Gardening is a precise art. A garden always has planning behind it, regardless of an appearance of seeming disarray. Organization and forethought are two important watchwords any gardener will have you know.
Why is this necessary? A garden does not exist naturally. The progression might be heavily dependent on the external environment, but a garden is, essentially, a simulation.
It is a customizable simulation arranged to be a reflection of one’s fancies. It is why constructing a healthy garden calls for a plan.
Not every plant can coexist with each other- there are complicated relationships between plants too, that require due attention.
A companion plant is a term used to describe a plant that grows in conjunction, planted in cohabitation with another plant.
They provide the right kind of support and have a symbiotic relationship- one in which there is a reasonable distribution of soil nutrients between the two.
Golden pothos- what is it?
The Golden Pothos, or the Devil’s Ivy, is an ideal pick for a houseplant. It has to it an air of simple beauty- variegated leaves of green and gold that retain their sheen even in low light.
Popularly referred to as a plant that cheats death, there is some truth to this saying. The Golden Pothos weathers situations of inadequate light, neglect, and infrequent watering schedule, and cramped space to grow in and manages to emerge out of the rubble, unscathed.
Of course, care is essential. Ensure that the soil is a well-drained potting mix with a good nutrient composition. Prune regularly, and follow a fixed watering schedule
5 Golden Pothos companion plants
The following bulleted list has five companion plants for the golden pothos.
1. Spider Plant
Also called the Airplane plant, the spider plant grows naturally in the tropics. It is an easy houseplant that grows and bears an uncanny resemblance to a spider web- it grows plantlets that drop down from the main stem as part of a web.
It has striking foliage- thin leaves that usually are a mix of white and green. The plant requires regular watering.
Be careful not to overwater the soil, for that would lead to flooding. A healthy mix of sun and shade is advisable- one that entails approximately an exposure to the sun for 6-8 hours a day.
Spider plants average a height between 24-36 inches. They have white blooms and are known to be resilient, hardy species.
2. Snake Plant
Another low-maintenance plant, along with the likes of the Golden Pothos, the Snake Plant is the ideal choice for the lazy.
They can withstand almost any variation of light conditions and have been able to survive comfortably in near darkness. Water, however, is their kryptonite. Steer clear of overwatering and too little water.
These plants grow in the tropics and reach a height of between 3 and 4 feet. It has many varieties- each with distinct foliage and variegation. ‘Black Coral’ has dark leaves with light banding, while ‘Laurentil’ has its leaves edged in gold.
A drought-resistant species, the Snake Plant serves as the perfect companion to the Golden Pothos.
Related:
3. Butterfly Palm
The warning against overwatering seems to be the order of the day today, and rightly so.
The Butterfly Palm is an easy plant to grow, in addition to being easy on the eyes. Armed with dark green leaves that delicately fan out like a palm tree, the Butterfly Palm is a good pick.
It has significant air-purifying qualities, better than most of its ‘peers.’ These plants can grow to be quite tall and reach a height between 6 and 8 feet at maturity.
Regular watering is imperative, as it is an excellent potting mix with good absorption and drainage qualities.
Related:
4. Jade Plant
Named after the stone famous for its iridescent green, the jade plant certainly is a striking color. The leaves are succulent and shiny and grow on opposite sides, trailing along the stems.
A plant that belongs to the category of succulents/cacti, the Jade Plant is accustomed to growth in hot climes and thereby is drought-resistant. Nevertheless, regular watering is important.
These plants may be classified as shrubs, growing up to a height of between 18 and 24 inches.
They do well in both sun and shade, although overexposure to sunlight often turns the leaves a light shade of red. It also indicates a lack of water on occasion.
The stems, like the leaves, are fleshy- a characteristic that sets the plant apart. Well-drained soil is always a plus.
Additionally, when in the right conditions, the jade plant produces flowers- small pink and white blooms that exude cheery confidence.
5. Asparagus Fern
Asparagus Fern makes for the perfect antithesis to the Golden Pothos. The latter is thickly textured tropical with dark green leaves.
The former, on the other hand, is a fern. Light green with delicate fronds, it works in contrast to the jade shadows of the other.
Container size determines the width of the plant. It can stretch up to 2-3 feet wide, given that they have enough space to grow.
The offshoots are short and grow as tails do from the main stem. The foliage is finely textured.
A houseplant that makes for easy care, the asparagus fern is drought-resistant. Regular watering, a good potting mix, and a careful mix of sun and shade can help it thrive.
Related:
Conclusion
The Golden Pothos is as close to an ideal houseplant as possible. A frequent recommendation to amateurs makes for easy care, requires no stringent feeding routines, and is rather beautiful to look at.
But as is the case with gardens, every plant needs itself a suitable companion regardless of size.
Cohabitation, statistics show, has a positive effect on the general growth and well-being of plants. Additionally, it makes for a more excellent picture, indicating a more precise plan.
This article talks of a few companion plants for the golden pothos- a convenient and fulfilling list. If you are looking to find a friend for your plant, this is the article for you!