Variegated-philodendron (Epipremnum pinnatum, Pflanzenr., IV, 23B: 60 (1908))

Family: Araceae

Author: (L.) Engl.

Bibliography: Pflanzenr., IV, 23B: 60 (1908)

Year: 1908

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Epipremnum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. Asia to Pacific

Description

The Variegated Philodendron, known scientifically as Epipremnum pinnatum, is a captivating plant admired for its unique foliage and adaptability. This illustrious member of the Araceae family has long intrigued horticulturists and plant enthusiasts alike with its distinct variegations and robust nature.

Originating from the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia extending to the Pacific, the Variegated Philodendron embodies the verdant richness of its homeland. Its leaves are a remarkable display of green interspersed with splashes of cream or yellow, making it a sought-after choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. These variegations not only contribute to its aesthetic appeal but also reflect the plant’s resilience and capacity to thrive in diverse environments.

Epipremnum pinnatum was first documented in scientific literature in 1908, as noted in “Pflanzenr., IV, 23B: 60.” The renowned botanist, (L.) Engl., is credited with its formal classification, further cementing the plant’s significance in botanical studies. Over the years, its popularity has soared, not just for its beauty but also for its relatively low maintenance requirements.

In the realm of houseplants, the Variegated Philodendron stands out for its ability to purify indoor air, improving overall air quality and contributing to a healthier living space. Its growth habit, which includes climbing or trailing, provides versatility in how it can be displayed—whether cascading from a hanging pot or ascended on a moss pole for a dramatic vertical greenery effect.

Caring for Epipremnum pinnatum involves providing it with bright, indirect light to maintain the vibrancy of its variegated leaves. While it can tolerate low light conditions, the variegation may diminish if left without sufficient light. It thrives in well-draining soil with regular watering, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Additionally, occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer can promote more vigorous growth and richer foliage.

In summary, the Variegated Philodendron is not just a plant but a testament to nature’s artistry and diversity. Whether you are an experienced gardener or a novice plant parent, Epipremnum pinnatum offers a delightful blend of beauty, ease of care, and environmental benefits, making it a worthy addition to any plant collection.

Common Names

Eng: centipede tongavine, tongavine, pothos, variegated-philodendron
Deu: gefleckte efeutute
En: Variegated-philodendron, Tongavine, Centipede tongavine, Devil’s Ivy, Semblung, Pothos, Devil’s-ivy, Avocado, Golden pothos
Zh: Long wei cao, 拎樹藤, 麒麟叶
Cs: Šplhavnice skvrnitá
Fi: Kultaköynnös
Fr: Polypode austral, Epipremnum
De: Gefleckte Efeutute
Lv: Plūksnainais epipremns
Ru: Эпипремнум перистый
Es: Bejuco de agua
Su: Lolo kebo
Zh-tw: 拎樹藤
To: Alu

Synonyms

• Scindapsus decursivus (Moritzi)
• Scindapsus pinnatus ((L.) Schott)
• Scindapsus caudatus ((Roxb.) Schott)
• Scindapsus pinnatifidus ((Roxb.) Schott)
• Pothos pinnatus (L.)
• Epipremnum elegans (Engl.)
• Philodendron nechodomae (Britton)
• Philodendron pinnatum ((L.) André)
• Epipremnum mirabile f. multisectum (Engl.)
• Rhaphidophora formosana ((Hayata) M.Hotta)
• Rhaphidophora pinnatifida ((Roxb.) Schott)
• Rhaphidophora pinnata ((L.) Schott)
• Rhaphidophora cunninghamii (Schott)
• Rhaphidophora crassifolia ((Engl.) Alderw.)
• Epipremnum mirabile f. eperforatum (Engl.)
• Epipremnum glaucicephalum (Elmer)
• Rhaphidophora rosenburghii (Furtado)
• Epipremnum robinsonii (K.Krause)
• Epipremnum formosanum (Hayata)
• Tornelia dilacerata ((K.Koch & Sello) Schott)
• Rhaphidophora laciniata ((Burm.f.) Merr.)
• Rhaphidophora merrillii (Engl.)
• Scindapsus forsteri (Endl.)
• Scindapsus dilaceratus (K.Koch & Sello)
• Rhaphidophora vitiensis (Schott)
• Rhaphidophora wallichii (Schott)
• Epipremnum pinnatum f. multisectum ((Engl.) Engl.)
• Pothos caudatus (Roxb.)
• Scindapsus bipinnatifidus (Teijsm. & Binn.)
• Monstera pinnata ((L.) Schott)
• Monstera caudata ((Roxb.) Schott)
• Philodendron dilaceratum (Engl.)
• Rhaphidophora caudata ((Roxb.) Schott)
• Epipremnum elegans f. ternatensis (Alderw.)
• Monstera dilacerata ((K.Koch & Sello) K.Koch)
• Rhaphidophora neocaledonica (Guillaumin)
• Rhaphidophora dilacerata ((K.Koch & Sello) K.Koch)
• Epipremnum angustilobum (K.Krause)
• Epipremnum mirabile (Schott)
• Epipremnum merrillii (Engl. & K.Krause)
• Rhaphidophora lovellae (F.M.Bailey)
• Epipremnum crassifolium (Engl.)
• Pothos pinnatifidus (Roxb.)
• Pothos decursivus (Wall.)

Distribution

• Andaman Is. (native)
• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Caroline Is. (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Cook Is. (native)
• Fiji (native)
• Hainan (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Maluku (native)
• Marshall Is. (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• New Caledonia (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Nicobar Is. (native)
• Northern Territory (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Samoa (native)
• Santa Cruz Is. (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tonga (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (native)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Endemia – Julien Barrault (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Sophia Harrison (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Samantha BAZAN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 13, 2020 by JT Tarver (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Jessica zentz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2022 by Logan Robinson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by saundra Carroway (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2022 by jimmy mendoza (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 27, 2021 by Greg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Mokkie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 12, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 7, 2018 by mirco (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Aavaran Dhar (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:87046-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2868272)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Epipremnum pinnatum (L.) Engl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb, Vine

Growth