Epipremnum

Epipremnum is a genus of flowering plants in the Araceae family. It contains several popular houseplants known for their heart-shaped leaves and vining growth habit. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these tropical beauties.

Origins and Natural Habitat

Epipremnum plants originate from moist tropical forests in areas of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. In their natural habitat, they grow as climbing vines that attach themselves to trees and rocks with aerial roots. The natural conditions they thrive in include:

Warm and Humid Climate

Epipremnum naturally grow in warm environments with average temperatures around 70-90°F. They also prefer relatively high humidity of 60-90%.

Shaded Forest Floors

In nature, epipremnum creep across shaded forest floors and climb up tree trunks into the canopy where they can access pockets of sunlight filtering through. They are considered low-to-bright light plants.

Popular Epipremnum Houseplants

There are several popular species of Epipremnum grown as houseplants. The most common are:

Epipremnum Aureum

Commonly called golden pothos or devil’s ivy, E. aureum is the most popular. It features gorgeous heart-shaped green leaves with yellow, white, or pale green central variegation. It’s an easy-to-grow hardy vine.

Epipremnum Pinnatum

Known as Cebu blue pothos, E. pinnatum has metallic blue-green foliage. New leaves emerge blue before fading. It tolerates low light better than other varieties.

Epipremnum Marble Planet

Marble planet has white-speckled and creamy-yellow variegated leaves resembling a marble pattern. It’s a patented variety with restricted propagation rights.

Growing Conditions

Caring for epipremnum houseplants is fairly straightforward as they adapt well to typical indoor environments. Here are some key conditions to provide:

Light

Epipremnum do best in bright, indirect light. Although they tolerate low light, growth will be slower and foliage color faded. Place them near a bright window filtered by a sheer curtain. Rotate monthly.

Water

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings then soak thoroughly. Yellowing leaves often indicate under-watering while mushy stems or leaves mean overwatering. Adjust as needed.

Temperature & Humidity

Epipremnum enjoy average room temperatures between 60°-80°F and moderate humidity around 40-50% RH. Use a room humidifier in winter when heating systems create dry air.

Soil & Potting

Use a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark. Add moisture-retaining polymers in terra cotta pots. Repot every 2 years in spring, moving up just 1 size. Avoid overpotting.

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength every 2-4 weeks during active growth periods (spring through summer).

Propagation

Epipremnum are very easy to propagate. Just snip off a stem with a few leaves, strip off lower leaves, place in water or moist potting mix, and new roots will emerge at nodes in a couple weeks.

Common Concerns

Issues are rare with epipremnum if proper care guidelines are followed but occasional problems include:

Leaf Spotting

Small brown spots on foliage indicate too little humidity. Increase humidity levels around the plant.

Leggy Growth

Poor lighting results in sparse, leggy growth. Move plant closer to a bright window or supplement with a grow light.

Pale Leaves

Chlorotic yellow leaves mean too little fertilizer. Apply an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer at half strength.

With the right growing conditions, epipremnum make excellent long-trailing houseplants in hanging baskets or on shelving where their gorgeous foliage can steal the show!

Conclusion

From their tropical forest floor origins to popular indoor varieties like golden pothos and Cebu blue, epipremnum are gorgeous vining houseplants with lush heart-shaped leaves. They readily adapt to typical indoor environments and their care is quite straightforward – providing proper moisture, humidity, light, and nutrients. Propagation is simple for sharing these trailing beauties. When conditions are to their liking, epipremnum will reward you with cascading vines and vibrant leaves to decorate your home.

See more 5 Essential Tips for Thriving Epipremnum Indoors & Outdoors