Dragon’s Tail Pothos 32 Care Tips: Water, Light, Soil and Where to Buy

Notes

Dragon’s Tail Pothos has a classy appearance and is an easy-to-care-for plant that will bring vigor and color to your living space! This plant has a distinct appearance and is a must-have for indoor gardeners.

In this post, we’ll go through the care requirements and the right conditions in detail to help you confidently raise your dragon tail plant.

Looking for options to purchase the Dragon’s Tail Pothos? We created a list for you to buy one for yourself. Read on to find out more about Epipremnum pinnatum’s’s interesting attributes.

What Are Dragon’s Tail Pothos Plants?

The Dragon’s Tail Pothos is sometimes known as Dragon-Tail Plant, Taro Vine, and Silver Vine. It’s scientific name is Epipremnum pinnatum.

It is a beautiful climbing plant famous for its lush evergreen vine. It is sometimes displayed in a hanging basket, making it a great houseplant.

It belongs to the Araceae family. This perennial has beautiful mature leaves that are glossy green, that are usually obovate, elliptical, and oblong. Like other indoor plants, it appreciates humidity, making it a good plant for a kitchen, bathroom, or balcony (in humid environments).

You may also grow your Dragon’s Tail Pothos outdoors if you are living in hardiness zones 10-12.

Origin And Family

Dragon-Tail Plant belongs to the Epipremnum pinnatum genus in the Araceae family. Natively, it’s from the rainforests of southeast Asia.

First identified in 1880, this plant has gained popularity among indoor growers in recent years. It yields significant small and white flowers when it’s young, maturing to creamy grey-green and then dark yellowish-green during anthesis, before air-drying to dark brown or almost black after anthesis blooms.

Where To Buy

You can buy a Dragon’s Tail Pothos plant at a nursery or a home improvement store, but you’ll probably get a much better deal if you purchase one from a US-based Etsy seller.

The Dragon’s Tail Pothos is fairly affordable, ranging between $15 for cuttings to $35 for the perfectly rooted whole plant.

 

Dragon’s Tail Pothos Plant Size

On average, the Dragon’s Tail Pothos vine grows up to one meter in indoor spaces. Dragon Pothos usually grows at a moderate pace, especially when positioned on a balcony.

Dragon’s Tail Pothos Care Needs

Though Dragon’s Tail Pothos are not a difficult plant to care for, growing it to its maximum size requires certain conditions. The Dragon’s Tail Pothos, with a lush evergreen vine, loves humidity and needs moist soil to thrive.

For the water requirements, water your Epipremnum pinnatum once the top two inches of soil are dry. This is typically once a week. You should also make sure your pot has good drainage.

Learn about your plant’s more specific and in-depth care needs below!

 

Care Difficulty

The Taro Vine is often regarded as easy to care for. If you are serious about successfully growing this plant, ensure that it gets the proper amount of light and potting mix.

So someone is nagging bakit nagkaroon ng fenestration yung Cebu Blue POTHOS niya well hello, that’s a dragon tail not a “pothos”

There’s also a Cebu Blue lookalike and that is the Amydrium Silver (rarer than so-called Cebu Blue Pothos) which has better fenestrations than the DT. pic.twitter.com/Q0uO6o8Y3p

— Sam (@samuelbrillo) November 13, 2020

Growth Rate

The growth rate of Dragon Tail Pothos is moderate. If planted indoors, it will reach a mature height of one meter.

Potting

In terms of potting container size, we recommend using a medium container. Most potting materials, or a hanging pot, will work perfectly.

The Dragon-Tail Plant is susceptible to root rot. Make sure to use enough drainage holes in its pot to promote proper drainage.

Repotting

It’s important to repot your Dragon’s Tail Pothos. Based on experience, this plant grows at a relatively moderate rate, so expect to repot once every one to three years. While repotting, you can give your Epipremnum a nutrient boost by adding well-drained organic soil to replace the old material.

Soil

The Taro Vine is an easy-to-care-for plant that needs well-draining organic soil to stay healthy.

Your Epipremnum pinnatum will appreciate the soil being kept slightly moist. Nonetheless, aeration and drainage are important requirements for all soil types.

You can improve the soil’s drainage by adding some peat moss.

pH

A soil pH of roughly 5.1 and 6.5, which is acidic, is ideal for this Dragon’s Tail Pothos. For newbies, who are concerned about the soil’s acidity, you can buy a simple pH meter device to evaluate it.

To lower pH levels, use sulfur or aluminum sulfate. On the other hand, use baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash to increase pH levels.

Water

Proper watering is an important factor for houseplants. Excess water might cause diseases like fungal infections and root rot. On the contrary, too little water and the plants might end up with browning, undernourished leaves. For optimal health, the dragon’s tail plant generally prefers slightly moist soils.

One way to check for moisture is simply sticking your finger in the pot. Once the topsoil is dry, you’ll know it’s time to give your plant a drink.

Drainage holes and an aerated soil are must-haves for Dragon-Tail Plant. Rule of thumb: You don’t want your plant sitting in water for an extended period.

 

Light

Dragon’s Tail Pothos prefers bright indirect light for 12-16 hours per day. Since its natural habitat in Southeast Asia, remember to try to recreate its growing conditions. Placing this plant on a balcony, or an east/west-facing window works well in most situations.

You’ll know your Dragon’s Tail Pothos isn’t getting enough light when the spacing between the leaves becomes elongated, and sometimes, the stem grows completely leafless.

Avoid putting your Dragon’s Tail Pothos under too much sun, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

 

Fertilizer

Here’s a common mistake by several indoor growers – they forget to fertilize. They think that water and bright indirect light are sufficient sources of nourishment.

But the truth is, the nutrients from the soil are just as vital in your plant’s overall health. A slow-release fertilizer will work best for this type of plant. However, if you’re using a more potent fertilizer, you may need to dilute it first. In the winter months, it does not require any fertilizer at all.

Propagating Dragon’s Tail Pothos

Maybe you’re considering growing a new plant out from your Dragon’s Tail Pothos. Pruning the stem to encourage new growth points is one planting strategy. The cuttings you’ve clipped back can usually be propagated, giving you a newborn plant!

Check out the different propagation methods available to you.

 

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Most plant enthusiasts agree that the easiest method to propagate a Dragon-Tail Plant is directly planting stem cuttings into soil. This plant’s growing season is in the warmer months, so it’s best to make cuttings during this time.

1. Cut. Cut a portion of the stem sections with new leaves and at least one node attached. Without a node, your cutting won’t be able to sprout new roots.

2. Disinfect. If you have cinnamon or rooting powder, dip the cutting to disinfect the wound and encourage faster rooting.

3. Plant. Stick the disinfected cutting into your potting mix. Pro tip: Make sure that the nodes are completely buried.

4. Water. Water the soil and keep it moist (but not soggy).

5. Maintain. The Dragon Tail Plant roots grow within 2-3 weeks. We recommend placing your new propagated plant in a bright shaded area with good airflow.

Stem Cuttings In Water

A Taro Vine can be propagated in water with six simple steps.

1. Cut. Cut a section from the stem with fresh growth and at least one node.

2. Submerge. To monitor root growth, you can place the cutting in a transparent container or a glass of water.

3. Maintain. Store the cutting in a bright shaded area with good airflow.

4. Refill. Replace the water every 3-5 days to avoid bacterial infection.

5. Transplant. After two weeks, check for progress; then plant the cutting into a sterile potting mix if the roots are about an inch or longer.

6. Wait. Your new plant may look wilted at first, but this is normal because the roots need to adjust to the soil. At this point, avoid applying fertilizer or any treatments until your plant has gotten the chance to stabilize.

 

Air Layering Technique

The third propagation technique is best if you want to ensure that your Silver Vine cutting has enough roots. Follow the air layering method below before separating it from the mother plant. It is said that this method is a safer option than soil or water propagation.

To air layer your plant, follow these guidelines:

1. Identify the cutting. Like any other propagation technique, you need to look for a healthy section of the plant. Pick at least two nodes for better growth success.

2. Next is to prepare your moss bag. You need a Ziploc bag or a paper cup filled with coco coir or damp sphagnum peat moss to DIY this.

3. (Optional) Wound the stem. Be careful to make small, unnoticeable cuts on the chosen section of your plant, then apply a moderate amount of rooting powder. It will help the wounds stimulate root growth. You may choose to skip this step.

4. Cover the nodes. Using the moss bag you’ve prepared in step 2, enclose the stem in coco coir or peat moss. Pro tip: You may need to cut the bag in some areas to surround the plant nodes properly.

5. Secure the covering. Use twist ties or hemp twines to secure the moss bag in the plant.

6. Water the propagated section. Cut or leave a small opening on the moss bag. It will help you pour water from above to keep the developing root ball from drying out.

7. Transplant. It’s time to transplant your new plant. After 3-5 weeks, if any aerial roots are poking out from the moss bag, it’s ready for transplant. Now, you can cut the propagated section from the mother plant and transplant it into the soil. Don’t forget to remove the moss bag, which can girdle the growing roots.

Humidity And Aeration

A moderate humidity level (around 50%) is best for your Dragon’s Tail Pothos. Lack of humidity in houseplants is often characterized by crispy leaves and browning edges. Rooms with naturally high humidity include bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. To help increase humidity levels, you might consider getting a humidifier.

Temperature

Generally, a warm area is best for your dragon tail plant. Temperature can range between 65 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

You need consistency when growing this plant. If there are sudden temperature changes, it can damage the Silver Vine. How do you protect your plant against cold drafts? Do it by closing windows and sealing any openings in cold weather. You may keep it away from heat vents that can dry the foliage.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – also known as Devil’s ivy, money plant, or taro vine – is one of the most common house plants in the world. It is so popular we hardly think of it – it blends into the background. But what is its nature? What lessons might it have? pic.twitter.com/3JaqGdZFtU

— Jonathan Thames (@jonctham) April 23, 2021

Flowers

The Dragon’s Tail Pothos can produce significant white flowers at first that mature into a greyish green, and then change again to a yellowish green. And finally, before air-drying, they shift to dark brown or almost black.

Non-Toxic

The Taro Vine is non-toxic to humans or animals, and there are no toxic elements in the plant. According to the ASPCA, ingesting it would not hurt dogs or cats.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Is your Dragon’s Tail Pothos looking ill? Most experts say this is not a plant with strong resistance to common pests, diseases, and overall problems.

In the list below, I’ve provided the common issues that affect this tropical plant. Use these guides to help diagnose and treat your Epipremnum genus.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are an unwelcome but common problem on houseplants, particularly the Silver Vine. You can see spider mite damage as little brown or yellow dots on your plant’s leaves. When it gets worse, you might notice fine and sticky web crawling with red bugs.

So to dislodge the spider mites, you need to begin by thoroughly washing off every nook and cranny of your Silver Vine.

Pro tip: You will need to do this on a sink, tub, or outdoors. If that doesn’t work, you can use products like insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil to suffocate the spider mites.

For big gardens with several plants at home, you might need to quarantine your sick plants. Keep them away while getting the spider mite population under control.

 

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats frequently attack Dragon-Tail Plant. These insects give birth to larvae, which mostly feed on organic waste in soil, but they will also eat your plant’s roots.

Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical solution that will eliminate fungus gnats and reoxygenate your plant’s roots. Apply a solution of four parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide to your soil.

Because fungus gnats love damp conditions, keep your soil dry by lengthening the period between watering schedules. These bugs might try to enter through the drainage holes of your pot, so cover those holes with synthetic fabric that will still allow water to pass through.

Scale Insects

Scales are insects that eat plant sap. Unlike other bugs, the adult scale insects will latch onto one part of the plant and stay put for food. Also called armored scales, these insects may appear as brownish lumps on the petioles or stems of a plant.

To prevent these, you can dilute a teaspoon of neem oil in 500 mL of water. Then, spray it on your plant’s leaves to discourage scales from latching onto your Dragon’s Tail Pothos.

Another tip is to release ladybugs or lacewings near your infected plant. Let these beneficial bugs take care of scale insects!

Aphids

Aphids are common pests that can be found on your Taro Vine. They are usually colored brown, yellow, orange, green, black, red, or white. Aphids multiply extremely fast and can weaken your plant within a matter of days!

Aphids are particularly attracted to areas of fresh growth like new shoots and flower buds. They will leave behind black and white splotches as they eat on the plant sap.

If you spot these bugs, immediately isolate your infected plant from the others. Give your plant a strong spray of water to remove the aphids. However, always remember to cover the soil with plastic to catch any falling bugs and their eggs before they can multiply. Then, dispose of the plastic somewhere far away from your garden.

A spray of horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or neem oil can take care of this problem. Still, you may need to repeat this a lot of times. Just make sure that the aphid population has been completely eradicated.

 

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Silver Vine. If you find these tiny parasites– you need to act quickly before they spread. You can easily identify this by their white “fluff.”

First, take a cotton ball and douse it with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the leaves of your Epipremnum genus to remove all the mealybugs.

You can do a DIY mixture – mix 500mL of water, 10 drops of liquid soap (as an emulsifier), and 5mL of neem oil. Spray this mixture on your plants once a month to make your plant leaves look shiny and clean; it will also discourage mealies from colonizing your houseplant.

 

Brown Leaf Tips

Browning leaf tips of your Dragon-Tail Plant? You might need to double-check several factors.

First, make sure the humidity in your home is not too low. Also, remember to place your plant in indirect sunlight. If it’s too hot, use a curtain to filter the sunlight. Don’t apply too much fertilizer.

Lastly, when watering, let the water flow through the soil for several minutes to flush out excess minerals and salts.

Drooping Leaves

Drooping leaves on the Dragon’s Tail Pothos can be caused by inconsistent watering, incorrect lighting, and lack of humidity. It might also help to clean your plant’s leaves with plain water and a microfiber cloth; this process will remove the layer of dust that can interfere with photosynthesis.

Flexing my Epipremnum pinnatum variegata (Dragon tail vine)’s newly-unfurled ghost leaf 👻. Photo taken 4 days apart.

Still feel dead inside but my plants giving me pretty new leaves make me feel quite nice, thanks Mother Nature. pic.twitter.com/jMo07PwAMD

— Mikhail (@mikhailquijano) July 17, 2019

Yellow Leaves

There are several factors that can cause the yellow leaves of a Taro Vine. One most common is that it doesn’t get enough sunlight. Second, it could also be that the plant gets too much or too little water.

Yellow leaves should be pruned. Why? This technique will encourage new growth and prevent the spread of deterioration. Besides, they can be unattractive and worrying to look at. To do this, just simply trim the leaves off with a sharp, sterile pair of shears.

 

Root Rot

Root rot is an incredibly common killer of the Silver Vine. Some indoor gardeners might get overzealous with their watering- or they may forget to provide adequate drainage for their plants, and these two mistakes are the two main causes of root rot.

Prevention is the best option here because root rot is difficult to treat. If you don’t have a soil meter device, get comfortable touching your soil to feel for moisture. If the top few inches do not feel dry, skip the watering for later!

Use pots that are high in porosity (such as clay, unglazed ceramic, and concrete) to allow excess moisture to escape from the sides. Give your plant a well-aerated soil mix to let its roots breathe and grow freely.

Similar Plants

Love Dragon-Tail Plant? Here are some other similar plant lists you should add to your garden:

Rhaphidophora Decursiva – Rhaphidophora discursive is an aroid, which means it belongs to the Araceae family of plants. Rhaphidophora is the genus; against popular belief, it is not a monster. In Southeast Asia, China, and India, Decursiva can grow wild. The leaves are tiny, pointy, and oval-shaped when the plant is young. The leaves will develop profound fenestrations (splits/cuts) as they mature, which can grow to be nearly three feet long.

Monstera Deliciosa – This easy-to-grow climbing evergreen is also known as the “split-leaf philodendron,” which may be found in many designer spaces. The plant grows at a moderate rate indoors, reaching 1 to 2 feet per year. It has a distinctive split in its naturally glossy huge heart-shaped leaves. A noticeable feature of this plant is its delicate aerial roots emerging from the soil, which help the plant by sustaining the stems that bear three-foot-long leaves.

Marble Queen Pothos – Marble Queen Pothos is a highly adaptable houseplant that grows quickly and looks great in any setting. The light green leaves with creamy white variegation add a splash of brightness and elegance to the arrangement.

Manjula Pothos – Manjula Pothos is a tropical plant that requires little maintenance. It will certainly brighten up any indoor garden because of its distinct appearance and texture, this plant is popular among plant collectors.

Snow Queen Pothos – Snow Queen Pothos is a tropical, low-maintenance plant that will add energy and color to your home! With its own distinct appearance and feel, this plant would be a must-have for indoor gardeners.

Conclusion

The Dragon’s Tail Pothos is a stunning plant and is truly a wonder. All your efforts will be worth it when you witness its lush, evergreen vine and classy appearance unfold.

Can’t get enough of Epipremnum plant guides? Check out these other gardening articles from Two Peas In A Condo!

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