Dragon Tail Monstera
Family
Araceae
Origin
Mo'orea
Description
Epipremnum pinnatum is a large epiphytic aroid root-climber, scrambling up trees and rock surfaces with network of aerial clasping roots. A vigorous plant, capable of producing stems 30 - 50 metres long, it can grow high into the canopy of trees with a stem 2 - 4cm in diameter that can attach itself by means of aerial roots.
Plant produces mature leaves only when there is sufficient climbing height. Young leaves elliptical to arrow-shaped with entire margins. Mature leaves up to 30 - 50cm long, thick and leathery, ovate and pinnatifid (deeply incised along margins), often with white spots and pin-holes along mid-rib, and with fenestrations (windows) in leaf-blade - superficially resembling Monstera species.
Flowers are small (3-7mm across) on spathe-spadix inflorescences. Spathe (modified leaf) canoe-shaped, 10cm long, greenish on outside, creamy-white on inside.
Environment
They are very easy to grow, both in soil and water filled bottles, jars and any container. Epipremnum can grow in both direct and indirect sun light. However, too much direct sun light can turn the leaves yellow and even burn them.
It grows best between the temperatures of 20-30 C (68-86 F) and requires high humidity and shade. Growth ceases below 10 C (50 F) and it is killed by frost.
Epipremnum can grow up trees and other plants in the rainforest, and would benefit from some support indoors, too. Consider adding a small trellis or pole nearby.
Water Epipremnum moderately and evenly, about once a week. Wait until the soil is fairly dry before watering again. Keep in a fairly humid environment.
To curb excessive growth, avoid re-potting too often and prune regularly by pinching off new growth
Landscape Uses
Ornamental Foliage - ideal for Coastal, General, Vertical Greenery / Green Wall
Note
All parts of plant contains oxalic crystals which can irritate throat if ingested.
