Epipremnum pinnatum

Natural distribution

Epipremnum pinnatum has a broad native range across tropical and subtropical Asia into the Pacific.

Care for Epipremnum pinnatum

• Light: Bright indirect light supports compact growth and larger leaves.
• Climbing: Use a tall, textured support and guide aerial roots towards it if you want mature, divided leaves.
• Water: Water thoroughly when the top section of the mix has begun to dry; let all excess drain away.
• Temperature: Keep it warm and away from cold draughts.
• Humidity: Normal indoor humidity is usually sufficient; more consistent humidity can help larger leaves open without dry edges.
• Substrate: Choose an airy mix that drains quickly while retaining enough moisture between waterings.
• Feeding, repotting and propagation: Feed while growth is active and pause if the vine slows in lower winter light. Repot once the roots are crowded and take node cuttings from healthy stems for propagation.

Common issues with Epipremnum pinnatum

• New leaves stop getting larger: Improve light and make sure aerial roots are attaching firmly to the support.
• Yellowing with a persistently damp mix: Reduce watering frequency and inspect the roots if the stem begins to soften.
• Dry brown margins: Check for repeated drought, direct heat or too much sun before adjusting the fertiliser.
• Distorted young leaves with silvery marks: Inspect for thrips, isolate an affected plant and use a treatment labelled for thrips on ornamental plants and follow the repeat interval on the label.

Epipremnum pinnatum 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.

What does the name Epipremnum pinnatum mean?

Epipremnum combines Greek epi, meaning upon, with premnon, meaning tree trunk, referring to the way the vine attaches to a support. Pinnatum means pinnate or feather-like and refers to the divided leaves of a mature climbing plant.

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

Carl Linnaeus first described it as Pothos pinnatus in 1763 in Species Plantarum, second edition, page 1324. Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler later placed it in Epipremnum as Epipremnum pinnatum in 1908 in Das Pflanzenreich, IV, 23B, page 60.