| Our expert plant columnist and interior landscape consultant
Robyn Wilkey has advice on caring for Pothos or Devil's Ivy. Send your plant
questions to her at
Swwgod@aol.com.
I just purchased an ivy plant called Pothos
or Devil's Ivy, Please let me know the instructions for caring for this
plant?
Pothos is an undemanding climbing plant with yellow or white variegated,
or green leaves. It nearly always has a luxuriant growth regardless of whether
it is growing in shade or sun.
The only difference is that the color of the leaves will change.
The more light there is, the paler and more variegated the leaves.
Although it can tolerate quite high temperatures, the leaves are
sensitive to moisture, which can lead to discoloration. This plant loves
warmth but can tolerate the cold. There isn't an easier plant to look
after!
If the Pothos is allowed to grow along a trellis or something similar
in the home, it may grow to a length of up to 17 feet.
What is more, it normally retains its leaves for its entire length.
Pothos is one of the most useful climbing plants, since it can grow in both
light and shade. It must never be over watered. Let it dry out from time
to time, and water only sparingly during the winter.
Occasionally it may be necessary to groom this plant or prune it
back. This can be done at any time of the year, but if done in the spring
take the opportunity of using the trimmings for cuttings.
Take about 4 inch long cuttings with one single leaf. Put several
of them either in a glass of water and put in sunny area and wait for roots
to develop and then plant or put directly in pot with normal potting soil
then cover them with plastic bag with a few holes for ventilation. Pothos
can be even more attractive by giving it a moss covered cane or stick to
grow over.
* Potential problems:
Leaves turn pale: This is often a sign that the plant is
getting too much light. If it gets brown spots at the same time it may be
because it is standing in direct sunlight. Move to a darker
location.
Brown spots and leaf edging: The plant is too cold or too
wet. Move it to a warmer spot and water less. Remember, let it dry out again
every time it is watered.
The leaves are yellow with webs on the underside:The plant
is under attack from the spider mite. Fight back with a suitable insecticidal
soap or discard the plant entirely, for it could cause an infestation to
your other house plants.
Pothos is not a fussy plant. It does just as well in a hanging basket
or against a trellis or cane, as it does together with others or as a ground
cover. Just remember it does not like to sit in direct sunlight or any
drafts.
About the author: Robyn Wilkey is an interior landscape consultant.
She is a third generation horticulturist and now lives in Bowling Green,
Kentucky. Write her at
Swwgod@aol.com.
Books on Plants:
*The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher O.
Bud.
To
order click here.
* The American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden
Plants by Christopher Brickell, editor, Judith Zuk, editor.
To
order click here.
*The House Plant Expert: The World's Best-Selling Book on House
Plants by D. G. Hessayon.
To
order click here.
*The Flower Expert by D.G.
Hessayon.
To order click here. |
