Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a beloved houseplant that graces many homes with its lush green foliage. But have you ever wondered about its origins and what it looks like in the wild?
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the natural habitat of pothos and discover the stunning specimens that thrive in their native environments.
1. Where Do Pothos Grow in the Wild?
Pothos, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, is native to the Society Islands in the south Pacific Ocean. These islands, with their warm and tropical climate, provide the perfect conditions for pothos to thrive.
The native range of pothos is relatively small, but it has been introduced and naturalized in various parts of the world.
During my travels to subtropical and tropical regions, I have been fortunate enough to witness the breathtaking beauty of pothos in the wild. Seeing these “houseplants” in their natural habitat is truly a treat. Let me share with you some of the stunning pothos specimens I encountered during my journeys.
Pothos in St. Thomas: A Marvelous Display of Leaves
In St. Thomas, I came across a magnificent pothos that left me in awe. The sheer scale of its leaves was remarkable. I couldn’t resist taking a photo with it to showcase the grandeur of this plant.
It’s fascinating to see how pothos can grow so abundantly in its natural habitat.
2. Are Pothos Invasive?
Yes, pothos can be invasive when grown outdoors in warm climates. Its vigorous growth and ability to spread quickly make it a potential threat to native plants and biodiversity.
Pothos, with its climbing nature, can overtake native trees and eventually lead to their demise if left unchecked.
During my visit to Mexico, I witnessed the invasiveness of pothos firsthand. I encountered a beautiful pothos plant growing up a palm tree.
While it was a stunning sight, it was clear that some pruning would be necessary to prevent the pothos from completely overpowering the tree.
3. The Enormous Size of Wild Pothos
In their natural habitat, pothos can reach astonishing lengths of 40 feet or more. They exhibit both ground cover growth and climbing tendencies.
When pothos attaches its roots to a tree and begins its ascent, the leaves grow larger and develop fenestrations, which are distinctive holes and slits. Leaves can grow to over 2 feet in length.
However, when pothos grows as a ground cover without any support, the leaves remain small and juvenile, resembling the pothos varieties commonly grown as indoor houseplants or hanging basket plants.
4. Flowering in the Wild: A Shy Phenomenon
Pothos do have the ability to bloom in the wild, but it is considered a “shy-flowering” plant due to a deficiency in a gibberellin (GA) biosynthetic gene called EaGA30x1.
Gibberellin is a hormone responsible for triggering flowering in plants. However, flowering can be induced artificially by spraying GAs onto the plant.
The pothos flower is characteristic of the aroid family, featuring a spathe and spadix. The inflorescence, as it is called, contains tiny flowers on the spadix.
5. Reproduction in the Wild: Vegetative Propagation
In their natural habitat, pothos primarily reproduce through vegetative propagation, which involves spreading and growing from broken vines that come into contact with soil or other surfaces.
This method of reproduction is similar to how we propagate pothos at home.
While flowering is rare in cultivation, it is possible for pothos to flower and even bear fruit outdoors. The fruit of pothos resembles that of Monstera deliciosa, but it is reportedly not edible.
It’s important to note that propagating pothos from seeds is highly uncommon, as the plants are usually propagated through cuttings due to their ease of growth and rapid development.
Conclusion: The Wonders of Pothos in the Wild
Exploring the natural habitat of pothos is a fascinating journey that showcases the plant’s incredible adaptability and beauty. From its native range in the Society Islands to its introduction and naturalization in various parts of the world, pothos continues to captivate us with its lush foliage and climbing tendencies.
If you’re interested in growing pothos in your own home, be sure to check out my post on pothos varieties, which highlights the diverse range of cultivars available.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this exploration of pothos in the wild. Have you ever encountered a pothos in its natural habitat? Share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s celebrate the wonders of nature together!