Epipremnum aureum

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Epipremnum aureum

A variegated cultivar of Epipremnum aureum

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Liliopsida
Order:	Alismatales
Family:	Araceae
Subfamily:	Monsteroideae
Genus:	Epipremnum
Species:	E. aureum

Binomial name

Epipremnum aureum
(L.) Engl.

Epipremnum aureum, is known as the Pothos (once classified under the genus Pothos), Silver Vine, and Devil's Ivy is an aroid native to southeastern Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia) and New Guinea. It is sometimes mistakenly called philodendron at plant stores.

Other names include Centipede tongavine and Devil's Ivy. It is also popularly known as "money plant" in certain parts of the world (particularly in India).

It is a liana growing to 20 m tall, with stems up to 4 cm diameter, climbing by means of aerial roots which hook over tree branches. The leaves are evergreen, alternate, heart-shaped, entire on juvenile plants, but irregularly pinnatifid on mature plants, up to 100 cm long and 45 cm broad (juvenile leaves much smaller, typically under 20 cm long). The flowers are produced in a spathe up to 23 cm long.

[edit] Cultivation and uses

It is a popular houseplant with numerous cultivars selected for leaves with white, yellow, or light green variegation. It is often used in decorative displays in shopping centres, offices, and other public locations largely because it is a very hardy plant that requires little care and is also attractively leafy. It is also efficient at removing indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene.

As a houseplant it can reach two meters or more tall, given suitable support. For best results it requires medium indirect light; bright light is tolerated, but lengthy spells of direct sun will scorch the leaves. The plant prefers a temperature of between 17 and 30 °C. Generally it only needs water when the soil begins to feel dry to the touch. For best results a liquid fertilizer can be added in spring, and they should be repotted every couple of years. However, this is a robust plant that can stand a fairly high degree of abuse. It will grow hydroponically quite readily.