Epipremnum aka Tongavine

Taxonomy

Epipremnum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae, native to tropical forests from China, the Himalayas, and Southeast Asia to Australia and the western Pacific. These evergreen perennial vines use aerial roots to climb and may be mistaken for similar plants like Rhaphidophora, Scindapsus, and Amydrium. While they can grow up to 40 meters with leaves reaching 3 meters in length, their size is usually reduced when grown in containers. Commonly known as centipede tongavine, pothos, or devil's ivy, Epipremnum plants are popular as houseplants in temperate regions. Their bright green juvenile leaves often feature yellow or white variegated patterns. These plants are toxic due to trichosclereids and raphides found in all parts of the plant. Epipremnum aureum, a specific species within the genus, is native to Mo'orea in French Polynesia and is a well-liked houseplant in temperate regions while also being naturalized in tropical and sub-tropical forests worldwide. It is a tender, evergreen climber with green and cream variegated leaves, tolerant of shady positions where the variegation may become less pronounced. These plants exhibit Skototropism, allowing them to find host trees.

Common names

Tongavine, Glitter Goddess Pothos

How to care for Tongavine

Difficulty

Tongavine presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Tongavine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Tongavine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Tongavine thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Tongavine.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Tongavine to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Humidity

The Tongavine does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.

Fertilizer

Once the Tongavine has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Tongavine’s native range is tropical China through Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.


More info:
Wikipedia