Question
My name is Leslie Patterson and I am a freshman at Cedar Park High School, in Cedar Park, Texas. I am currently taking a Pre-AP biology course and am doing a semester project titled "What are the effects of electromagnets on plants?". I have nine Golden Pothos plants; three growing naturally, three growing near a weaker electromagnet, and three growing near a stronger electromagnet. I have been watering the Pothos plants when the soil seems dry and they are growing near a window with the blinds halfway closed. They are a few (maybe 5-6) inches tall currently and are being watered with regular tap water (unsoftened). I have a few questions about growing Pothos plants.

1)Under what amount of light do Pothos plants grow best?

2)What region are Pothos plants native to?

3)Do Pothos plants grow better under natural or artificial light?

4)Should any important factors or fertilizers be added to the soil to enhance the growth of the Pothos plant?

5)Do Pothos plants grow better indoors or outside?

6)How much water should a Pothos plant recieve and how often?

7)How large and how fast should a Pothos plant grow?

8)Since Pothos plants are perennial, do they grow as well during the winter as they do during the summer?

9)What is the best temperature to grow Pothos plants in?

10)Does pot size affect the growth of a Pothos plant? If so, how large should the pot be?

11)If a Pothos plant were to recieve too much or too little sunlight, what visible effects would show up?

12)If a Pothos plant were to recieve too much or too little water, what visible effects would show up?

13)Can Pothos plants be grown close together?

14)Should Pothos plants be watered with spring water, natural water, tap water (etc.)?

15)What effects do you think an electromagnetic field might have on plant growth and condition?

Answer
Hi Leslie,

That is an interesting project. Clearly, you have already done some good research and know what questions to ask.

1) Pothos do best in bright indirect natural light - a north windowsill with blinds fully opened - or under fluorescent lights. Protect Pothos from the direct rays of the sun shining directly on the leaves.

2) Pothos (botanical name is Epipremnum or Scindapsus aureum) is native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia, specifically Malaysia.

3) As potted plants, Pothos grow best under fluorescent lights that are on for about 12-14 hours per day.

4) A good quality potting mix will contain all of the nutrients that a Pothos will need. A poor quality mix will need to be supplemented with a complete fertilizer that contains the minor and trace elements, as well as the macro nutrients.

5) Pothos do best in warm temps that are in the 65 to 85 degree range because they are from a tropical region. Obviously, that limits the locations where they can be grown outside all year long. Pothos also benefit from moderate breezes and high humidity. These conditions can be created inside by using fans and humidifiers.

6) The volume and frequency of wqtering varies with many other factors including light intensity, temperature, humidity, air circulation, and pot size. In general, any potted pothos should be watered only when the top inch of soil feels dry. When watering, always apply enough water to saturate the entire rootball and pour off any excess that flows through the drainage holes. The proper amount will vary with the volume of soil.

7) All of the variables listed in 6) will also affect plant growth. Light is a particularly important factor in determing growth rate. In poor conditions, a Pothos may grow only a few inches and add only a half-dozen new leaves each year. In good conditions, a Pothos can grow several feet and add dozens of leaves each year.

8) Pothos are not perenniels. In their native habitat and in a warm (indoor) environment they will grow all year long. The growth rate in northern climates will decline somewhat in winter when the hours of daylength are shorter. However, if the daylight is supplemented with artificial light, then there will be no reduction in winter growth.

9) 65 to 85 degrees F. is best.

10) Pothos grow best when quite potbound - when the rootball is 80% roots and 20% soil. As the plant matures and its roots expand it will do better in a slightly larger pot. Pot sizes must be stepped up one size at a time for best results and only when the plant is very potbound. It is much like fitting shoes to a growing child.

11) In too much light (direct sun on the leaves), the leaves will gradually become a pale green color. In too little light, the new growth leaves will be very small and the stems thin and weak. It often takes several months of improper light before these effects can be seen.

12) If a Pothos receives too little water, the leaves will wilt and become weak. Some of the older leaves will turn bright yellow. If the soil is kept too moist, the roots will rot and cause the leaves to wilt because there is no way for the plant to absorb the moisture in the soil. With overwaterng, the leaves turn a dull, pale color.

13) Yes. In their native habitat, Pothos grow as ground covers.

14) Pothos do best with reasonably pure water. Hard water and softened water are not good because of the high mineral content. Some spring waters also have high mineral content. If your local tap water is on the hard side, then use filtered, distilled or rainwater instead.

15) This is the purpose of your experiment and presumably you will find out. I will tell you this: professional growers of Pothos whose livelihood depends on optimal growth of their crop do not use electromagnetism as a growth enhancer.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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