caring for a Poto is easy!

Today we are going to talk about the latter, and more specifically, the hardy poto, without a doubt, the houseplant par excellence. in this guide you will find everything you need to know about growing poto!

Poto: description, cultivation and care

The popular "poto" is a variety of tropical origin that belongs to the scindapsus genus. It belongs to the araceae family andis native to the Solomon Islands. Its appearance is very striking, with large, shiny, heart-shaped leaves. Its growth is of the climbing type, as it does not have a rigid stem, and it is extremely easy to maintain.

Around 40 species belong to the Araceae family. The most common for domestic cultivation are the aureus (with huge variegated leaves) and the pictus (with shallower and smaller surfaces and small white spots on the top).

How to grow Poto

Its care and maintenance is very simple as it is a very hardy and long-lived plant. The meandering stems can reach several metres in length.

When growing it for home use, it can be used as a climbing or hanging plant, left to grow freely, or directed to the desired shape with the help of some kind of guide or tutor.

• Light

Light environments will undoubtedly be the poto's greatest allies. A lack of light will hinder the appearance of the small white speckles that are so characteristic of its surface. However, direct sunlight should be avoided as it can burn the leaves.

• Watering

During the hottest period of the year (spring and summer), water moderately, leaving the soil to dry out between watering. Do not over-water as this plant is more tolerant of relative dryness than waterlogging. Over-watering will cause the plant to suffer from chlorosis, a disease which in turn will cause the leaves to fall off. In autumn and winter, continue with the same pattern, but with more spaced watering periods.

how often should I water? The frequency and amount of water will depend on the size and characteristics of the pot. As every plant is different, you will find out the right water proportions from your own experience.

Humidity is also a great friend of this plant. If you moisten its leaves with the help of a small sprayer, it will be very grateful.

• Temperature

One of the main characteristics of the poto is its great adaptability, although if you have to choose, it prefers rather warm environments. The optimum temperature range is between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, low temperatures and cold air are considered its nemesis. It can tolerate frosts of up to 5 degrees, although it should not be constantly exposed to these temperatures or it will eventually succumb.

• Soil

The poto is not at all picky about the type of soil it grows in. Ideally, the substrate should consist of an acidic mixture with one portion of fine sand for every two of peat. A mixture of fine sand, compost and peat in the same proportion may also be suitable. We recommend potting compost rather than plastic, so that it can breathe. In general, a neutral, well-drained soil will suffice.

General care

• Fertiliser and fertiliser

It is sufficient to dilute a liquid fertiliser in the water used for irrigation once a month. For this type of plant it is advisable to use fertilizers with a high nitrogen content.

• Transplanting

Transplanting is recommended every spring. The size of the pot will depend on whether you want to encourage tall or climbing growth. The larger the pot, the more the latter will be favoured. This process usually takes place when the amount of soil begins to fall short for root growth.

• Pests

This plant tends to be attacked by mites or spider mites, which cause the unsightly yellowing of the surface of the leaves and can even cause them to fall off. To eradicate the problem, it is recommended to increase the number and frequency of spraying, as dryness facilitates the development of parasites. Manual cleaning can also be carried out with a piece of cotton wool soaked in methyl alcohol. Only in cases of heavy infection should chemicals be used.

• Pruning

This type of plant is not usually pruned. In any case, the leaves that dry out over time are removed to avoid the appearance of pests and diseases.

If we are looking to turn our poto into a denser, bushier plant, it is advisable to remove the small shoots to encourage the development of new branches. Pruning should be carried out in the spring.

Multiplication of the Poto

You can multiply your poto by cuttings or by dividing the plant.

• By cuttings in soil

The process is carried out in early spring.

Cut off pieces from the ends and remove the leaves closest to the base.

Plant the cutting in soil, and cover it up to the first leaf.

Cover the pot with plastic wrap to achieve optimum temperature and humidity conditions to encourage rooting (remove the plastic wrap for a short time each day to avoid condensation and excess temperature).

Once rooted, treat the new element like any adult plant.

• By cuttings in water

this type of propagation is as simple as putting a piece of plant in a container of water and waiting for the root to appear!

• By division

All you have to do is divide a piece of plant with its corresponding stems and roots and transplant it into a new pot with the appropriate substrate.

As you can see, caring for a poto is so easy that you will have no problem keeping it healthy and beautiful, even if you have little or no knowledge of plant care.

who said it was difficult to keep a plant green and lush without spending hours and hours caring for it? thanks to the poto, you can do it effortlessly!