Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo Plant, Grow & Care Guide [year]

Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022

A new sensation amongst house plant enthusiasts, the Epipremnum pinnatum albo can grow into a beautiful addition to your home. Originated in the forests of Southeast Asia and northern Australia, it can be found fiercely climbing trees, proving that it can thrive outdoors in the right weather.

If you’re interested in learning more about this incredible plant (or if it is your first time hearing about it) keep on reading! By the end, you will understand everything you need to know to grow them at home. Let’s take a look!

What Is An Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo? 

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Also known as tibadid, dragon-tail plant, or centipede tongavine, the Epipremnum pinnatum albo is easy to care for and it is full of variegated patterns ranging from white to yellow on its beautiful, fenestrated leaves. This gives this plant a unique look which will, in turn, make your house or garden feel extraordinary.

They thrive in illuminated spots with indirect sunlight. That’s why they prosper climbing trees in their habitat. Its vines can grow from 6-20 m, and after an ideal height has been reached it will produce its beautiful mature leaves.

Ranging from 30-50cm, the leaves will be thick, smooth, and glossy. While the foliage is stunning it can also develop gorgeous, perennial flowers. Albeit, they do not have a specific flowering period.

Its medicinal properties are well-known in the East. The stems and leaves are used to treat rheumatism, skin diseases, and joint pain. The bark is believed to be a great treatment for headaches, back pain, and wounds. But beware, all parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested in excess. So try to keep children and pets away from it.

Also, an understated benefit is that the Epipremnum pinnatum albo is an amazing air purifier. They can absorb toxins from the air, especially nicotine. In fact, it can absorb so much of it that the concentration in their leaves can reach levels three times higher than in the tobacco plant.

Origin and Classification 

The Epipremnum pinnatum albo is a species of the family Araceae, “cousin” of the famous golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum). It’s a flowering plant coming from the tropical Pacific rainforests, ranging from China and Japan, through the whole of Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

Features of the Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo  

The Epipremnum genus consists of 15 species. They grow by climbing on large trees or rocks with their evergreen, flowering vines. For best results, you have to provide stakes or totems for it to latch on to. This will ensure big fenestrated leaves when the plant reaches its maturity.

1. Height

As a climber species, the Epipremnum pinnatum albo can reach amazing heights. Through its aerial network of clasping roots, they go from terrestrial creepers, climbing trees and rocks up to 20m.

2. Leaves

Epipremnum pinnatum albo leaves will be different according to the plants’ age. At first, the young leaves have an elliptical or arrow shape. As they mature, the foliage will begin to turn into their thick, shiny, bright, and egg-shaped with deep incisions along the margins. At their peak, the leaves can reach up to 50cm in length. They often have white spots and pin-holes along the mid-rib.

3. Flowers and fruits

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As mentioned before, the Epipremnum pinnatum albo does not have a specific flowering period. The vines will bloom displaying small inflorescences. The spathe (a modified leaf) is canoe-shaped, about 10cm long, greenish on the outside, and creamy white on the inside.

Its spadix holds both male and female flowers separately. Its colors range from white when fresh, to yellowish-green during anthesis (when the flower is fully opened and functional), and finally dark brown to almost black after anthesis. There is no noticeable smell during this period.

Fruit will appear as berries clustered on the spadix, red when ripe. They contain a sticky orange-red pulp where the multiple small brownish seeds are.

4. Medicinal uses

Although there are no edible uses (in fact, the plant is toxic if ingested as they contain oxalic crystals that can irritate the throat), there are many medicinal uses. It’s used to treat rheumatism, fractures, skin diseases, and dysentery.

Some studies have reported that the extract of the plant show cytotoxicity toward cancer cells in-vitro, most specifically towards breast cancer and leukemia. The sap is also used to treat snake bites.

Basic Care of Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo

The Epipremnum pinnatum albo is such a robust plant that it should not be a surprise to know that it is very easy to maintain. It does not need a lot of light or water. Just following this guide will allow you to grow it to its full potential.

1. Light Requirements 

The main point when it comes to light for this plant is indirect sunlight. It prospers in well-lit conditions, but it can’t handle it directly. Since it is a climber, it is used to being sheltered from the sun by trees, so you need to replicate these conditions.

Note that it does not mean that it likes dark places. If you are growing it indoors, place them near a window where they can get a good amount of indirect light.

But if you live in a place where sunlight is poor, or you do not have a lot of windows, then grow lights are the way to go. In general, anything between 2000 – 3000 LUX will be good enough.

2. Temperature Requirements

This plant comes from a tropical setting, so you probably know what it needs. It likes heat and consistency.  The Epipremnum pinnatum albo will grow when the temperature is between 17ºC to 29ºC. This goes for both indoors and outdoors. Avoid large fluctuations in temperature, and be especially mindful of the cold. Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 15ºC, cold air, or strong winds.

3. Humidity Requirements

Concerning humidity, it will thrive in moderate amounts. If the overall humidity is too low, its health will suffer and the plant will be more vulnerable to diseases and pests. Try to aim for 50% or above, which is a bit more than most plants prefer.

In most places, this will not be a problem but if this is the case for you, you can try to spray it with water every couple of days or leave a pebble bath, which is a tray filled with water and pebbles under it.

4. Water Requirements

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Speaking of water, this should be easy. They can handle well a bit of dry soil. So, you can simply put your finger in the soil, if the top part is dry, you can water it. Be careful with overwatering it though, it can lead to root rot. A classic sign is if you see its leaves being to fall off. However, wilted leaves are a sign of underwatering. During winter, you should water it a lot less.

5. Soil Requirements

A well-draining soil will make you Epipremnum pinnatum albo happy. Make sure that the soil is full of nutrients and rich in organic matter. It is a good practice to add some perlite (up to 20%) to your soil mix to ensure it is airy and well-draining. Another good practice is adding drainage holes to the bottom of your pot.

6. Fertilizing

Frequent fertilizing is not necessary with this plant, the basic nutrients in the soil are enough. They will grow just fine on their own. However, they will benefit from fertilizing during their growing months. At least once a month, during spring and summer, feed your plant with a liquid fertilizer. It will make it grow quicker and fuller. Just be careful to not overdo it.

7. Repotting

If you take good care of it, the Epipremnum pinnatum albo will grow at its natural, fast pace. This means that they will require repotting at some point. Basically, you can do it every spring. It will be the best time since its growing season will begin. This will give enough time for it to grow into a new pot. Try to remove as much of the old soil as you can when you begin the repotting process.

8. Disease and Pest Resistance

You will not have much trouble with Epipremnum pinnatum albo when it comes to diseases and pests. As long as you keep it healthy, it will endure and thrive. Any concerns will arise if it is not in a proper environmental condition. In case of any fungal diseases or infections, simply remove the affected bits so they will not spread. In case of pest infestation, deal with it with an appropriate pesticide or insecticide.

How to Propagate Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo

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Do you know someone who would love to receive the Epipremnum pinnatum albo as a gift? You are in luck because propagating this plant is as easy as caring for it. You can do it essentially anytime during the year. Just follow these steps:

Step 1

Take cuttings of individual stems. Make sure it has a node and a leaf.

Step 2

Place them in a glass filled with fresh water. Make sure that the node is in the water.

Step 3

Put them in a warm, humid place (or with a plastic bag over the top) with lots of indirect light.

Step 4

Change the water once every couple of days to ensure a better root development. Also, let it get some fresh air every day.

Step 5

Once the roots have developed enough, about 2 – 3 cm, you can plant your cutting in the garden or in a pot with appropriate soil.

Step 6

As soon as a new leaf grows, your new plant will be ready.

Benefits Of Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo 

Aside from making an environment outstanding, having Epipremnum pinnatum albo as a houseplant comes with other advantages. Let’s take a look at some of these benefits!

1. Improves Air Quality

As with most plants, Epipremnum pinnatum albo produces oxygen during photosynthesis. Having high oxygen levels in the home can improve the air quality in the environment. So the more Epipremnum pinnatum albo you have indoors, the cooler the atmosphere. 

2. Reduces Stress Levels

According to research, having plants in the environment can reduce one’s stress levels. Additionally, plants like Epipremnum pinnatum albo have a calming effect that can improve one’s mood. They can also play a great role in making an atmosphere more serene and relaxing. 

3. Purifies the Air

Another interesting benefit of Epipremnum pinnatum albo is air purification. Just like other houseplants, these aesthetically pleasing plants can absorb poisonous substances in the environment. Some of the chemicals they absorb include benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene. 

4. Easy Maintenance 

Perhaps you always have a busy schedule; you don’t have to worry about your Epipremnum pinnatum albo. These plants are not hard to please, especially if you provide them with enough water and light. Nevertheless, don’t neglect them completely for a long time. 

Common Problems Caring for Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo

As you know by now, the Epipremnum pinnatum albo is a very easy plant to care for and you should have a trouble-free experience with it. In case any problems arise, here is what you should do:

1. Sun damage

The Epipremnum pinnatum albo cannot take direct sunlight. The only exceptions are early in the morning or late in the evening. If you let it exposed to strong sunlight it will damage its leaves. Make sure it is placed away from spots that might get direct sunbeams.

2. Yellowing leaves or dropping leaves

If the leaves of your Epipremnum pinnatum albo are yellow, this is a sign of too much water. Check if the pot has good drainage so it allows the soil to dry. Also, ensure that it was planted on suitable soil. If the soil gets too wet, the roots will rot and your plant’s health will sharply decline. If the soil is still too wet or soggy after a couple of weeks, consider repotting the plant into a smaller pot.

3. Insects and pests

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The Epipremnum pinnatum albo is a mighty plant and incredibly resistant to pests. Despite that, it can still be affected by spider mites, mealybugs, scale, thrips, and whitefly. Please deal with them with suitable insecticides or pesticides.

The mealybug looks like a small cotton ball and you can deal with them easily. A cotton swab dipped in alcohol will be enough to kill them. Check your plant frequently to keep the infestation from spreading.

In case of bigger infestations, you can take the plant outside or to a shower/bathtub and rinse off the bugs. Then apply a proper insecticide or pesticide.

Also read: Anthurium Vittarifolium

Outro

The Epipremnum pinnatum albo is a very easy plant to maintain. Give it plenty of light, but keep it away from direct sunlight. Water it every couple of weeks or when you feel like the top part of the soil is dry. Fertilize it every month during spring and summer so it can grow quicker, or not even fertilize it at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo?

Also known as tibadid, dragon-tail plant, or centipede tongavine it is a plant of the Araceae family. It is simple to care for and easy to maintain. It is loaded with variegated patterns on its beautiful, fenestrated leaves. It is guaranteed to give and unique look to your house or garden. This plant needs little water and lots of indirect sunlight.

Is Epipremnum Pinnatum Albo a Pothos?

No. The houseplant commonly known as pothos is the Epipremnum aureum, which was once classified under the genus “pothos”. The Epipremnum aureum is a different species of the Epipremnum genus and the Araceae family. They are very similar, however different plants.

Is Epipremnum Pinnatum Variegated Rare?

Although extremely common in its original habitat (ranging from China and Japan, all through Southeast Asia, Northern Australia, and the Pacific Islands), the Epipremnum pinnatum variegated is considered rare in countries with temperate climates.

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