Epipremnum giganteum is an epiphytic root climber which can reaching up to 20 m long with leathery, plain glossy green leaves that are 30-91 cm long.
Epipremnum giganteum, also called as Monstera gigantea, Pothos giganteus, Rhaphidophora gigantea, Scindapsus giganteus, is a species of the genus Epipremnum. This species was described by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott in 1857.
IDENTIFY EPIPREMNUM GIGANTEUM
Epipremnum giganteum is native from Indo-China to Malaya. It is found growing in quartz ridge vegetation, limestone and marble hills and cliffs, hill forest, established oil palm plantation on iron-rich alluvium, damp lowland rain forest, swamp forest at elevations of 90-170 meters above sea level.
It is an epiphytic root climber which can reaching up to 20 m long with 10 to 35 mm in diameter stem that is covered with prominent leaf scars along its length. The alternately-arranged, stalked leaves are simple and are elliptical-lanceolate in shape with a cordate base and an undulating yellow leaf margin, 30-91 cm long and 15-23 cm wide. Leaves are leathery, plain glossy green, sometimes marked with creamy blotches and veins above, underside glaucous green.
This species blooms from the inflorescence that held well below the foliage with green and red mottled peduncle. The spathe is green on the outer surface and is yellow in the inner surface. The spadix are orange at anthesis, air-drying mid-brown. The fruit is a berry that is light green and turns red when mature. The light brown seeds are lightly curved.
EPIPREMNUM GIGANTEUM CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Epipremnum giganteum grow best in medium to bright indirect light with light level of 10000-20000 lux. While it is tolerant of lower light conditions, you may notice leggy growth as a result. It can withstand 3 hours of direct sunlight but the plant should avoid to get too much direct sun because the leaves will burn. Dappled sunlight is ideal.
Temperature:
The plant can grow in USDA zone 11-13. It prefers average to warm temperatures of 18-29 °C. Do not expose the plant to temperatures below 15 °C even for a short time because cold air will damage the foliage. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Humididty:
Epipremnum giganteum grow best with the humidity level of 50% - 60%. It will thrive in almost any environment, but if you want to give it a special treat, gently mist it once a week. It's best to mist your plant in the morning so the water has plenty of time to evaporate before evening.
Substrate and growing media:
This species need a well-aerated, quick-draining potting soil that dries out quickly. It thrive in moist soils with high organic matter and grow best when provided with a mossy post or burlap wrapped pole to climb. If given a trellis, it will climb and its leaves will become bigger and more fenestrated.
You can use a blend of large-chunk orchid bark, coarse-grade perlite, and peat moss at equal ratios; and then add about 10% charcoal which helps remove toxicities that can build up (over many months) in the potting mix.
Watering:
Water the plant once weekly. Allow the potting mix to dry out before watering. Water more frequently during warmer months and growth season. Generally, the plant will droop to show that it needs more water. Do not overwater or keep the soil wet for too long, as this will encourage root rot. If the leaves are yellowing due to overwatering, skip a week or two of watering.
Fertilizer:
Feed the plant between every two weeks and once per month during their growing season with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. In the late fall and winter, when growth has slowed down, and the plant is dormant, do not fertilize your plant. Too much fertilizer can burn the foliage of your plant. Before applying fertilizer in any form, make sure the soil is damp.
Pruning:
Trim aerial roots if the plant get too unruly for the space, though tucking them back into the pot is preferred. Unlike some other houseplants, their roots do not damage surfaces.
Pests and diseases:
Wiping dust or debris with a damp sponge or paper towel will keep the plant clean and avoidant of pests. Common pests include mealybugs, aphids, thrips, scale and spider mites. If any are found on the foliage, spray the plant with a direct water stream. Leaves can also be washed with insecticidal soap.
The plant can also develop bacterial diseases such as leaf spot and root rot. Examine the plant periodically for signs of disease and use recommended fungicide and destroy the affected leaves. Correct application and timing are critical.
Propagation:
Epipremnum giganteum can be propagated by stem cuttings. Stem sections of 10-15 cm long, after removal of leaves, can be placed on a tray filled with an open, humus-rich soil mix at a minimum temperature of 22°C. Rooting takes place in about 2 weeks, and new growth begins from the nodes in about 4 weeks. Once growing strongly, the stem section can be cut into pieces, each bearing a rooted portion, and planted individually.
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