EPIPREMNUM
INFO + CARE

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genus: Epipremnum Schott

type: herbaceous evergreen

family: Araceae

native range: China, the Himalayas, and Southeast Asia to Australia the western Pacific

zone: 10 to 13

height: up to 40 m

spread: up to 6 m

type species: E. mirabile Schott = E . pinnatum (L.) Engl.

bloom time: rarely flowers

sun: full sun to part shade

water: medium

maintenance: low

soil type: loose, well-draining, 'breathing' potting mix

toxicity: toxic to pets and humans

Epipremnum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, found in tropical forests from China, the Himalayas, and Southeast Asia to Australia the western Pacific. They are evergreen perennial vines climbing with the aid of aerial roots.

They may be confused with other Monstereae such as Rhaphidophora, Scindapsus and Amydrium.

All parts of the plants are toxic, mostly due to trichosclereids (long sharp cells) and raphides. Plants can grow to over 40 m with leaves up to 3 m long, but in containers the size is much reduced.

The plants, commonly known as centipede tongavine, pothos or devil's ivy, depending on species, are typically grown as houseplants in temperate regions.

Juvenile leaves are bright green, often with irregularly variegated patterns of yellow or white. They may find host trees by the use of Skototropism.

Genus name comes form the Greek epi meaning upon and premnon meaning a trunk in reference to its growing on tree trunks.

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Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.

Epipremnum plants are in general very easy to care for and make great houseplants even for beginning gardeners. They do, however, come from sub-tropical origins. They enjoy ample light, quite high humidity and warmer temperatures. They can handle a range of light from low to bright indirect. How quickly and how well the plant grows will depend on the amount of light it receives . Plenty of bright indirect light or use of plant lamps is the best to cultivate Epipremnum as a houseplant.

The same goes for air humidity: the more humid the environment in which your Epipremnum grows, the better. Avoid dry air: radiators and air-conditioners don't do plants any favors.

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