Golden Epipremnumis an effective and easy-to-grow potted climber. The shoots of this plant can grow up to 4-5 meters in length, but in pot cultivation they are usually half as long. Decorative, heart-shaped leaves often turn golden or silvery streaks and spots. We suggest whatcultivating epipremnum at homelooks like and how to propagate this interesting climber. In this article you will also learn which diseases and pests can threaten the epipremnum.
Golden epipremnum - Epipremnum aureum
Fig. pixabay.com
Golden epipremnum - appearance description
Golden Epipremnum(Epipremnum aureum) is an ornamental climber belonging to the Araceae family. Historically, botanists referred to this plant as Scindapsus aureus. This name has become very popular and to this day in florists it is sold under the name scindapsus. It is therefore worth knowing thatgolden epipremnum and golden scindapsus are the same plant
Epipremnum grows quickly , and its shoots can reach 5 m in length. The pride of this species are heart-shaped, pointed leaves. Depending on theepipremnumvariety, the green leaf plate may be covered with golden or silvery streaks and spots. Long, stiff and angular shoots look good when guided by supports and hanging freely from the pot.
Golden epipremnum - cultivation
Epipremnum is easy to growand has no special requirements, making it the perfect houseplant for the office.In order for the epipremnum to grow he althily, it is enough to provide it with a bright place with diffused light and a fertile, permeable and slightly acidic substrate. In the absence of enough sun,golden epipremnum will grow slowerand the color of the leaves will not be as spectacular.
This species adapts well to thermal conditions. The cut room temperature in the range of 18-24 ° C is sufficient for him. However, if the temperature in the room in winter is above 18 ° C, then the plant forms smaller leaves and grows less. Therefore, the recommended epipremnum wintering temperature is between 16 and 18 ° C.Golden epipremnum does not need a rest period , so the pot can stand in the same place all year round.
Golden epipremnum - Epipremnum aureum
Fig. pixabay.com
Epipremnum produces a large amount of green mass, so it needs regular fertilizationDue to the colorfully colored leaves, fertilizers for flowering plants with an increased dose of potassium will be the best for this purpose.Thanks to such fertilizers, the plant will grow he althily and have intense color.
An important care treatment is the properwatering the golden epipremnum , because the plant does not tolerate overflow or drying out. In the first case, its leaves turn yellow or get brown spots and fall off, and in the second, the stems wrinkle and the leaves dry up. The best solution is to water frequently, but not too abundantly, and to sprinkle the leaves with soft water on a regular basis. In summer we water the epipremnum every 4-5 days, and in winter every 7-8 days, after making sure that the top layer of the earth is dry.
Epipremnum trimmingis best done in spring. The aim of the treatment is to reduce the size of the plant and shorten excessively bulging shoots. Regular removal of the tips of the shoots promotes better branching.
Planting the golden epipremnum
Fig. depositphotos.com
Epipremnum we replant every 2-3 yearsbut we don't have to change the pot every time.This ornamental climber has a poorly developed root system, so it does not need a large pot. We only replace the soil with fresh soil, using universal soil for potted flowers. We do not forget to put a layer of drainage at the bottom of the pot to protect the root system from excess water. For this purpose, it is best to pour expanded clay on the bottom of the pot.
Note!
When carrying out maintenance work, one should remember to exercise caution, because the plant's tissues contain toxic calcium oxalate, which irritates the skin. Especially if you are going to prune epipremnum shoots, it is worth wearing protective gloves.
Golden epipremnum - reproduction
Golden epipremnum easily multiplies by shoot and apical cuttingsEach seedling should have 2 nodes. We peel off the lower leaves and put the seedling in water or immediately in a pot filled with a substrate intended for the production of seedlings.To maintain high air humidity, we can cover the pot with a glass jar or a foil bag. We must often ventilate plants to prevent the development of fungal diseases. After 2-3 weeks, the rooted epipremnum cuttings can be planted in pots.
Epipremnum cuttings can also be rooting in water only.For this, the cuttings are placed in a jar filled with water and placed in a sunny place at room temperature. After a few days, the seedlings begin to take root. When the roots have grown a bit, the plants can be planted in pots.
Rooting epipremnum cuttings in water
Fig. depositphotos.com
Golden epipremnum - diseases and pests
Most of the problems in the cultivation of epipremnum stems from improper watering of the plant.It is best to pour water on the stand and let it soak from the bottom. After about 15 - 30 minutes, pour away the excess water from the tray.Thanks to this, we will avoid unnecessary wetting of the leaves and stems.
In the golden epipremnum watered too often (especially if the water is poured directly from the watering can to the ground), it may lead torotting of the stem base on the section just above the ground Rotting shoots need to be removed and watering is limited. Repotting into fresh soil may also be helpful.
With excessive watering, epipremnum easily attacks rhizoctoniosisIt is a fungal disease that affects both potted and garden plants. The infection develops in the substrate, infecting the roots first. They start to rot and stop taking water and nutrients from the soil. Decay spots appear on the above-ground parts, visible at the beginning on the lower parts of the shoots. Over time, the disease affects the entire plant, which withers and dies.
Combating this epipremnum diseaseis virtually impossible, and the infected plant must be discarded. When symptoms are noticed, the root system is already infected.That is why it is so important to prevent and take care of the appropriate substrate moisture: proper watering, permeable substrate, drainage at the bottom of the pot.
Golden epipremnum can also attack pestsTheir appearance is favored by too high temperature and too dry air in the room.
Mealwormsare insects that feed on juices sucked from plants. Their body is covered with a white coating resembling wool. The clusters of insects are easiest to see on the lower side of the leaf blade and on the stems. As a result of feeding on mealybugsepipremnum leaves turn yellow and falland the plant dies.
A natural remedyto combat these pests may be a preparation for alcohol base. To prepare it, add about 100 ml of denatured alcohol or spirit and a few drops of dishwashing liquid to a liter of water. We thoroughly rub the entire plant with this mixture. We repeat the treatment every 3-4 days.
Scattersbelong to the June family.Their bodies, covered with a flat plate, can be seen on the underside of the leaf plate. They feed by sucking the sap from the plant and leading to its weakening, deformation and, as a result, death.In the fight against scales, washing the plant with an alcohol-based preparation, the same as for fighting mealybugs, will help. A cotton bud with a cotton ball or a toothbrush can be helpful in removing hard insect scales.
In the event of both of the above-mentioned pests, it is worth additionally spraying the entire plant with the oil preparation. For this purpose, we add 10 ml of cooking oil (e.g. rapeseed oil) to 1 liter of water and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. You can also use a ready-made preparation for mealybugs and scales on potted plants called Emulpar Spray.
MSc Eng. Anna Błaszczak
