Since it has beautiful fenestrated leaves and large chunky variegation, the variegated epipremnum pinnatum is a highly sought after plant. In light of its rarity, this plant may appear intimidating to care for. However, it is just as simple to care for as your average pothos.
As with any aroid, this plant requires chunky, well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and proper watering and humidity. We’ll go over the specifics later.
What is Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo
This plant is found climbing trees in tropical forests in Asia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia.
This plant, which is closely related to the Cebu Blue, was discovered in the forests of the Philippines by botanist Engler.
Epipremnum pinnatum variegata is an aggressive climber that attaches quickly and grows upwards towards sunlight.
To achieve large fenestrated mature leaves, we recommend supporting your plant with a moss pole or a stake to mimic its natural habitat.
Requirements For Light
The epipremnum pinnatum variegata, like other epipremnums, does not require much light. They need less light than most other aroids.
“Not much light” does not, however, imply that you can place it in a dark corner of a room and expect it to thrive.
You will want to place this in bright indirect light if you want a thriving, beautiful plant.
An east-facing window or a south-facing window with filtered light would be ideal.
If that isn’t possible, find a nice north or west facing window with filtered light, as the afternoon sun can be too harsh.
Consider getting grow lights if your space has no windows or very little light to begin with.
You should aim for 2000-3000 LUX. We always use LUX light meters to ensure that our plants are getting enough light.
Finally, and most importantly, stay out of direct sunlight.
Soil Necessities
Like most aroids, Epipremnum pinnatum variegata prefers nutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
We make our own chunky soil mix specifically for our aroids, but there are plenty of ready-to-use soil mixes on the market.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of making your own, use a high-quality potting soil such as Fox Farms Ocean Forest, Black Gold Potting Mix, MiracleGro Potting Mix, or MiracleGro Cactus, Palm & Citrus mix.
To improve drainage and aeration, I would still add some perlite to those off-the-shelf mixes.
Requirements For Water
Watering epipremnum pinnatum is simple. While they require the same amount of water as most aizoides, they are more forgiving if you water infrequently.
These plants can withstand brief periods of dry soil better than most other aroids. This is a plant I wouldn’t be concerned about if I had to take a week or week and a half off.
Simply ensure that the soil dries out between waterings. Stick your finger in there and if the top 2 inches are dry, it’s time to water.
Make certain that all of your pots have drainage holes. Make sure to empty any excess water if they don’t have drainage holes.
Humidity Requirements
Humidity is essential for epipremnum pinnatum variegata, as it is for all aroids.
When the relative humidity of the plant is too low, its overall health deteriorates, making it more susceptible to disease and pests.
These plants thrive in environments with relative humidity greater than 50%.
Use a hygrometer to accurately measure relative humidity.
Although relative humidity may not be an issue in some areas, most indoor plants may require help in increasing humidity.
There are a few tricks that can help increase humidity.
To increase humidity, group your plants close together and place a pebble-filled tray with water next to them.
If that does not raise your humidity sufficiently, a humidifier is the best option.
Temperature Preconditions
This plant thrives in warm weather. Keep this plant at temperatures ranging from 65oF (17oC) to 85oF (29oC).
Expect stunted growth or a sickly plant if you keep the plant out of this temperature range for an extended period of time.
Temperature swings should be avoided. These plants appreciate consistency.
Pinnatum epipremnum Variegata is also less frost tolerant than most aroids.
If you leave your plant outside and expect temperatures to fall below 50oF for an extended period of time, bring it inside until the average temperature rises.
Also, keep in mind that the cooler the weather, the less you will need to water. The more you have to water, the more you have to water.
Repotting & Pruning
Even though my plant is still a baby, I haven’t had to do any repotting or pruning on my epipremnum pinnatum variegata yet. However, I can speak to pothos plants in general, which is similar.
In ideal conditions, Epipremnum pinnatum grows quickly, which means you may need to repot it every year. It’s time if the roots begin to circle the bottom of the pot—or if you notice roots growing out of the pot’s drainage holes!
However, only increase the size of your pot by 1 or 2 inches. If there is too much extra soil in the pot, it will retain too much water, potentially causing root rot. Remember to use fresh, well-draining soil as well!
You can prune your foliage if it becomes leggy. You can also prune it to propagate it. Pruning the stems encourages bushier growth because a new stem will sprout from where you trimmed.
How To Fertilize Epipremnum Pinnatum Variegata
Now that you understand the fundamentals of plant care, we can move on to the final point. Fertilizing.
Fertilizing is the cherry on top for your plant.
Most aroids do not require fertilization, only the presence of basic nutrients in the soil.
Fertilizing, on the other hand, can take your plant from nice to WOW!
The key to fertilizing is to avoid over-fertilization. Overfertilization can cause your plant to “burn.”
We like to use Fish emulsion diluted to quarter strength once or twice a week. The smell isn’t pleasant, but the plants adore it.
You can also use Osmocote, a slow-release fertilizer that you sprinkle on your soil and mix in.
We make use of both Osmocote and Fish Emulsion. This has done wonders for the health and growth of our plant.
That’s all there is to keeping your Epipremnum pinnatum Variegata healthy! Have fun growing!
Are Epipremnum Plants Poisonous?
Yes, epipremnum plants are poisonous. They contain calcium oxalates, which are insoluble and can cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and possibly swelling. It’s best to keep them up and out of reach of children and pets.