sunlight. Excessive sunlight can burn the leaves, while too much shade can cause the beautiful patterns on the leaves to fade. Typically, 4 hours of diffused light is best for the growth and development of Epipremnum aureum. When grown outdoors, attention should be paid to shading, especially in summer, to prevent direct strong sunlight, which can lead to smaller new leaves, dull leaf color, and easily burn the leaf edges. Epipremnum aureum is highly shade-tolerant and can grow normally under a light intensity of 400Lx. However, excessive shade and temperatures below 10°C can lead to leaf shedding and withering, affecting the plant's growth and ornamental value.
III. Humidity Management: Epipremnum aureum prefers a humid environment with high air humidity, while its roots prefer a moderately moist environment. During the growing season, the potting soil should be kept moist, with the relative humidity of the leaves above 60%. When the potting soil turns white, it should be watered thoroughly. When the temperature exceeds 28°C in summer, water should be sprayed on the leaves once in the morning and evening to cool and moisturize. However, excessive watering should be avoided to prevent root and seedling rot. During the dry season in summer and autumn, water should be sprayed on the leaves in the morning, afternoon, and evening to increase humidity. A humidifier can also be used, placing the plant close to the humidifier and keeping it on for more than 5 hours a day. In winter, when the room temperature is low, Epipremnum aureum is in a dormant state and should be watered less frequently, keeping the potting soil slightly moist; when the climate is dry, the leaves should be sprayed with warm water every 4-5 days to remove dust and maintain the leaves' luster and green color.
IV. Soil Management: Epipremnum aureum is suitable for loose, organically rich, slightly acidic, and neutral sandy loam soil. For potting, it is best to choose soil that is loose, breathable, and has good drainage, preferably a mixture of garden soil, decomposed horse manure, and a small amount of peat to form a well-drained matrix. It can also be made by mixing 70% deciduous leaves, 20% red soil, and 10% rapeseed cake and bone meal. Another option is to mix humus soil, peat, and fine sand, and change the pot every 3 years.
V. Nutrition Management: Fertilization is mainly based on nitrogen fertilizer, with potassium fertilizer as a supplement. Before the growing season in spring, apply a 0.3% solution of ammonium sulfate or urea once every 10 days, and use a 0.5‰ to 1‰ urea solution as a foliar topdressing once. From May to September, which is the growing season of Epipremnum aureum, apply chemical fertilizer once every 2 months, and apply a dilute liquid fertilizer once every 10 days. Note that for smaller plants, only liquid fertilizer should be applied.
The above content introduces the care and management of Epipremnum aureum for green plant enthusiasts, hoping to solve your problems in the management of green plants and flowers.