Epipremnum giganteum

Origin and habitat

Epipremnum giganteum is native from mainland South-East Asia into Malaya, including Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Peninsular Malaysia. It grows as a climber in humid tropical habitats.

Growing Epipremnum giganteum

• Space and support: Plan for a substantial plant and provide a firm pole or board that can carry a heavier mature vine.
• Light: Bright filtered light encourages sturdy, rich green growth. Protect the broad leaves from harsh direct sun.
• Water: Water thoroughly after the upper part of the mix has begun to dry; do not keep a large pot wet all the time.
• Temperature: Keep it warm and away from cold draughts.
• Humidity: Moderate indoor humidity works, and more consistent humidity can help large leaves open without dry margins.
• Substrate: Use a chunky, airy mix with excellent drainage, especially in larger pots.
• Feeding, repotting and propagation: Feed moderately while growth is active, then reduce or pause feeding if winter growth slows. Repot only when the roots need more room; stem cuttings with nodes can be used for propagation.

Common problems with Epipremnum giganteum

• New growth is stretched and noticeably smaller: Check whether light is too weak or the stem has lost contact with its support.
• Lower leaves yellow while a large pot stays heavy: Wait longer before watering again and check that the middle of the pot is not staying wet for too long.
• Broad tan patches on the leaf surface: Direct sun through glass can scorch exposed tissue; move the plant out of direct sun.
• Sticky patches, raised bumps or cottony deposits: Inspect the stems and leaf undersides for scale or mealybugs, isolate if present and use a product labelled for the identified pest on ornamental houseplants. Repeat only at the interval stated on the label.

Epipremnum giganteum 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.

When was Epipremnum giganteum first published, and what does it mean?

Epipremnum combines Greek epi, meaning upon, with premnon, meaning tree trunk, referring to the way the vine attaches to a support. The Latin epithet giganteum means gigantic or giant and matches the immense leaves and overall scale of a mature plant.

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

William Roxburgh first described it as Pothos giganteus in 1820 in Flora Indica, volume 1, page 455. Heinrich Wilhelm Schott later placed it in Epipremnum as Epipremnum giganteum in 1857 in Bonplandia (Hannover), volume 5, page 45.