Epipremnum amplissimum

Natural range and background

Epipremnum amplissimum is native from New Guinea through parts of the western tropical Pacific to Vanuatu, and its range also reaches Queensland in northeastern Australia. In nature it grows as a climber in humid tropical forest.

How to care for Epipremnum amplissimum

• Light: Give bright, filtered light. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can mark the leaves.
• Support: Train the vine up a moss pole, coir pole or other textured support if you want larger, more mature foliage.
• Water: Water thoroughly once the upper part of the mix has started to dry, then allow excess water to drain away.
• Substrate: Use an airy, moisture-retentive aroid mix that drains freely and does not stay waterlogged around the roots.
• Temperature: Keep it warm and protect it from prolonged cold draughts.
• Humidity: Normal indoor humidity is usually fine, but more consistent humidity can help the long leaves open without dry edges.
• Feeding, repotting and propagation: Feed lightly during active spring and summer growth. If growth slows in darker months, pause feeding and expect the mix to dry more slowly. Repot once roots have filled the container; stem cuttings are the simplest way to propagate it.

Common issues and what to do

• Yellowing lower leaves with wet compost: The roots may be staying too wet. Let the mix dry further between waterings and check that the pot drains freely.
• Brown patches on the exposed side of leaves: Direct sun is the likely cause. Move the plant back from strong midday rays while keeping the position bright.
• Small leaves and long gaps between them: Low light or lack of climbing support can keep the leaves smaller. Increase filtered light and give the vine something to attach to.
• Fine stippling, webbing or distorted new growth: Check the undersides and new leaves for spider mites or thrips, isolate the plant if pests are present, and treat with a product labelled for the pest and ornamental houseplants. Repeat only at the interval stated on the label.

Epipremnum amplissimum is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Who first published Epipremnum amplissimum, and what does the name mean?

Epipremnum combines Greek epi, meaning upon, with premnon, meaning tree trunk, referring to the way the vine attaches to a support. Amplissimum means ‘very large’ or ‘very broad’, indicating exceptional breadth or size.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Epipremnum in 1857 in Bonplandia (Hannover), volume 5, page 45.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott first described it as Rhaphidophora amplissima in 1863 in Annales Musei Botanici Lugduno-Batavi, volume 1, page 129. Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler later placed it in Epipremnum as Epipremnum amplissimum in 1880 in Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, volume 1, page 182.