Pothos: Epipremnum and Scindapsus

Pothos, golden pothos, devil’s ivy, epipremnum, scindapsus: have you ever heard these names? We bet you have. They all refer to very popular, low-maintenance and fast-growing houseplants that our grandmothers’ grandmothers already grew, and that are still in the spotlight today, not least thanks to beautiful new colorful varieties.

Most members of the genus Epipremnum have glossy to leathery heart-shaped leaves, often with colorful variegation, growing from sturdy long stems with aerial roots. These roots readily grow into a soft support such as a moss or sphagnum moss pole. You can also grow them in a hanging planter, in a macramé plant hanger, or simply let their stems trail freely. These plants also do very well in hydroponics, for example in expanded clay (LECA). Species of the genus Scindapsus, on the other hand, have somewhat firmer leaves with a silvery tinge that literally sparkle in the sun. Apart from that, however, plants of these two genera have very similar growing and care requirements, which is why we cover them together in this article.

 

Epipremnum

This genus belongs to the arum family (Araceae), together with the popular philodendrons, monsteras and dieffenbachias, and includes more than 20 species of large, vigorous climbing vines, discovered and described by the botanist Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in tropical Indonesia and Australia as early as the second half of the 19th century. Its botanical classification has a long history. Perhaps no other houseplant has been so often misclassified and misnamed as the best-known species, Epipremnum aureum. Today, this really is the only correct name. In the past, however, the species was described as Pothos aureus and later even moved to the genus Scindapsus. It was not until almost 100 years later that adult flowering forms of this species were discovered, and based on their morphology, it was finally placed in the genus Epipremnum. Because of these historical inconsistencies, the incorrect name “pothos” has become so established that people often still use it today, perhaps also because it is easier to pronounce. But now you will always know which name is correct, right?

 

Photo: Epipremnum Golden, Epipremnum Neon, Epipremnum Marble Queen

 

Which Epipremnum should you choose?

There are many species of the genus Epipremnum, and what they all have in common are beautifully colored, striking, glossy leaves. The best-known member of this group is surely Epipremnum aureum, which has elongated heart-shaped leaves variegated in yellow to gold (which is why it is sometimes called the golden variety). A similar variety, yet different to an observant eye, is Epipremnum Marble Queen. Its leaves are variegated mostly in white or light green, and their pattern resembles marble. Epipremnum Happy leaf again has leaves slightly similar to the previous varieties, but they look somewhat wavy, and the white or light patches take up more of the leaf. Another beautiful and cheerful variety is called Epipremnum Global Green; its leaves are also slightly wrinkled, but compared to Happy leaf it is greener. It is important to stress, however, that all the coloring and the extent of variegation depend on the amount of light the plant gets.

Another popular variety, bright to neon green, is Epipremnum Neon, and there is also a white and green variety with smaller leaves called Epipremnum N’joy.

Our online store also offers less common, rarer plants, such as Epipremnum Silver Streak, which boasts elongated silvery green leaves, or a variety with slightly lobed, white-variegated leaves, Epipremnum pinnatum variegata. You will also find arrow-shaped leaves with a silvery tinge on Epipremnum Cebu Blue, and a beautiful variety with arrow-shaped leaves that develop holes as they mature (similar to a Monstera) is also worth mentioning: Epipremnum Blue Form.

 

Photo: Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus

 

Scindapsus

The genus Scindapsus also belongs to the arum family (aroids), and it, too, is often confused with the genus mentioned above. Plants with this name, however, are characterized by somewhat firmer leaves in a palette of light green, dark green and silver. The leaf surface is almost velvety and slightly shimmering. The leaf patterns of the individual species are very similar, but on closer inspection the differences can be reliably identified.

 

So which Scindapsus is the best?

Probably the largest leaves belong to Scindapsus pictus Trebi, also called S.p. Exotica, which you can also recognize by its light silvery patches with a green center line. Scindapsus pictus Argyraeus has somewhat smaller but adorably heart-shaped dark green leaves dotted with silver speckles. This species is very similar to Scindapsus pictus Silvery Anne, whose silver patches, however, are less evenly spread and often more numerous. An unmistakable variety is the gorgeous, rarer Scindapsus treubii Moonlight, which boasts large silver leaves with a slightly greenish edge and center line. A species that stands out in this genus for its looks is the rare Scindapsus treubii Dark, which has elongated, strikingly dark green to black leaves.

 

How to care for them

Pothos are truly low-maintenance plants that will do well in both bright and darker spots. Almost any beginner will most likely manage to keep them alive. And that’s not all. With a little effort and occasional misting, they will grow right before your eyes. If you are just starting out with plants, try pothos along with the other plants we recommend in our article on houseplants for beginners



Light conditions

These plants are often listed among those that can be grown in less well-lit spaces. This is true, of course, but the fact that the plants will survive there does not mean they will be completely happy. If you move the plant to a spot where it can get more sunlight, you will see more growth and larger leaves. Colorful variegated varieties will also have better and more vivid coloring. At the same time, a few hours a day of direct, scorching sun will not do them any good. Always try to imitate the conditions the plant would have in nature. In this case, picture it growing in tropical rainforests, clinging to trees or rocks. The sun probably does not shine on it all day there either, does it?

 

Photo: Adjustable sphagnum moss pole, suitable for all climbing and vining plants. More information here

 

Watering and humidity

Here, too, we try to imitate the conditions of the plant’s native habitat. In a tropical rainforest, there is high air humidity. Try getting a humidifier for your home (it will do you good, too) or at least spray the leaves from time to time with a mister. But air humidity does not mean a wet potting mix. Pothos really do not like having waterlogged roots. Their roots then rot easily, and the leaves turn yellow and fall off. Not a pretty sight… Be sure to let the potting mix dry out between waterings. You will be surprised how dry a potting mix these plants can handle. They will even tell you when they need water, which is most noticeable with Scindapsus because of their thinner leaves. As soon as they need watering, they start curling their leaves into a kind of tube. We will say it once more: do not overwater them.

Because the plant grows very fast, slowing down only slightly over the winter months, be sure to give it fertilizer along with watering. You will not harm it if you do not fertilize it, but you will miss out on beautiful, big new leaves.

 

Suitable potting mix

These plants are not particularly fussy about the perfect potting mix; the only thing to watch is that it drains well and the roots are not left in waterlogged soil for long. An excellent choice is our own hand-mixed potting mix for arum family plants (aroids).

 

Propagation, cuttings and repotting

Epipremnum and Scindapsus are rewarding plants that you can also easily propagate. Pruning even does them good: the plant becomes bushier and produces new leaves where you need them. You can read how to do it in our detailed article. Don’t be afraid, just go for it.

On the other hand, frequent repotting is not a good idea. These plants like to be snug in their planter, with roots all around. So do not rush repotting and give the plant time.

 

Photo: Epipremnum N'Joy

 

Tips for a full planter and a bushy look

• follow all the advice above so your plant does well
• trim the plant from time to time so it becomes bushier
• you can plant the rooted cuttings in the planter next to the mother plant
• you can also try pinning long stems with aerial roots to empty spots in the potting mix. Use a piece of wire, for example, or even an ordinary bobby pin. After a while, the plant will root on its own and you can remove the pin.

 

You really can’t go wrong with these plants. Get one and you won’t regret it. Our customers and other growers also really love similar plants, which, however, belong to the genus Philodendron. Many of them have very similar leaves and similar coloring, and they do not differ in how they grow either. Worth mentioning are Philodendron scandens, Philodendron lemon lime and the stunningly colored Philodendron scandens Brasil.

 

In my opinion, Epipremnum and Scindapsus are staple plants that every grower should have at home. Their lush growth and colorful leaves are a feast for the eyes. But be careful that your pets (or, heaven forbid, children) do not nibble on them, because they are toxic. Even so, they are among my favorites: I grow them on a coir pole, in a macramé hanger and simply on a shelf. I already have 6 species, and my collection is far from finished.

Bětka

 

Author: Ing. Alžběta Lacinová