Epipremnum pinnatum 'Skeleton Key'

Asian and Pacific species background

The range of Epipremnum pinnatum spans tropical and subtropical Asia, Malesia, northern Australia and the Pacific.

‘Skeleton Key’ is a horticultural selection from this widespread forest climber.

Keeping Epipremnum ‘Skeleton Key’ on a mature growth path

Train the vine upward on a sturdy pole or plank. Sustained climbing and root contact encourage the characteristic mature leaf shape.

Use bright filtered light, moderate humidity and temperatures around 18–28 °C. Water after the upper portion of the airy aroid mix has dried and allow full drainage.

Node cuttings restart with juvenile leaves. Limit repeated tip pruning when mature foliage is the priority.

Feed lightly during active growth, reduce water and nutrition in cool dim periods and repot when roots crowd the pot or the support becomes unstable.

Leaf development and damage in ‘Skeleton Key’

Ordinary juvenile leaves are expected after propagation and do not mean that the plant has reverted.

The characteristic outline requires uninterrupted upward growth. Repeated tip pruning, weak light or a support that the aerial roots cannot grip can keep the leaves juvenile.

• Sudden malformed growth: Black specks, stippling or webbing on the newest leaves warrant a close check for thrips or mites.

Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Skeleton Key’ 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.

How did Epipremnum pinnatum get its name?

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.