gibberellin abscisic acid on Pothos
Quick answer
If your Pothos has gibberellin abscisic acid, the most likely cause is: Gibberellins (GAs) and abscisic acid (ABA) act as antagonistic hormone pairs regulating growth vs. dormancy in tropical vining plants like pothos (Epipremnum aureum). Gibberellins promote cell elongation and break dormancy by degrading DELLA proteins, while ABA maintains dormancy and stress tolerance by inhibiting GA signaling. In pothos, seasonal temperature decreases and reduced photoperiod in winter elevate ABA levels relative to GAs, slowing metabolic activity and causing the 'dormancy-like' state characterized by reduced visible growth despite healthy foliage.
Start here:
- 1. Provide supplemental full-spectrum grow lights (12-14 hours daily) during winter to maintain GA synthesis and counteract low-light ABA elevation
- 2. Maintain consistent temperatures above 65°F (18°C) to prevent ABA accumulation from cold stress
Why Pothos gets gibberellin abscisic acid
Epipremnum aureum
Gibberellins (GAs) and abscisic acid (ABA) act as antagonistic hormone pairs regulating growth vs. dormancy in tropical vining plants like pothos (Epipremnum aureum). Gibberellins promote cell elongation and break dormancy by degrading DELLA proteins, while ABA maintains dormancy and stress tolerance by inhibiting GA signaling. In pothos, seasonal temperature decreases and reduced photoperiod in winter elevate ABA levels relative to GAs, slowing metabolic activity and causing the 'dormancy-like' state characterized by reduced visible growth despite healthy foliage.
How to reverse gibberellin abscisic acid on Pothos
- 1
Provide supplemental full-spectrum grow lights (12-14 hours daily) during winter to maintain GA synthesis and counteract low-light ABA elevation
- 2
Maintain consistent temperatures above 65°F (18°C) to prevent ABA accumulation from cold stress
- 3
Reduce watering frequency in winter but avoid drought stress that further elevates ABA
- 4
Apply dilute balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth; avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that can disrupt GA:ABA balance
Keep gibberellin abscisic acid off this Pothos
Understanding the GA:ABA balance helps explain pothos growth patterns: vigorous summer growth reflects high GA:ABA ratio, while winter slowdown reflects natural ABA elevation. Maintaining stable environmental conditions (consistent light, temperature) supports favorable hormone balance for year-round growth.
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