Silver Vine Epipremnum pinnatum

Epipremnum pinnatum or Dragon-Tail Plant is a climbing, evergreen herbaceous perennial in the arum family (Araceae). It is native to a wide area from India, Southeast Asia, and southern China to the Philippines, New Guinea, and Australia. It climbs the trunks of rainforest trees, sometimes losing contact with the ground and becoming completely epiphytic. It may also be found climbing on granite and limestone in mountain forests. The species epithet is Latin for pinnate and refers to the way the leaf is divided into segments, like the pinnae of a feather.

This species has very sturdy vines that can reach 20 to 65 feet long in its native habitat. Indoor plants can reach about 8 to 10 feet in length. Its juvenile leaves are elliptical or arrow-shaped with entire margins. As the leaves mature, they become smooth, shiny, thick, ovate, and the margins become deeply incised. The leaves may measure from 12 to 20 inches long. Its blooms consist of a creamy-white to yellow-greenish spadix, and a canoe-shaped spathe. The fruits ripen as red berries with a very sticky pulp. 

This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, warm temperatures, and moderate humidity. Avoid exposing the plant to drafts or cold air. The soil should be moist, well-drained, and rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic pH. The vine will also need support for its long and trailing stems, and you may wish to consider using a wooden stake, bamboo stake, or a sphagnum moss pole. Prune the foliage in the spring or early summer to maintain the plant's size and shape. Repotting may be required about every 2 to 3 years. Propagate with stem cuttings.

The cultivars are easy to grow and low maintenance houseplants. 'Cebu Blue' is a popular houseplant and has blue-green leaves that typically remain in the juvenile form of this species. If allowed to grow on a stake or moss pole, the leaves mature and become fenestrated like the species. These plants are perfect for hanging baskets or vertical spaces to accommodate their creeping and climbing stems. This plant is toxic if ingested. Exercise caution in the presence of children and pets.

In the recent past, Epipremnum aureum was treated as a cultivar of Epipremnum pinnatum and given the name E. pinnatum ‘Aureum’. After further study, botanists determined that the two have distinctively different vegetative features and should be recognized as separate species. Plants formerly called E. pinnatum 'Aureum' are now correctly called E. aureum. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  This plant is resistant to most serious plant diseases. Monitor for mealybugs, scale, thrips and spider mites. Overwatering will cause fungal and bacterial diseases which can lead to root rot.