Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’ (Cebu Blue Pothos), a mesmerizing variety of the Epipremnum genus, captivates plant enthusiasts with its unique, silvery-blue foliage. This particular cultivar, named after its place of discovery in Cebu, Philippines, offers a stunning visual appeal and versatility that makes it a sought-after houseplant.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Originally found in the Philippines, Epipremnum pinnatum is a species that thrives across Southeast Asia and parts of Australia. The ‘Cebu Blue’ cultivar, while cultivated primarily for indoor use, shares this extensive native range, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates. It belongs to the arum family (Araceae), along with Zantedeschia (Calla Lily), Caladium (Angel Wing), Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant), or Colocasia (Elephant Ear).
Indoors, ‘Cebu Blue’ can reach 8 feet in length. Its growth can be directed and managed through pruning and the use of support structures, allowing for a tailored fit to various indoor settings.
Like many in the Epipremnum genus, Cebu Blue Pothos rarely flowers indoors. When they do occur, its inflorescences are typical of the arum family, with a protective spathe surrounding a spadix. However, its foliage remains the primary reason for its cultivation.
The foliage is where it truly shines. The leaves, with their unique blue-green coloration and slight iridescence, offer a refreshing deviation from the typical green of most houseplants. As the plant matures, leaves can develop fenestrations (natural holes), adding to its visual interest.
Cebu Blue Pothos is hardy in USDA zones 10-11 when planted outdoors but is predominantly grown as an indoor plant in most climates. It is best suited to indoor environments where temperatures can be kept consistent, ideally between 65-85°F (18-29°C).
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Like other types of Epipremnum, ‘Cebu Blue’ does best in very bright indirect light. It may tolerate medium indirect light, but growth will be slower, leaves will be smaller, and the plant will be less full overall as it sheds leaves in order to find a balance between how many leaves the available light can support. If you want to grow your ‘Cebu Blue’ on a pole and see it morph into mature form, you will need to grow it in bright indirect ligh
Temperature and Humidity
While the Cebu blue pothos is native to the tropical climate of the Philippines, it does surprisingly well growing indoors. If possible, provide your Cebu blue pothos with extra humidity which will encourage vigorous growth. Placing a humidifier nearby is one of the best ways to increase humidity around a plant, or you can choose a naturally humid location such as a bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen to display your plant. This pothos does not tolerate cold temperatures, so avoid drafty windows in the winter.
Watering
Similar to other Epipremnum, ‘Cebu Blue’ will do best if you water when the top 1/3 of the soil is dry. Leaves will begin to look slightly limp when ready for water. Though they often bounce back if allowed to go too dry, try to avoid letting the soil dry until the plant is totally limp as some of the roots and leaves may not recover from long periods of total dryness. If you need some help knowing when to water your plant a moisture meter is a helpful tool that can take out some of the guesswork!
Soil
Like all pothos plants, the Cebu blue pothos requires moist but well-draining soil. A mixture of one part potting soil, one part orchid bark, and one part perlite provides the perfect amount of drainage.
Fertilizing
During the spring and summer, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. Stop fertilizing in the early fall months as the pothos begins to enter dormancy.
Propagation
Cebu blue pothos are easy and fun to propagate. Propagating is a great way to repurpose stem cuttings from pruning, or encourage a fuller growth habit. Since these plants can be difficult to come by, propagating is also a great way to create new plants to share with friends or fellow plant lovers.
There are two ways to propagate Cebu blue pothos: in water and in sphagnum moss. To propagate this pothos in water, follow these steps:
- Take cuttings from your plant using a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors. Ensure there are at least 5 to 6 leaves on each stem cutting.
- Remove the lower 2 to 3 leaves from the fresh cuttings to expose the nodes along the stem.
- Place the stem cuttings in water, submerging the exposed nodes while leaving the remaining leaves above water.
- Change the water every week to keep it fresh. Roots should begin growing within 2-3 weeks.
- Once the roots are at least 1 to 2 inches long, the cuttings can be transferred to soil.
- Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mixture and moisten the soil slightly.
- Transfer the rooted cuttings into the pot and place it in a location that receives medium to bright indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first 1 to 2 weeks to help the roots acclimate, and then resume a regular watering schedule.
To propagate a Cebu blue pothos in sphagnum moss, follow these steps:
- Before you start, place your sphagnum moss in a bowl of water to soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
- While the moss is soaking, take cuttings from your plant using a pair of sharp pruning shears or scissors.
- Ensure there are at least 5 to 6 leaves on each stem cutting.
- Remove the lower 2 to 3 leaves from the fresh cuttings to expose the nodes along the stem.
- Drain the water from the sphagnum moss and squeeze the leftover water from the moss—then place the moss in a small pot or container (clear plastic pots are great for this).
- Place the fresh cuttings in the sphagnum moss—ensuring that the exposed nodes are fully covered by moss while the leaves of the cuttings are exposed to air.
- To help increase humidity around the moss, cover the pot or container with a plastic resealable bag, ensuring that the leaves are left out of the bag.
- Keep the moss evenly moist (but not soaking) by misting it every week. Roots should begin to form within 2 to 3 weeks. Resist the urge to check in on the roots too early to avoid damaging them.
- Once the roots are at least 1 to 2 inches long, you can begin transferring the cuttings to soil. Gently remove the cuttings from the sphagnum moss. Don’t worry too much about picking any moss off that is stuck to the roots as they are delicate. Any leftover moss will get mixed in with the new soil mixture.
- Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mixture and moisten the soil slightly.
- Transfer the rooted cuttings into the pot and place it in a location that receives medium to bright indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first 1 to 2 weeks to help the roots acclimate, and then resume a regular watering schedule.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests
This pothos is susceptible to some common houseplant pests that you should keep an eye out for. Mealybugs and scale are sap-sucking pests that damage the leaves of the plant over time. They both leave a sticky residue on the leaves and stem of a plant which is one of the first indications that you are dealing with an infestation. Fungus gnats are another common houseplant pest that are attracted to pothos plants thanks to their moist soil. These flying pests lay their eggs in the soil, and their larvae feed on the plant’s root system.
Common Problems
The most common problems with Cebu blue pothos arise from improper watering or light conditions. For the most part however, these pothos are relatively problem-free.
- Leaves Turning Yellow
One of the most common problems with Cebu blue pothos is yellowing leaves. Unfortunately, yellow leaves can be the result of a number of different problems—from too much light, underwatering, and to lack of humidity. It is best to assess your plant’s unique growing situation to figure out what the root cause of the yellowing leaves may be.
- Wilting or Curled Leaves
If your Cebu blue pothos is exhibiting wilting or curled leaves, it most likely needs a good watering. The leaves should return to normal a few hours after being watered. If the leaves don’t perk back up, it may mean that the roots of the plant have dried up due to underwatering, and you should check the root system to be sure. If the roots are dried and shriveled, you can propagate the healthy stems of the plant to bring your pothos back to life.
- Slow Growth
The most common cause of delayed growth for Cebu blue pothos is lack of light. Try moving your plant to a location that receives bright, indirect light to encourage more vigorous growth.
III. Uses and Benefits
Its adaptability to various light conditions and relative ease of care make it a popular choice for both home and office spaces, adding a touch of the exotic to interior landscapes.
Beyond its ornamental value, ‘Cebu Blue’ serves as an excellent air purifier, removing toxins from indoor environments.