Efeutute, also known as Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), is a popular houseplant. Often called “devil’s ivy” due to its resilience, this vining plant thrives in various indoor conditions. Its popularity stems from attractive, heart-shaped foliage and straightforward care, making it a common choice for new and experienced plant enthusiasts. Its trailing nature makes it suitable for hanging baskets or cascading from shelves.
Efeutute Care
Light
Efeutute thrives in bright, indirect light, such as near an east or west-facing window. While it tolerates lower light, insufficient light may cause variegated varieties to lose their patterns, reverting to solid green foliage. Direct sunlight can scorch leaves, leading to pale or bleached spots. Placing the plant a few feet from a sunny window or using sheer curtains provides adequate diffused light.
Watering
Water by allowing the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. The plant often signals thirst by displaying slightly drooping leaves. Overwatering causes root rot, characterized by yellowing leaves and mushy stems, while underwatering may cause leaves to wilt and curl. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation, which can harm roots.
Soil
Efeutute grows best in a well-draining, aerated potting mix. A standard houseplant or aroid mix works well, often benefiting from added perlite, vermiculite, or coco coir for enhanced drainage and aeration. The plant prefers a slightly acidic soil pH (ideally 6.1-6.8), but tolerates minor variations. This type of soil environment helps prevent waterlogging and promotes healthy root development.
Temperature and Humidity
Efeutute prefers average room temperatures, ideally 65-85°F (18-30°C). Temperatures consistently below 50°F (10°C) can cause damage. While Efeutute adapts to typical household humidity, it appreciates moderate to high humidity, ideally 40-60%. To increase humidity, group plants together, use a pebble tray with water, or occasionally mist the foliage.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (typically spring and summer), Efeutute benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, can be applied monthly. Slow-release fertilizer pellets can last for several months. During fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce or cease fertilization to avoid chemical burns on roots.
Propagating Efeutute
Propagating Efeutute is commonly done using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and make a 3-6 inch cut, ensuring each cutting has at least one node where new roots emerge. Remove bottom leaves from the cutting to expose nodes, ensuring at least one or two leaves remain at the top.
Cuttings can be rooted in water, a popular method for beginners. Place cuttings in a glass of water, ensuring nodes are submerged and no leaves are in the water to prevent rot. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Roots typically form within one to two weeks; once several inches long, cuttings are ready for transplanting into soil.
Alternatively, Efeutute cuttings can be rooted directly in a well-draining potting mix. After taking the cutting and removing bottom leaves, optionally dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder to encourage faster root development. Plant the cutting in moist soil, ensuring nodes are buried and keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Rooting in soil produces stronger roots, and new growth usually indicates successful rooting within weeks.
Common Efeutute Problems
Efeutute plants can exhibit symptoms indicating stress. Yellowing leaves are a common sign, most frequently caused by overwatering, leading to root rot. Yellowing can also occur from underwatering, too much or too little light, or nutrient deficiencies. Observing soil moisture and light conditions helps diagnose the specific cause.
Drooping leaves often indicate thirst from underwatering, but can also be a symptom of root rot if soil is consistently wet. Brown leaf tips or edges point to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Adjusting watering habits and increasing ambient humidity helps resolve these issues.
Loss of variegation (patterned leaves becoming solid green) usually results from insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter, indirect light location helps restore leaf patterns. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and thrips can affect Efeutute, causing symptoms such as pale spots, yellowing, or webbing on leaves. Regular inspection and treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil can manage infestations.
Popular Efeutute Varieties
Many Efeutute varieties offer unique foliage patterns and colors. The ‘Golden Pothos’ is the most recognized, featuring heart-shaped green leaves mottled with splashes of yellow or gold. Its variegation can vary in intensity depending on light exposure.
‘Marble Queen’ Pothos displays green leaves heavily variegated with creamy white, giving it a marbled appearance. This variety often requires more light than ‘Golden Pothos’ to maintain vibrant variegation. ‘Neon Pothos’ stands out with bright, chartreuse or golden-yellow leaves, typically lacking variegation. The color of ‘Neon Pothos’ leaves deepens with age and is most vibrant in medium to bright indirect light.
Other popular types include ‘Jessenia’, which has green leaves with subtle, lime-green variegation, and ‘N’Joy’, known for its smaller leaves with crisp, white edges. ‘Pearls and Jade’ Pothos features smaller, thinner foliage with white-edged light green leaves and streaks of cream and white variegation.