My parents gave me quite a few plants for me to take to university, however I have no idea what to do with them, and the sources I found are conflicting as far as what kind of soil to use and how often to water them. I recieved Golden Pothos, Wandering Jews, Snake Plants, Ponytail Palms, Ribbon Grass, Hen and Chicks, and a couple of others that I can't identify at the moment. So what soil do I repot them to, and how often do I water them and how much?
Can't speak to most, but the "pothos" is a species known as Epipremnum aurenum. It is originally from the Solomon Islands. The species is an aroid which simply means it is capable of producing a spathe and spadix which many people incorrectly call a "flower". It is a climber but most people just allow it to hang from a basket. Either method is fine. Epipremnum*aureumprefers loose soil that is kept damp, not soggy. I don't recommend the off the shelf potting soils unless you use a "moisture control" mix. This plant will withstand a lot of abuse. I've seen them shrivel up to the point they appeared dead and a glass of water would bring it back to life. Now, I don't recommend that in your dorm! Keep it near a window and it will be happy. Just give it a small amount of fertilizer when ever you can remember! Don't over fertilize it. By the way, if grown in ideal conditions, the leaves can reach well over 18 inches. I've got them that large in my atrium.
The Pothos and wandering jew can be hung up in the window... the snake plant can sit in front of the window .. pony tail palms i would set back a lil bit.. some shade.. ribbon grass im not sure about ... and the hens and chicks are a succulant .. they all would grow fine in regular soil.. but water the hens and shicks about every other time from the regular watering of the other plants... the hen is more of an outdoor plant.. but keep it in a bright window.. Marn
Thanks guys. I will leave the Golden Pothos, grass and the Wandering Jews in their original soil. I have read on the forum that bonsai soil or catci soil are better for Ponytail Palms, Snake Plants (Sanseviera sp.) and "Hen and Chicks." Should I try to repot them with a new composition? According to one of the posters, I think she or he said that just taking a Sanseviera into the bathroom while showering daily usually give off enough steam for them to absorb the humidity without any direct watering and without the risk of overwatering. I just had a list of plants that are deemed hardy enough to be used with reptiles,that can tolerate being torn to bits or squashed, and my parents found the list; they found out that the residence don't allow live animals and bought me plants to make up for the disspointment.
