How to grow epipremnum

What are epipremnums?

These climbing evergreens originate in tropical forests across South-East Asia and Australia. Here they scramble up trees so they can access more light, using fleshy aerial roots that grip onto the tree bark to support their long leafy stems. 

Epipremnums have long been grown as houseplants, being easy to look after and thriving in the conditions found in most homes – namely bright but indirect light, warmth and regular light watering. Just avoid full sun and deep shade. With their lush, glossy foliage and long stems, these plants add a tropical look to rooms, either trailing from a shelf or mantelpiece, or a hanging planter, or growing vertically up a moss-covered pole.

Unlike many tropical houseplants, they don’t need high humidity, which is a big advantage. And as they’re so adaptable and easy-going, they thrive in a wide range of locations around our homes.

Just be aware that they are members of the arum family (Araceae) and like many of their relatives are toxic, so wear gloves when handling and keep plants away from children and pets. 

Choosing epipremnums

There are several cultivars available, offering foliage that is either all green or has white, cream or yellow splashes or flecks. The most widely grown is Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Aureum’ (golden pothos) with variegated green and yellow leaves. It has an RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM), for excellent performance.

Buying epipremnums

As they are so popular, epipremnums are widely available from most houseplant retailers. Larger outlets will offer a wider choice of cultivars. You may find them still under their previous name of Scindapsus.

Small plants are relatively inexpensive, but for instant impact you may prefer a larger, well-established plant. They are often sold in hanging pots, with their long stems cascading over the sides, or climbing up a moss-covered pole (usually up to 1m or 3⅓ft tall), creating an impressive vertical focal point.

When buying, choose the healthiest-looking plant with an abundance of leaves and no signs of damage or browning. As these are tropical plants, keep them warm when bringing them home if the weather is cold.

Location

Place the plant where it receives bright, indirect light, such as in a west-facing or east-facing window, or protected by sheer curtains or blinds in a south-facing window.

Avoid direct sun, especially in summer, as this can scorch the leaves. Too little light may cause the foliage to lose its variegation and growth to be poor. 

Temperature

For best results, keep plants between 18–30°C (65–86°F), avoiding cold draughts and positioning away from direct heat sources such as radiators. 

Watering

Avoid using tap water on a regular basis – especially in hard water areas – to maintain the acidity of the compost. Instead use rainwater or filtered water whenever possible, at room temperature. 

Only water once the compost is approaching dryness – test it with your finger first. Keeping the compost too wet by too frequent watering or by leaving the plant sitting in water for long periods can cause the roots to rot.

If the plant is growing up a moss-covered pole, keep this damp so that the stems root into it and stay firmly attached.

Feeding 

To improve growth, you can feed once a month during the growing season, from April to October, with a general houseplant fertiliser.

Epipremnums are very easy to propagate, as the stems readily produce roots from the leaf joints. The best methods are:

• take stem cuttings – remove a section of stem, and trim just below a leaf joint. Stand the cuttings in a glass of water in a bright location until roots appear, then pot them up

• layering – simply pin down a trailing stem into pot of free-draining compost and roots should start to sprout from the leaf joint  

Wear gloves when handling or taking cuttings, as these plants are toxic and can be a skin irritant.