Pothos, Genus, longipes, Species,
- Genus & species
candle vine
Overview
Pothos longipes is an evergreen root-climbing vine in the Araceae family that clings to tree trunks and rocks with short aerial roots, climbing 10-30 feet (3-9 m) high. The glossy dark green leaves are 2-5 inches (5-13 cm) long, lance-shaped, and carried on a flattened winged stalk nearly as long as the blade, so the stalk resembles part of the leaf. The plant climbs by pressing flattened stems against bark, often forming a thin shingle-like layer. Small flowers are packed on a short spadix 0.4-0.8 inch (1-2 cm) long enclosed by a green to yellowish spathe, appearing mainly in spring and summer. Orange to red berries follow on the spadix. Growth is slow to moderate and depends on a host surface to climb. The vine needs warmth and humidity and is damaged by frost, limiting outdoor use to frost-free climates.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, from Cape York in Queensland south to coastal New South Wales. Grows in rainforest and moist sheltered gullies, climbing tree trunks and rock faces in warm, humid, shaded conditions.Suggested Uses
Grown on tree trunks, posts, and moss poles in frost-free gardens, and as a climbing houseplant or greenhouse plant in cooler regions. Used in shaded, humid courtyards and fernhouses. The need for a host surface and warmth limits its use in open, exposed positions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height10' - 30'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
green to yellowFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full shade with warmth, humidity, and a tree trunk, post, or moss pole to climb. The root zone is kept moist but not waterlogged; the foliage browns in dry air and dry soil. Frost damages the stems and leaves, so outdoor growth is limited to frost-free, subtropical to tropical climates. Indoors or in a greenhouse it grows on a moss pole in a humid spot out of direct sun. Scale insects and mealybugs can build up on the stems in still, warm air.Pruning
Trim climbing stems to control length and remove damaged or detached growth at any time of year. Cutting just above a node brings on branching along the stem. The vine resprouts readily from cut stems in warm conditions.Pruning Schedule
Prune: October–November
late springsummer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons