The Epipremnum Champs Elysees is a popular houseplant, known for its distinct appearance. This Pothos variety is a sought-after addition to indoor plant collections, appealing to both beginners and experienced plant owners due to its relatively easy care.
Understanding Epipremnum Champs Elysees
The Epipremnum Champs Elysees, or Epipremnum aureum ‘Champs Élysées’, is a cultivar of the common Pothos. It features vibrant, heart-shaped leaves with neon-green or chartreuse coloration, often with subtle yellow variegation. Its distinguishing feature is the unusual crests or ridges on the undersides of its leaves, sometimes described as gills. This texture adds a unique visual and tactile element, differentiating it from other Epipremnum varieties. As the plant matures, its leaves broaden and stems become more ridged.
Caring for Epipremnum Champs Elysees
Light Requirements
Epipremnum Champs Elysees thrives in bright, indirect light, which maintains its vibrant foliage. While it tolerates lower light, insufficient light may fade its bright coloration. Avoid direct midday sunlight, as intense rays can scorch leaves. An east or west-facing window, about three feet away, often provides ideal light.
Watering Practices
Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry completely before watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure adequate drainage holes. Watering frequency varies with environmental factors like light and temperature, requiring more frequent watering in brighter conditions or warmer months. Droopy or soft leaves indicate an underwatered plant.
Soil Mix
A well-draining potting mix is essential to prevent waterlogged roots. A blend of regular potting soil with components that improve aeration and drainage is ideal. Incorporating perlite, peat moss, or coconut coir enhances the mix’s structure and ensures efficient water drainage, creating optimal conditions for root health.
Temperature and Humidity
Epipremnum Champs Elysees prefers average indoor temperatures, ideally 65°F to 85°F (18°C-30°C). Keep the plant away from cold drafts, sudden temperature fluctuations, or extreme heat, as these can cause stress. While it tolerates average household humidity, it benefits from higher humidity, especially in dry environments. Misting or using a humidity tray can provide moisture.
Fertilization
During the active growing season (spring and summer), feed your Epipremnum Champs Elysees with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Fertilize every one to two months, following product instructions for dilution and frequency. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization can lead to nutrient burn, harming the root system.
Propagating Epipremnum Champs Elysees
Propagating Epipremnum Champs Elysees is achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting includes at least one leaf and a node. The node is where new roots will emerge. Place cuttings in water, ensuring the nodes remain submerged, and change water weekly. Roots typically form within weeks; once several inches long, transfer to a well-draining soil mix. Alternatively, cuttings can be rooted directly into moist soil or other growing mediums like sphagnum moss.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage. If the soil remains consistently wet, roots can suffer from a lack of oxygen, leading to yellowing foliage. Conversely, browning or crispy leaves suggest underwatering or insufficient humidity; adjusting watering and humidity can resolve these concerns.
Loss of the plant’s distinct variegation, where the bright colors become dull, usually points to insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter, indirectly lit location to restore vibrant hues. Regularly inspect for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids, and address infestations promptly.