The culture of the Efeutute is comparatively simple. Nevertheless, a few points must be observed with regard to the location, substrate, fertilizer and climbing aid. The following guide will help.
Location
Only a few points are important with the location. These include:
- bright
- no direct sun
- the highest possible humidity
- Avoid strong temperature fluctuations
- Temperature 18 to 22 ° C
- protect from drafts
Especially in summer you should make sure that there is neither blazing sun nor constant drought. A place at the window facing east or west, for example in the bathroom, is ideal. If, on the other hand, the plant is in the living room or another rather dry room, it can also be sprayed with soft water or a humidifier can be used.
Tip: If the leaves turn almost completely green and no white-green markings can be seen, the plant is too dark. To compensate for this, more chlorophyll is formed.
Substrate
In the case of soil, the Epipremnum aureum is extremely easy to care for. The only requirements that must be met are the following criteria:
- permeable
- humus
- lime compatible
High-quality universal soil is sufficient. To increase the permeability, sand or coconut fiber can be added.
Hydroponics
Hydroponics is an alternative to traditional substrates. Expanded clay, for example, can be used for this purpose. However, you have to
Note that specimens that have been moved into the ground are difficult to accustom themselves to. It is therefore best if you decide directly for hydroponics when making your selection or if you grow your cuttings in expanded clay.
In the aquarium
Offshoots and cuttings of the ivy do not always have to be introduced into the substrate. Care and cultivation in water are also possible. The roots absorb nutrients and thus have a cleansing effect.
However, you have to make sure that only the roots protrude into the water. Otherwise, rot can occur.
to water
Keeping it slightly moist at all times works best for the plant. It cannot cope with waterlogging or persistent dry periods. It should therefore be watered once a week from around February to October. Watering every two weeks is sufficient during winter. The following variants are optimal:
- stale or filtered tap water
- collected rainwater
- lime-free, soft tap water
- Water from untreated aquariums or ponds
Because the advantage of these springs is that the irrigation water is soft and therefore only contains little limestone. The roots can therefore absorb both liquid and nutrients better.
Tip: If you are not sure whether your tap water has a high calcium content, ask the responsible water authority. Often found
this information conveniently online.Fertilize
Fertilizing is very easy. A liquid NPK fertilizer once a month from April to August is sufficient. Alternatively, you can use a slow release fertilizer in spring when the first new shoots appear. Always remember that you need to water sufficiently after fertilization. Failure to do so could cause chemical burns to the roots.
Repot
The soil in the planter should be changed every two to three years. Because the relatively frequent watering means that the substrate is used up relatively quickly. In addition, growth can be rapid. Root balls and tendrils then need a correspondingly large amount of space.
Repotting the efeutute is easy. All that is required are the following steps:
1. Thoroughly remove soil
Completely removing the old substrate from the roots has a preventive effect. Because both pathogens and any pests that may be present are removed in the process. In addition, the absorption of nutrients is improved. Therefore, first remove the dry substrate and then wash off the root ball.
2. Cut off damaged parts
If you notice any dead or damaged pieces on the roots, you have to remove them. Allow time for the interfaces to dry to reduce the risk of rot and mold.
3. Choose a planter
If the roots are already growing out of the holes in the flower pot, you should urgently choose a larger planter. A few more centimeters are enough. Otherwise, the root ball will become larger after repotting, but the rest of the growth will be delayed.
4. Introduce drainage
You should use a drainage layer to prevent waterlogging. This is located at the bottom of the pot and can consist of coarse gravel or ceramic shards.
5. Insert the plant
When filling the flower pot and planting the plant, make sure that the soil does not reach over the roots. Otherwise, rot could spread.
6.
Pouring onAfter repotting the Epipremnum aureum, the substrate must be well watered. However, let the soil drain well before placing the planter in a planter or on a saucer.
Climbing aid
When it comes to climbing support for the efeutute, you have a large and comprehensive selection. For example:
- Bamboo sticks
- Wire mesh
- Wire or wood grids
- Moss sticks
By using a climbing aid, the sometimes very long shoots can be easily steered. Would you like a heart shape or an arch? Even spirals are possible.
Tip: Attach the tendrils to the climbing aid with wire or plant clips until they have grown in the desired shape.
Cuttings and propagation
The increase of the efeutute is very easy. For this purpose, the shoots of the plant are simply cut off and optionally placed in water, hydroponics or potting soil. Roots form within a few weeks, which improve the supply.
wintering
Wintering is possible in two ways and is always easy. If possible, the plant can be overwintered at around 15 ° C. The temperature should not be higher than 18 ° C and lower than 10 ° C. It is also important to reduce the amount of water being watered and to stop fertilizing.
Another option is to overwinter the plant at normal room temperatures. There is then no need to change the maintenance. However, it is necessary that the supply of light be increased. Otherwise the plant is too warm, but does not have sufficient brightness. A plant lamp can help here.
Pests
Spider mites are a potential problem. Appropriate and comprehensive care can prevent these parasites. This also applies to the following measures:
- Shower off the leaves
- Spray the plant with lime-free water
- regular checks for discoloration and other damage
Tip: If you adjust the care accordingly, the risk of an infestation is extremely low. In addition, the Efeutute is resilient and recovers quickly.
