Cebu Blue Pothos

Originating in the tropical rainforests of the Philippines, especially on the island of Cebu, is the Cebu Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum). It is a member of the Araceae family, which also contains the well-known houseplants Monstera and Philodendron. This pothos species is ideal for novices since it requires less maintenance, making it one of the most accessible varieties to grow. It is also possible to cultivate this evergreen tropical vine inside and outdoors. Because Cebu Blue doesn’t need a lot of maintenance and yet looks impressive, it may be a perfect addition to your indoor jungle.

Cebu Blue Pothos is ideal for you if you’ve longed to add new plants to your collection with unusual colors and forms! As a great gardener, I’ve nurtured this gorgeous plant for many years, and it’s unquestionably one of my favorite pothos varieties.

So continue reading if you want to learn how to raise and take care of Cebu blue pothos!

Botanical Name: Epipremnum pinnatum

Common Name: Cebu blue pothos, Tibitib, Dragon-Tail Plant, and Centipede Tongavine

Family: Araceae

Plant Type: Evergreen, vine

Hardiness Zones: 9 – 11 (USDA)

Sun Exposure: Bright indirect sunlight

Soil Type: Well drainage soil

Soil pH: Acidic, Neutral, alkaline

Height: 8 ft. long indoors, 40 ft. long outdoors

Bloom Time: Spring

 Native Area: Asia, Cebu island in the Philippines

Cebu Blue Pothos Care

Like most of its family members, the Cebu blue pothos is simple to cultivate and maintain. While this pothos is typically cultivated as an indoor houseplant in the United States, it is cultivated outdoors in the Philippines. 

The juvenile and mature stages of the Cebu blue pothos are two distinct growth periods. The adolescent stage is the most conspicuous due to its minuscule, oblong leaves that possess a silvery blue-green coloration. Larger green leaves with progressive fenestrations are the hallmark of the mature phase, often only seen in plants cultivated outside. 

While it is possible to train any individual Cebu blue pothos to scale a trellis or moss pole, mature specimens exhibit dominant climbing characteristics and thrive exclusively with assistance. This is the leading care difference between these two stages. Growing Cebu blue pothos is relatively easy for juvenile or adult plants.

LIGHTING

This plant doesn’t need a lot of light. It usually grows best in medium sunlight or indirect solid light. But because this plant cannot tolerate low light, you should provide plenty of indirect light if you want the leaves to remain thick and full. But keep in mind that it also requires a few gloomy moments. However, avoid placing your plant in the direct sun! To ensure the plant receives enough light, filter it if you bring it outside.

During the day, you may monitor the quantity of direct sunlight reaching your plant by placing it next to your window (morning sun is best for indoor plants). The plant might get several feet with proper lighting and care in only one growing season.

Your plant will get the intense light it needs from a north-facing window without the risk of sunburn from your Cebu blue foliage.

WATERING

Fortunately for us, pothos take very little care in terms of watering.

The Cebu Blue is a vining plant that grows naturally up trees and receives periodic wetting and drying out; I would certainly attempt to replicate that process in your watering regimen. The most important thing to watch out for with this plant is to ensure it is not sitting in wet soil since this is the quickest way to kill a healthy plant. Not a swamp monster, but an epiphytic vine is the Cebu Blue. It won’t love you if you put it in such soft circumstances. 

Your plant needs a pot with a drainage hole or a terrarium with a drainage layer in the house to avoid root rot since this plant has Mother Nature’s best drainage system in the jungle.

I water my Cebu Blue plant evenly until water appears in the drainage tray, and then I let it run off (typically into one of my thirsty Alocasias) until the soil is somewhat dry to the touch. Then rinse and continue indefinitely. You must carefully adjust the water level in a terrarium by adding small amounts until the substrate is uniformly moist but not soggy.

FERTILIZING

Generally speaking, I advise fertilizer diluted with each watering during the primary growth season.If my plant is not growing in the winter, I will reduce its growth or halt it altogether. When spring’s longer days encourage fresh growth, I’ll return to all-purpose houseplant fertilizer that will work, but Dyna-Gro Grow, which I buy on Amazon, is my favorite.

I use this AMAZING fertilizer on most of my houseplants, and if you apply it consistently, you will notice significant growth!It is an excellent fertilizer that is FULLY COMPLETE and includes all the nutrients your plants need. It won’t burn your plants and is devoid of urea. It’s available on Amazon, and I’ve had great success.

Dyna-Gro Grow yields incredible results when used consistently, so you won’t regret using it.

SOILING

You could get away with using a store-bought potting soil mix for your Cebu Blue plant. But if you can, use well-draining soil with some perlite and orchid bark mixed in with vermiculite. Recall that compared to perlite, vermiculite retains a lot more moisture.

Avoid using clay-based or heavy garden soils as they might absorb too much moisture and lead to root rot.

It’s also crucial to remember that Cebu Blue pothos grow well in various containers, including trellises, hanging baskets, and pots. I suggest using a lightweight potting mix if you’re increasing the plant in a hanging basket to prevent adding extra weight to the container.

How to Pot or Repot Cebu Blue Pothos?

Cebu Blue Pothos is pretty much the same when it comes to potting. It does well in several types of pots, such as terracotta, plastic, or ceramic ones. To avoid water logging, which may result in root rot, it’s crucial to ensure the container has drainage holes.

You may use premium, well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix when you pot your Cebu Blue Pothos. This will supply the ideal quantity of nutrients and moisture for your plant to flourish.

When your Cebu Blue Pothos plant outgrows its container or becomes root-bound, it’s time to report that Root-bound plants have roots that are densely packed in the soil and have grown too large for their container. This may stress the plant and result in growth retardation. Carefully take your Cebu Blue Pothos out of its present container and loosen the roots in preparation for repotting. After that, you may report it using a new potting mix in a one size more enormous container. Your plant will have more space to develop and access fresh nutrients.

Temperature & Humidity

As an invasive vining species, it’s fair to say that this plant comfortably grows outside in tropical and subtropical areas and can withstand the seasons and a wide range of temperatures.The a lower limit for this plant is 50°F (10°C), and the upper limit is 97°F (35°C), so you’re unlikely to have any issues with our cushy 21st-century indoor temperatures. 

Again, the Cebu Blue isn’t picky, but it prefers an environment with a higher humidity level. A score between 60 and 90% is generally acceptable.

I always like to look at where the plant comes from, and Cebu Island (where it evolved from) stays in the 70-85% range all year round – so if you aim for that, you’ll have one happy Epipremnum.

PRUNING

A Cebu Blue Pothos plant grown excessively long or slender may require pruning. Pruning facilitates bushier development and maintains the plant’s compact form. Make a precise incision just above a leaf node using clean, pointed scissors to prune. If desired, you may propagate the cuttings and begin new plants.

Cebu Blue Pothos, which can attain a maximum length of 8 feet, is an essential characteristic to bear in mind. You must prune the plant frequently if you wish to maintain its size. You may also train the plant to ascend a trellis or other support for a stunning cascading effect.

PROPAGATION

This plant is elementary to propagate in water. Acquire your mother plant and proceed to trim her. Cut the cuttings beneath the root node, ensuring that at least one leaf remains attached, and submerge them in water. You now have it. While I personally favor submerging my cuttings in rooting hormone, it is not obligatory to do so; adequate root development ought to transpire autonomously.

When you observe infant roots emerging from the main root, transplant the delicate specimen into well-draining soil. This will result in cultivating not one but two Cebu Blue Pothos! 

You receive a plant once more, and once more, YOU receive a plant! Alternatively, you may propagate cuttings in soil; in a warm and humid terrarium environment, they ought to sprout quickly.

Common Pests 

You should be aware of a few typical houseplant pests while dealing with this pothos. Scale and mealybugs are sap-sucking parasites that gradually harm a plant’s leaves. One of the first signs that you have an infestation is the sticky residue they both leave on a plant’s leaves and stem. Because of their damp soil, pothos plants attract fungus gnats, another typical pest of houseplants. The larvae of these flying parasites consume the roots of plants after laying their eggs in the ground.

Typical Issues With Cebu Blue Pothos:

Inadequate watering and lighting are the leading causes of issues with Cebu Blue Pothos. Nonetheless, these pothos often need more problems. 

Falling Leaves Gone Yellow:

Yellowing leaves are one of the most typical issues with Cebu blue pothos. Regrettably, various issues, including excessive light, underwatering, and low humidity, may cause yellow leaves. The best course of action is to evaluate the particular growth conditions of your plant to determine the likely reason for the yellowing leaves.

Curled or Wilting Leaves:

Your Cebu blue pothos probably needs a thorough watering if its leaves are withering or curled. After a few hours of watering, the leaves should revert to their typical state. If the leaves don’t regrow, it might be a sign that the plant’s roots have dried up from submersion; to be sure, you should examine the root structure. If the roots have dried and withered, you may resurrect your pothos by propagating the plant’s healthy stems.

Slow Growth:

Lack of light is the most frequent reason Cebu blue pothos have delayed development. To promote more robust growth, try shifting your plant to an area with bright, indirect light.

SUMMARY

The Araceae family plant Cebu Blue Pothos is native to the tropical rainforests of the Philippines, specifically the island of Cebu. This evergreen vine has two different growth stages: juvenile and mature, making it simple to cultivate and manage. The plant needs a few dark moments, but it grows best in medium sunshine or indirect solid light. Avoid putting the plant in direct sunlight and give it plenty of indirect light to encourage healthy development. Make sure the plant is not in moist soil and water it evenly. During the main growth season, fertilize the plant with a diluted solution of Dyna-Gro Grow, an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer, after each watering. Packed with nutrients, this all-purpose fertilizer won’t scorch your plants.

You can plant Cebu Blue Pothos in pots, hanging baskets, and trellises, among other containers. Use a high-quality, nutrient-rich, well-draining potting mix when you pot or repot the plant. Replant the plant with fresh potting mix and loosen the roots if it outgrows its container or gets root-bound. Tropical and subtropical regions with temperatures between 50°F to 97°F are ideal for the plant’s growth. Its ideal humidity range is between 60 and 90%. Maintaining the compact structure of the plant and encouraging bushier growth need pruning. There are two ways to grow this plant: in soil or in water. Common pests include mealybugs and scale. With Cebu Blue Pothos, common problems include yellowing foliage, curled or withering leaves, and poor growth brought on by insufficient lighting and irrigation.