How to Grow and Care for Epipremnum Pinnatum

Epipremnum pinnatum, commonly called dragon-tail plant or silver vine, is a tropical vine that thrives indoors with proper care. By providing indirect sunlight, weekly watering, and rich, well-draining soil, you can ensure healthy growth for your epipremnum pinnatum. However, be cautious around pets, as some epipremnum varieties are toxic to dogs and cats.

Epipremnum Pinnatum Care

Here are the main guidelines for growing Epipremnum pinnatum.

• Place epipremnum pinnatum in a spot that receives bright but indirect sunlight.
• Plant in well-draining, rich soil and a container with good drainage holes.
• Water when the surface of the soil becomes dry and avoid overwatering.
• Apply liquid fertilizer in the spring.
  

Light

The epipremnum pinnatum can grow in partial shade or partial sun. The best light conditions are bright but indirect sun, which you can achieve by placing it to the side of a window with good sun exposure. Some variegated varieties may need a bit more light, and the plant will tell you this when its leaves stretch towards the sunnier spot of the room. Too much sun can dry this plant or scorch the leaves.

Tip

If your Epipremnum pinnatum experiences leaf scorch, move it to a different spot that receives softer light. Look for a place receiving indirect sunlight, for example, where you could read a book without squinting. If the damage to leaves is minor, you can leave them alone, but if they're mostly brown and dry, trim them off. Water generously and add a layer of mulch to keep the roots cool.

Soil

This plant likes a rich soil similar to what it might have in its natural habitat: a slightly acidic substrate with plenty of organic matter (which can be added to ordinary potting mix), and excellent drainage. Sandy or clay soils are inappropriate for this plant. Drainage holes in your containers are also necessary.

Water

Watering your epipremnum pinnatum once a week should be sufficient. Make sure the soil surface is dry before watering. Use lukewarm water and soak the top layer of the soil surface until it is slightly damp. Adjust the watering schedule in winter when the plant grows more slowly and requires less frequent watering.

Temperature and Humidity

The ideal temperature for epipremnum pinnatum is between 65 and 75°F. If you move the plant to an outdoor location in the summer, it should be in a partial shade area to prevent it from getting too hot. Being a tropical vine, it can handle a fair amount of humidity. In winter, if your house is dry, placing a dish of pebbles with water nearby can help keep the surrounding air moist.

Fertilizer

Generally, this plant doesn't need much fertilizer, but you can use an essential liquid water-soluble fertilizer (dilute by half with water) during the most active part of its growing season. Fertilize your epipremnum pinnatum every two weeks from March through August. In winter, reduce fertilizing to once a month.

Types of Epipremnum Pinnatum

Several cultivars of this plant have solid green leaves, and others have variegated foliage. They may have smooth, glossy, heart-shaped leaves or ones with deeply serrated edges. Larger varieties grow up to 3 feet long; outdoors, some grow to 60 feet tall. However, most cultivars chosen for house plants have vines that grow 6 feet long from a hanging basket. Some develop "fenestrations," small window-like holes in the leaves. Here are some popular types of epipremnum pinnatum.

• 'Ceba Blue': True to its name, this type has small, narrow, lance-shaped leaves of a lovely blue-green color and tends to grow very assertively.
• 'Albo-Variegata': With patches of creamy white variegation on the large, serrated dark green leaves, this one grows slower than other varieties, making it a good choice for a house plant.
• 'Skeleton Key': This variety has a large dark green leaf with a slender pointed tip at the end (like a key) and a broad rounded shape at the top.
• 'Marble King': This type has small, ovate leaves that are mostly creamy white with random flecks and spots of green.

Pruning

Prune epipremnum pinnatum when you see the first signs of green new growth. Make sure to water the plant first before giving it a trim. Start with any yellowing or dead leaves and snip them off at the base of the foliage. Look for leggy vines and trim those back to encourage a bushier growth habit. Keep in mind not to remove more than a quarter of the plant.

Propagating Epipremnum Pinnatum

To propagate this plant, you can use cuttings.

1. Cut a stem a few inches long (with at least a couple of leaves on it) and split it in half lengthwise, placing half the stem in water.
2. Be sure a "knot" (bumpy nodule where the leaf is attached) on the stem is in the water where it can form roots.
3. Change the water when it gets dirty and locate the container in a warm place with indirect sunlight.
4. Wait for roots to form, then plant the cutting in a moist potting medium.
   

Potting and Repotting Epipremnum Pinnatum

As this plant grows larger, it may occasionally need to move to a larger container to give its roots some space. Handling it may prove difficult when it puts on size, so you may find it easier to gently lay the plant on its side while you prepare the new container. Gently shake old soil from the roots and give it a fresh start with new potting soil. Slide the plant into its new container and hold it in place while turning it back upright and arranging the vines (you may need two people for this task). Water well once planted, as water can help it recover from the shock of transplanting.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

The epipremnum pinnatum is very resistant to most serious diseases. However, it might occasionally be bothered by common pests such as mealy bugs or spider mites.

To get rid of mealy bugs, use cotton balls soaked in rubbing alcohol or vinegar and gently wipe the leaves with them. Spider mites can be dealt with in several ways, including using neem oil or insecticidal soap or washing them off with water.

Common Problems with Epipremnum Pinnatum

Epipremnum pinnatum may experience a few issues if conditions are not ideal.

Leaves Are Turning Yellow

If the leaves are discolored to yellow, feel the stems as well. They may be soft, and the soil may have an unpleasant odor. If so, review how much you're watering the plant. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot. Remove the plant from the soil and trim away any rotten roots. Repot the plant in fresh soil that drains well.

Stems Are Becoming Leggy

If the plant appears to be growing out of balance with long, leggy stems, it may be a sign that it's not getting enough light. The leaves may also be pale. Rotate the plant so it faces bright, indirect sunlight, or move to a new location if necessary.

Leaves Are Curling

Curling leaves indicate that the temperature may not be ideal for your epipremnum pinnatum. Check to see what could be interfering with a stable environment. Nearby drafts and vents, or too much afternoon sunlight, could be the problem. Move to a temperate location where fluctuations are minimal.

From: thespruce