How to grow epipremnum aureum properly
Answering netizens' questions on how to grow epipremnum aureum and related knowledge about the cultivation of epipremnum aureum in the field of flowers and plants. Corrections are welcome if there are any mistakes!
Epipremnum aureum, also known as golden pothos, is an evergreen plant belonging to the Araceae family and the麒麟叶属 (Autumn海棠属). It grows in tropical regions, usually climbing on rocks or tree trunks, with strong twining properties and well-developed aerial roots, which can be used for hydroponics.
Epipremnum aureum has a particularly vigorous vitality, but as a tropical plant, it is extremely sensitive to cold, so in winter, many people move it to a warm place indoors. Some people like to place it under the air conditioner to blow warm air, but the leaves quickly turn yellow. So, how should one care for epipremnum aureum to ensure its healthy growth?
I. Loose soil
To grow epipremnum aureum well, it is first necessary to create a suitable growing environment, and soil is particularly important. As a tropical plant, epipremnum aureum naturally prefers to grow in loose and fertile potting soil. Since it does not tolerate waterlogging, good drainage is more beneficial for its growth. A mixture of decomposed leaf soil, garden soil, river sand, and manure can be used to prepare the potting soil, mixed in a ratio of 3:3:3:1. Decomposed leaf soil not only provides nutrients but also makes the soil acidic, which is beneficial for the development of epipremnum aureum. River sand can improve soil drainage and can be replaced with other coarse-grained substrates.
II. Sufficient watering
One of the characteristics of epipremnum aureum is that it thrives with water, and its growth is inseparable from ample moisture. However, an overly humid environment can lead to root rot. During its growing season, it is necessary to keep the potting soil moist, so watering should be frequent in spring, summer, and autumn, and the leaves should be sprayed with water appropriately. Generally, watering every two to three days is sufficient in spring and autumn, while in summer, with high temperatures and rapid evaporation, it should be watered daily. In winter, as the plant grows slowly, watering should be done only when the surface of the potting soil is dry. Otherwise, it can reduce the plant's cold resistance and lead to frost damage. It is advisable to wash the leaves with warm water every 3-5 days to make them look brighter.
III. Regular fertilization
Epipremnum aureum grows rapidly, so it requires regular fertilization. Fertilizers should be nitrogen-based, complemented with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, as the plant can easily become leggy without them. Nitrogen fertilizers often use urea, with a concentration between 0.1%-0.2%, while phosphorus and potassium fertilizers mainly use diammonium phosphate, with a concentration of 0.3%-0.5%, or 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Fertilize every 10-15 days in spring, every 20 days when the temperature rises in summer, and return to the spring level in autumn. Fertilization should be stopped in winter. Although no fertilization is done after winter, urea can be sprayed on the leaves every 20-30 days to make them greener.
IV. Placement
Epipremnum aureum is suited to grow in a semi-shady environment and is very sensitive to direct sunlight. It should generally be placed near a window to receive some scattered light, preventing the leaves from being sunburned and avoiding overly dark environments that could cause the patterns to fade. About 4 hours of sunlight per day can meet its growth needs. During its growing season, it should be placed near a north or east-facing window, while in winter, it should be moved to a south-facing window. Especially in the north, where temperatures are lower, proper sunlight can supplement the temperature and increase photosynthesis. It is usually placed in a sunny spot at noon but without opening the window to prevent frost damage to the plant.
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