The Common Houseplant That Hasn’t Flowered in Almost 60 Years

Pothos plants, known for their resilience, rarely flower naturally due to a lack of gibberellins, growth hormones necessary for flowering. Originating from the South Pacific, they have spread globally as an invasive species. While they can reproduce through flowering, they primarily spread vegetatively, especially in dense populations. This method of reproduction is advantageous as it maintains successful genetic traits. Lab studies have induced flowering by adding gibberellins, but the natural process remains elusive.

What environmental conditions do pothos plants prefer?

How do pothos plants reproduce if they do not flower?

Why do pothos plants not flower naturally?

What are gibberellins and what role do they play in the flowering of plants?

Discuss the significance of genetic variation in plant populations and how it relates to flowering.