The Efeutute needs little care, you should only pay attention to a few things when watering. The ivy can easily be propagated by cuttings.
The ivy (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the most popular indoor plants. This is no coincidence. The arum plants are extremely robust and forgive some care mistakes. The modest green plant willingly climbs its trellis and can also convince as a traffic light plant. The ivy impresses with its pretty leaf markings and can also ensure that pollutants are filtered out of the air and the humidity increases.
With minimal maintenance, even people without green fingers can have an attractive houseplant for beautifying their own home or decorating offices and business premises.
Efeutute - Origin
The only thing the ivy has in common with the ivy that gives it its name is that it is a climbing plant. The ivy belongs to the genus Araliaceae. The ivy described here, on the other hand, is an arum plant. This puts ivy in the company of sycamore, window leaf and other popular houseplants.
Like most arum plants, the ivy originates from tropical regions and can therefore only be cultivated as a houseplant in our latitudes.
Efeutute - the ideal location
The ivy prefers a bright location, but no direct sunlight. If the location is too dark, the marbling visibly disappears and the leaves appear consistently green over time. Plants that are too dark are also more susceptible to diseases and pests.
The ivy is ideally placed on a west or east-facing flower window. The direct sunlight on the south window can burn the leaves.
» Tip: A shady location on the balcony and terrace can be chosen in midsummer. If the temperatures drop below 16 degrees, the ivy should move back into the house.
The right substrate for the ivy
Commercial house plant soil is suitable for cultivating the ivy. This should be loose and nutritious. RegardAlso refer to the pH value on the packaging. If the value is between 5.0 and 6.5, the substrate is suitable for ivy.
Alternatively, you can make your own potting soil:
1 part quartz sand
1 part clayey soil
3 parts compost-based potting soil
The individual components are easy to mix together.
Planting and repotting of ivy
Efeututes are sold as potted plants. Since the soil in the narrow plant pot loses nutrients over time, ivy pots should be repotted regularly. It is recommended that the plants get new soil and a larger planter every two to three years.
If there is strong root penetration and the root sections are already protruding from the planter, it is high time to move to a larger pot.
Repotting step by step
- Pot plant
- Remove root ball from substrate
- Check root for damage
- remove damaged root sections
- provide new planter with drainage
- fill in fresh potting soil
- Insert plant
- fill the resulting cavities with substrate
- Press the earth well
- Water the plant
» Tip: When transplanting, a planter should be chosen whose diameter is at least five centimeters larger than the previous planter.
Efeutute Care
Water the ivy properly
It is important for the growth of the plant to be evenly moisturized. How much has to be watered ultimately depends on the size of the plant, the nature of the substrate and the ambient temperature.
Casting is usually moderate. The top layer of soil is allowed to dry slightly until the next watering. Since waterlogging should be avoided at all costs, excess irrigation water should be removed regularly from the planter or saucer.
Smaller plants can also be submerged, similar to orchids. The plants should remain under water until no more air bubbles form. For larger plants, wipe with a damp cloth.
» Tip: A finger test can be used to check whether the plant needs water. If the substrate feels dry in the top two centimeters, it should be watered as soon as possible.
Brown leaf tips can indicate a lack of water, but are often also a sign that theHumidity is too low in the overheated living room.
Fertilize ivy correctly
In order for the ivy to develop its long tendrils, the plant needs nutrients on a regular basis. A commercially available liquid fertilizer for green plants can be used.
During the growth phase, between April and October, fertilize at 14-day intervals. In winter it is sufficient if the plants receive a small dose of fertilizer about every six weeks.
» Tip: If the green ivy grows yellow leaves, this is an indication of insufficient nutrient supply - so it's time to fertilize.
Efeutute - the most important planting and care tips at a glance
| Occupation | What matters |
| Select Location | » bright » no direct sunlight » also shady outdoors in midsummer |
| Prepare substrate | » loose » nutritious » pH between 5.0 and 6.5 |
| planting and repotting | » repot every two to three years » choose a container about five centimeters larger » create drainage to prevent waterlogging |
| Casting | » even soil moisture » water moderately » soil can dry slightly |
| Fertilize | » every 14 days during the growth phase » every six weeks in autumn and winter » use commercially available fertilizer for green plants |
Cutting Ivy
The ivy tolerates pruning without any problems. However, such measures are not necessary. Only withered and dead leaves should be removed regularly. If there is enough space, you can simply let the plants continue to climb.
If you want to grab a pair of scissors, spring is a good time. The shoots can be shortened by about two thirds. The plant will then sprout all the more luxuriantly.
» Tip: The resulting cuttings can be used for propagation.
Increase Ivy
Propagation by cuttings is the simplest method of obtaining young plants from ivy. The sections obtained during pruning can be placed in potting soil immediately after cutting.
» Tip: The plant also forms roots if the offshoot is placed in a glass of water.
If the cutting was placed in potting soil, a plastic or glass cover will help with rooting. The seed tray is set up bright but not sunny.
»Caution: The planter should be ventilated daily, otherwise mold will form.
The culture vessels are set up at room temperature. After a few weeks, the rooted cuttings can be isolated and moved to separate plant pots.
Efeutute - 2 popular varieties
There are different breeds on the market. These do not differ in their care requirements, but only on the basis of the leaf markings.
Efeutute 'Golden Pothos'
(Epipremnum aureum 'Golden Pothos')
The growth corresponds to the conventional ivy. The difference lies in the almost completely yellow colored leaves.
Efeutute 'Marbel Queen'
(Epipremnum aureum 'Marbel Queen')
Here, too, the growth form is identical to that of the original plant. Grown out are cream colored leaves interspersed with green spots and stripes.
Detect diseases and pests
If you heed the care instructions mentioned, you will hardly have any problems with your ivy. The plants are robust and rarely affected by diseases or pests. Sometimes the following problems may occur:
- Spider mites: The underside of the leaves is covered with a fine web. Small silvery dots are visible on the upper side. Spider mites can usually be combated by spraying the plant several times with water.
- yellow leaves: Either your plant was too sunny or it was treated with particularly hard water. The ivy should be repotted as soon as possible and provided with fresh soil. Avoid watering with tap water. Rainwater or mineral water are good alternatives.
- Dried leaves: Plants are often infested with aphids, scale insects or whiteflies. The pests should be specifically controlled. If there is no pest infestation, there are care mistakes, such as too little or too much watering.
Efeutute in winter
From October, watering will be restricted. The surface of the ivy can dry well, but dry balls should also be avoided in the cold season. Beginners can use a moisture meter.
Temperatures must not drop below 15 degrees in winter. Tropical plants cannot tolerate this. Limp and translucent leaves indicate that the ivy is too cold.
Is ivy poisonous?
The ivy belongs to the arum family and is therefore slightly poisonous for humansand pets. Consuming the plant can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches. Skin rashes may occur on contact with the sap.