Epipremnum - small genus of evergreen vines, has about 25 species of the family Araceae, common in the tropical forests of Asia and Polynesia. The correct botanical name Epipremnum and old names - potos and Rhaphidophora.

Epipremnum is a winding vine, climbing up using aerial roots, very close to the philodendron. At home plants climb the tree trunks high - up to 15 m. In terms of rooms grow very quickly, often stretching across the walls of the room. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, leathery, glossy, bright green or variegated. In variegated forms are a variety of patterns in the form of spots or stripes. Inflorescence look like flowers arum, they can be seen only in nature indoors Epipremnum not bloom.

Although Epipremnum may travel along the wall, hang down or climb up on the railing of the stairs, he will appreciate mossy support which will maintain the necessary humidity near the aerial roots. The plant is used as ground cover or as ampelnoe for vertical gardening balconies and terraces, shop windows, foyers and winter gardens.

In the indoor horticulture most widely Epipremnum golden, feathery and Epipremnum Epipremnum painted.

Epipremnum golden (Epipremnum aureus) - a decorative vine with heart-shaped leaves and aerial roots. Leaf blade leathery, glossy, light green with yellow or golden marble pattern. The size of the vines can reach 10 m. The decorative variegated varieties: "Marble Queen" ("Marble Queen") with white and green leaves, some leaves are almost completely devoid of chlorophyll; "Golden Pothos" with bright colored leaves greenish-gold color. This species has a number of synonymous names - Epipremnum golden (Scindapsus aureus), Staphylococcus Potos (Pothos aureus) and Rhaphidophora gold (Raphidophora aurea).

Epipremnum pinnate (Epipremnum pinnatum) - a powerful curling vine. In nature, can reach up to 30-40 m in length, the culture does not exceed 10 m. Leaf blade in young specimens are short, lanceolate. In adults - oblong, based on wide heart. In good conditions along the central rib appear small and numerous holes, and the plate becomes pinnatisected. Also found under the names - Epipremnum pinnate (Scindapsus pinnatum), Potos pinnate (Pothos pinnatum).

Epipremnum painted (Epipremnum pictus) - This view is also very decorative. The leaves are leathery, oval, heart-to 15 cm long and 8 cm wide, green with white or silvery spots. Also found under the names - Epipremnum painted (Scindapsus pictus), Potos painted (Pothos pictus).

Lighting. Epipremnum demanders and grows even shading place, but too dark location causes the leaves become completely green and stops their growth. But exposure to direct sunlight will not give beauty to the plant, in such circumstances leaves become faded quickly age and fall off. The best place to Epipremnum - a 0.5-2 m from the well-lit window.

Temperature. Throughout the year Epipremnum grows at room temperature, which should not fall below summer 18 °C, in winter - below 15 °C, although normally carries a short-term drop in temperature to 12 °C. Winter at 15-16 °C - the plant is resting. Suffers greatly from drafts.

Watering. Epipremnum likes abundant watering, it should be watered sparingly, otherwise the leaves lose their decorative value (there are dark spots) and often takes root rot. Substrate between waterings should be slightly dry out. Winter watering less often but not allowing the drying of the soil. Watering is necessary to defend water at room temperature.

Humidity. In cool conditions undemanding, but at a temperature above 20 °C is necessary to put a pot with a plant on a tray with moist gravel above the water level and often spray the leaves and aerial roots. For spraying only use soft water, otherwise formed spots on the leaves. Once a week, the leaves should be cleaned with a damp cloth to remove dust.

Fertilizing. Epipremnum does not require large amounts of fertilizer. In the period of active growth from April to October the plant fed every 2-3 weeks with liquid fertilizer for houseplants. In winter, when the plant is contained in a cool room, it is not necessary to feed. If contained in a warm room, a small portion of one fertilized once a month.

Transplantation. Young plants are transplanted annually in the spring, and then every 2 years in the loose soil composed of turf and ground sheet, peat and sand (2:2:1:1). Or use ready-soil mixture for decorative foliage plants. Pots when planting and transplanting should not be large, since an excess of undeveloped land rooted plant may die from the acidification of the soil. At the bottom of the pot with good drainage set to earth com pereuvlazhnyat not.

Reproduction. Epipremnum easily propagated by stem cuttings and riding (piece of stem with 2-3 leaves) or air layering. Cuttings rooted quickly in water or in a wet sand (in a mini-greenhouse at 22-25 °C). After rooting them planted several pieces in small pots. In order to better plant branches, long stems pinch.

Pests. Most often Epipremnum (Epipremnum) damage scale insects, thrips, red spider mites. They settled on both sides of the leaves, which are then deformed, turn yellow and die. First mechanically remove parasites using soapy solution swab several times wash plant with a strong jet of warm water. Then spend the processing of leaves special preparations, for example, or karbofosom aktellikom (15-20 drops to 1 liter of water).

To combat sucking insects can also be used extracts of garlic and onions. Take 1 tsp. Finely chopped onion or 1/2 tsp. Garlic and insist in a closed glass of water during the day, then this infusion wash plant.