15 Fun Facts about Pothos

Pothos or Epipermum aureum and related species is now in demand. This a member of the of Aracea family that includes Caladiums, Colocasia, Xanthosoma which originates from Central and South America.

This highly ornamental plant is making a comeback, with dozens of new hybrids and variegated ones in the market.

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Epipermum aureum or golden pothos at a plant stall within Goodwill Homes 1, Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City

Prices used to be in between Php 25 to Php 75 for small hanging basket in Tabang-Guiguinto plant stalls in Bulacan. Almost the same price in Silang, Cavite few years ago, until the demand for indoor plant skyrocketed last year.

Some plant center in the province would give cuttings as freebies whenever one will bring large purchases. Plant enthusiasts sometimes called plantiquarians, plantitos, plantitas,halamanmoms, plantaddicts whatever would you prefer calling them, would swear that having pothos is on their bucket list of plants.

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Pothos grown in large cement vat within Goodwill Homes 1, Barangay San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City

15.) It is called “money plant ” by people living in the Indian subcontinent, Chinese, Taiwanese, Thai and some Southeast Asian countries. People believe that having one potted pothos can brings good luck, money or attracts positive chi inside one’s premises. This is also good in offices, condominiums and apartments which have minimal spaces.

14.) One can grow pothos indoors, preferably with bright indirect light, although it also will tolerate low-light conditions. Pale leaves means too much sun, and loss of variegation means too little.

13.) Pothos likes to have its soil dry out between watering. For potted plants dislikes soggy condition.

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Epipermum aureum or golden pothos cling on branches on an acacia tree

12.) One can fertilize pothos on weekly basis with water soluble fertilizer brand that is available in the market preferably 1/4 to 1/2 the strength diluted. This is done after watering the plant. One can also apply Naturamin which is distributed by Harbest Agricultural Business Corporation based in Pasig. Another way to apply small amount of slow release fertilizer that is commercially available.

11.) This had various common names like golden pothos, hunter’s robe, ivy arum, money plant, taro vine, Ceylon creeper, silver vine, Solomon Islands ivy, marble queen, water vine among others.

10.) It is also referred to as devil’s vine because it is quite impossible to kill the vine. This plant can tolerate low light levels. Some areas like in Florida, Hawaii, Southeast Asia,Tropical America, India, Sri Lanka the Epipermum aureum completely overgrows the forest floor as well as the trunks of trees and block the natural vegetation.

9.) Epipermum aureum, the golden form of the species use to be native over Mo’orea in the territory of French Polynesia. Epipermun pinnatum is native to many parts of the country and south This is under the family of Araceae.

8.) This is now one of the most common house plant and was introduced in many parts of the world due to human activity. The plant became naturalized in many tropical,sub-tropical area all over the world. Among the big farms includes Costa Farm in the United States of America.

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Pothos growing on a large tree within Philvirra Homes, Barangay Tandang Sora, along Road 20 Project 8, Quezon City

Locally, one can buy varieties of pothos in several online sites and established farms like Unigreen Farm in Batangas, Bulacan Garden, Tabang-Guiguinto plant stalls, Araneta Farmers Garden, Mindanao Avenue Garden Center, Quezon City Memorial Circle, Cedarhills Garden Center in Mother Ignacia Avenue,White Plains, Cartimar Plant Center, Neopolitan in Fairview, Pasig among others.

7.) NASA and other scientist made studies in the 1980’s on the effects of pothos indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde, trichloroethene, toluene, xylene, benzene, carbon monoxide and dust.

6.) Other genus like Scindapsus pictus commonly called satin pothos/ silver pothos or silver vine are also lump as pothos. This vine is widespread in many southeast asian countries. Some small leaf philodendron are also mistakenly sold as different cultivar variety of pothos.

5.) The vine can be propagated via nodal cutting planted in aquariums, placed on top of the aquarium and allowed to grow roots in the water. The plant roots can filter some nitrate.

For those living in Calumpit, Bulacan One can contact Mrs. Vivian Sumilang (0920-915-8975) or ( 0922-819-6414). She also have other ornamental plants for sale.

4.) It is popular in the Philippines with many schools, make shift altar, cemeteries, family shrines have pothos planted in clear bottles as water plant. According to some old time local horticulturists and backyard hobbyists. They have encountered this vine way back in the early 1950’s and was extensively featured in several magazines.

3.) The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) listed this plant as mildly toxic when ingested to pet dogs, cats and small mammals. Avoid letting your pet animals chew the leaves or any parts of the plant.

2.) Avoid constant touching the leaves and stems of Epipermum pinnatum and Epipermum aureum since parts of the stems and leaves contains calcium oxlate crystal which may cause general skin irritation.

1.) Leaves are used in general flower arrangement, ikenobo arrangement and adds color.

Sources, References, Bibliography, Interview:

Personal interviews – with Ms. Charita Gunao, Mrs. Leticia Cabiao, Mr. Lebon Ong, Mrs. Marilyn Montemayor, Professor Purita Marquez, Mr. Allan Marquez , Mrs. Vivian Sumilang

Royal Horticultural Society

Wolverton, B. C. How To Grow Fresh Air, Penguin Books, New York, 1997.

Wolverton, BC (1996) How to Grow Fresh Air . New York: Penguin Books.

Sawada, Ayako; Oyabu, Takashi (2008). “Purification characteristics of pothos for airborne chemicals in growing conditions and its evaluation”. Atmospheric Environment. 42 (3): 594–602.

Nauheimer, L., Metzler, D. and Renner, S.S. 2012. Global history of the ancient monocot family Araceae inferred with models accounting for past continental positions and previous ranges based on fossils. New Phytologist, vol. 195, p. 938-950.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Madulid, Domingo; Winner, National Book Award, Science, 1995. Revised Edition, 2000 with 388 pages. Araceae Epipermum aureum pages 89 to 90, Bookmark, Makati, A Pictorial Cyclopedia of Philippine Ornamental Plants.

Steiner, Mona Lisa, PHD;Care, M &L Licudine Enterprises, First Edition 1952, Second Edition 1960, Third Edition 1986, Atlag, Malolos , Bulacan. Gabi Family page 142, Philippine Ornamental Plants And Their Care.

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How to Start Terrarium Making Workshop by Cedarhills

Cedarhills Garden Center

Terrarium is getting popular in many modern day homes, apartments, condominiums even offices and schools.  In this fast phase lifestyle people who do not have time taking care of house plants, terrariums work well for people with busy lives or those that struggle to keep plants alive due to lack of care.

dish garden and terrariums

Having a terrarium, vivarium landscape set-up is also becoming popular for those who who have small insects, reptiles and amphibians creating a mini-ecosystem. Hobbyists will incorporate landscaping into their breeding cycles. Plus of course, there is the obvious aesthetic benefit.

dish garden with accesories

Materials Needed:

1.) Glass Vase , Goldfish bowl, Cookie jar, Pickle jar, Vase with a broad bottom, Brandy Snifter or Aquarium – These can be bought at Cedarhill Garden Center or stores which sells glass vases like EDSA Garden House along EDSA corner Times street.  ( one can choose from different types, shapes and size )

2.) Small Scooper- This are use to scoop potting media, pebbles into the vase.

carbonated rice hull

3.) Carbonated rice hull (CHR) is first layer of the vase. CRH neutralizes the odor and absorbs excess water. It also allows air retantion, that is needed by the plant’s roots.

4.) Dibber- a wooden tool used to flatten the surface of your media- One can improvise by using any kind of wood.

5.) Tissue paper- used to dry the inner surface of your vase after spraying the media with water.

6.) Pinatubo Pumice – They act as your terrarium water drainage. They also aid in air retention because plant roots needed the oxygen to convert nutrients into plant food.

7.) Klassman Peat Moss- This type of medium is PH neutral, making it the safest media to use for your terrarium plants. It is also not as compact as compared to ordinary garden soils, which allows your vase to look more polished.

8.) Cacti and Succulents- When choosing plants, remember to consider water and sunlight requirements to make sure that all your plants have the same maintenance requirements.

9.) Accessories- driftwood, jarlets, smooth white stones, figurines- These are needed as additional accent in your terrariums / vivariums ( they add color and animation to the overall landscape) They can be bought in garden center, toy shops or Japanese thrift stores.

10.) Stirrer- Use to clear out, smoothen or position the driftwood, jarlet, smooth white stone and the plants in a precise position.

11.) Assorted stones and pebbles ( one can buy them at any garden center or pebble stores) They can be bought per pack or per sack.

12.) Sprayer- Sprayer is used to water the terrarium gently between three times to four times a week – or depending on the exposure to sunlight.

a richly decorated terrarium

Workshop

Kuya Gerry

We were greeted by Kuya Gerry, he is our mentor for the terrarium and dish garden workshop, The workshop started at around past 10:00 am, some of the participants are first timers and have some knowledge in cacti and succulent. A short introduction and briefing, We introduce each other and a little background on our hobbies and interests.

animal figurines

The group was given a short briefing on the materials needed and on how to make our own terrarium. a short audio video presentation. It took us between 30 to 45 minutes just to complete the set-up.

participants

We enjoyed the terrarium and dish garden workshop, We learned a lot. There were a mini contest among the participants. The next workshop will be held next week April 13, 2019 Saturday from 9:30am to 12:00 noon. Do not miss this opportunity.

terrariums

terrarium set-up at the recent flora filipina 2019 expo

Cedarhills Garden Center

Cedarhills Garden Center is one stop shop located in 57 Mother Ignacia Street, Diliman, Quezon City . It is just beside Saint Mary’s College and near ABS-CBN channel 2.

Operations: Mondays to Saturdays -9:30am to 6:30 pm

Sunday -CLOSE

Landline : 926-2707

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/cedarhillsgardencenter/

 

Organic Urban Gardening 102 Seminar at Cedarhills Garden Center

Organic urban  gardening is getting popular in the country . One of the place that conducts a monthly seminar about organic gardening is Cedarhills Garden Center located along 57 Mother Ignacia Street , Quezon City.

This garden center is located near Saint Mary’s College, ABS-CBN channel 2 , Fisher Mall and is located just at the back of Capitol Medical Center.

some of the basic materials and hand-outs

Cedarhills Garden Center is fairy accessible to all modes of transportation. Must say that i am one of the regular ” suki” of the center. I have blogged and wrote a couple of articles which features this center.

tillandsias

This is a one stop shop for those interested with a plant, pots, orchids, tillandsias, cactus, garden supplies , organic mix, fertilizers and even cut flowers from some tenants like Waling Orchids by Puentespina.

The garden center is also known for spreading organic gardening . One can convert ordinary kitchen waste into organic compost material.

 Seminar Topics

Cedarhills Garden Center had several interesting topics that are offered to the general public , gardening enthusiasts and those who wanted to know the basics of growing plants.

1.) Organic Urban Gardening 101 – a 4 hour seminar /workshop with hand-on training on how to prepare organic fertilizer EM, seed soaking and germination, short power point lecture, seedling preparation and plating in seed bedding. This comes with hand-outs, hands-on planting and some free seedlings.

power point presentation

Kuya Gerald Sioco – seminar / workshop facilitator

2.) Organic Urban Gardening 102- a 4 hour seminar/ workshop which is an upgrade on the first module. This comes with lecture and talk, EM ( EMAS) technology preparation, seed soaking , sprouting , seed planting, benefits, planting in containers, transplanting, cutting, bed planting, composting, fertilizer application, pest management, plant ailments, transplanting. There is also a short tour of the facilities and identification of plants.

3.) Basic Cactus and Succulent Workshop – a 4 hour seminar / workshop with introduction to cactus and succulents, pest and diseases , plant classification and dish garden preparation with hands-on demonstration.

planting box

All the seminar/workshop have hand-outs, free snacks and certificate of participation.

Since the seminar area is not big, their minimum number of participants is just about 12 to 20 participants per workshop.

benefits of growing your own produce

soil ph level and types of plants and produce which are compatible

old toy truck is transformed into an interesting planting pot for ornamental plant

begonia planted on an old car tire

planting box with planted herbs , kangkong seeds and pebbles for decoration.

vertical garden using soft drink bottles 

 Seminar/ Workshop Flow

1)    There are exclusive of about 12  participants which were composed of online writers, media, students and interior specialist.  The workshop area has 3 tables, so that makes 4 participants in each table.  Each table has an assistant that will help participants during the workshop. Seminar schedule are normally posted at their FB page. Due to limited area, the maximum participants per session is just 20.

2)   Innovative presentation- Power point presentation, hand-outs , kits and hands-on activities.  This workshop is 80% to 85% hands on.

3)  Participants can borrow gardening kit .  Everything you need during the hands-on activities are provided. dio-it-yourself EMAS,  soil compost , water, soft pots, plant label , seed packet, plant box, seedlings and pebbles.

4)   Attentive to the participants needs.  Cedarhills Garden Center Apron (so we won’t get dirty), OFF Lotion (so mosquitoes won’t come near us), bag container (so our things are safe and won’t be dirty).

5)    Take home kits.  All the things we did in the workshop were given to us to take home.  Try to bring virus free USB portal, if you want to get free copy of the power point presentation . If you forgot to bring USB portal- an active email will do.

6)  Snacks and Other Perks – No one will get hungry since snacks are provided to the participants( part of the workshop package) . Participants must be attentive to details as a short Jeopardy q and a portion contest by the facilitator. Lucky participants can win exciting herbs or plant.

7.) Post-Workshop Assistance.  One can send an sms or an email for questions at their hotlines.

Father’s Day Promotion

Father’s Day Treat

For those interested with the workshop 926-2707 or 0907-ORGANIC to register.
*Up to 20 slots per session. Reservation applies upon payment.

How to Commute:

1.) From Quezon Avenue southbound – There are jeepneys which ply the Quezon Avenue ( route Fairview to Quiapo). ( Capitol Medical Center) try to cross the foot bridge toward Scout Magbanua street and then turn left  short walk toward Mother Ignacia street.

2.) From Quezon Avenue northbound- There are jeepneys which ply the route – take off at Scout Magbanua street ( Capitol Medical Center) and then turn left  short walk toward Mother Ignacia Street.

3.) MRT Quezon Avenue- There are tricycle routes which ply within Mother Ignacia , Panay Avenue and Timog TODA – tricycle drivers will charge -between Php 30 to Php 50 for special fare.