What are the characteristics of pothos? How to grow it so it grows fast and lush, and what fertilizer is best

Pothos, commonly known as pothos or devil's ivy, is a perennial climbing vine with waxy, heart-shaped leaves marbled with white or yellow, usually grown in hanging baskets indoors, in waiting rooms and commercial interiors. It is an epiphyte, meaning it has aerial roots that cling to tree branches as it climbs. Native to the Solomon Islands, this ivy is not cold-hardy and cannot tolerate cold in temperate climates, but it thrives in pots indoors. In Sunset climate zones 8 and 9, you can enjoy it outdoors in summer heat and sun.

1. Buy a pothos ivy seedling from a nursery, or cut a healthy small tip from a plant as a cutting. The cut tip should be 3 to 4 inches long, with a terminal bud from the current season's growth and at least four leaves. Cut just below a leaf node, then remove the lower leaves.

2. Insert the seedling or cutting into a pot containing a well-draining soil mix of two parts loam, two parts perlite or sand, and two parts sphagnum moss. The pot should be at least twice the size of the seedling's root ball. Plant the cutting deep enough that it stands upright. Place the seedling or cutting in a spot with low to bright light, and water it.

3. Water when the soil is dry. In bright light, water the plant more often. Overwatering will turn the ivy's leaves yellow and cause the stems to rot. Overwatering or dry air will cause brown spots on the leaves and brown edges. Mist the leaves regularly to maintain humidity.

4. Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer, that is, one containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

5. Prune the top of the ivy plant regularly to control growth. If you prune just above a leaf, new shoots will emerge, forming new stems. Wipe the leaves regularly with a soft cloth to remove dust.
 

What you need: pruning shears, pot, loam, perlite or sand, sphagnum moss, watering can, spray bottle, fertilizer, soft cloth.
 

You can also propagate pothos ivy by bending the stem tip into a vertical position in the soil. Secure it in place, cover all but 6 to 12 inches of it with soil, and water the plant.

The size and color of pothos ivy leaves vary according to the light it receives. Bright light produces more brightly colored leaves. Low light makes the leaves smaller and paler in color.

The leaves of Epipremnum aureum “Tricolor” are marbled with pale green, cream and deep yellow. The “Wilcoxii” cultivar is a combination of white and green. The leaves of “Marble Queen” range from cream to white, interspersed with gray-green and green.

Warning: The sap of pothos ivy can irritate people if handled or swallowed, so wear gloves when pruning this plant.