Gardening with Gary

Gardening Advice from an Expert

Pothos

Julles writes~ During the freeze in Houston, the pothos that I have growing up a trellis behind the gargoyle got zapped. It's all wilty, and very pale looking.. I don't know if it is frozen and mushy, or just a bit beaten back. It has taken me years to get it to grow up so high, so I'd hate to cut it down to the ground. Do you think I should cut it back, or wait?

A. Your pothos cannot take temps as low as 20 degrees F. Even if it were hardened throughout the years, that is a low point there where the juices freeze and the surrounding tissues die. Nothing can be done for that foliage.

But, I feel there is no need to rush into cutting back the vines until you give it a while to send out side shoots. The only fear I would have is if you see a fungal or bacterial infection forming. That would occur on the mushy black tissue and must be trimmed immediately and discarded far away from any plants.

Wait a month and reassess the damage. Then, you will be able to see exactly where the dead tissue gives way to living buds and by pruning can force them to sprout. Be sure to use a clean, sharp knife or shears to prune any plant material. If necessary, take an old one and clean well with steel wool, dip and rub with household bleach and rinse well with water before using.