How to Grow and Care for Silver Sword Pothos

The Silver Sword Pothos, Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’, is a vining plant that originates from the island of Cebu in the Philippines. Its common name is derived from the appearance of its juvenile foliage, which features elongated, sword-like leaves with a striking silvery-blue color. Unlike its more common pothos relatives, its visual appeal lies in this metallic sheen and slender leaf shape. This plant can be grown trailing from a hanging basket or trained to climb, offering versatile display options.

Silver Sword Pothos Care

Light

The Silver Sword Pothos flourishes in medium to bright, indirect light, which is important for maintaining its characteristic silvery-blue hue. An ideal location would be near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun, or several feet back from a more intense south or west-facing window. While it can tolerate lower light conditions, its growth may slow, and the leaves might lose their vibrant coloration. Direct, scorching sunlight should be avoided, as it can burn the leaves.

Soil

A well-draining potting medium is necessary for a healthy root system. Like many aroids, this plant is susceptible to root rot if its roots remain in waterlogged soil. You can create a suitable mix by blending one part standard potting soil, one part perlite, and one part orchid bark. This combination ensures that excess water drains freely while holding enough moisture.

Water

Watering practices for the Silver Sword Pothos should be based on the soil’s moisture level rather than a rigid schedule. It is best to water the plant thoroughly when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. When watering, continue until water flows from the pot’s drainage holes, then discard any excess from the saucer. Curling leaves can be an indicator that the plant is thirsty, while consistently yellowing leaves often point to overwatering.

Temperature and Humidity

This tropical native prefers warm and humid conditions that mirror its natural habitat. It thrives in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). The plant should be protected from cold drafts and temperatures that drop below 50°F (10°C). While it can adapt to average household humidity, it will benefit from increased moisture. To boost humidity, you can group it with other plants, place a humidifier nearby, or set the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Fertilizer

During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, the Silver Sword Pothos benefits from regular feeding. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks to support healthy growth. It is recommended to dilute the fertilizer to half its prescribed strength to avoid burning the roots. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped during the fall and winter when growth slows.

Encouraging Mature Growth and Fenestration

A fascinating characteristic of the Silver Sword Pothos is its ability to transform as it matures. In its juvenile state, the leaves are slender and whole, but with age and proper conditions, they can become larger and develop splits, a trait known as fenestration. This maturation process is triggered by allowing the plant to climb, mimicking its growth in the wild.

To replicate this indoors, providing a vertical support structure like a moss pole or wooden plank is required. As the plant’s aerial roots anchor into the surface, it signals the plant to transition into its mature phase. This physical attachment encourages the development of larger leaves with the iconic splits. Without a support to climb, the plant will remain in its juvenile form and will not produce fenestrated leaves.

Propagating Silver Sword Pothos

Multiplying your Silver Sword Pothos is a straightforward process using stem cuttings. The key to success is to include at least one node in your cutting, as this is where new roots and leaves will emerge. A node is a small, raised bump on the stem, often where a leaf is attached.

Follow these steps for propagation:

• Use clean scissors to cut a four to six-inch piece from a healthy vine, making the cut just below a node.
• Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent them from rotting.
• Place the stem in a jar of water, making sure at least one node is submerged while the leaves remain above the water line.
• Position the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days.
• Once new roots are about an inch long, the cutting is ready to be planted in soil.

Common Problems and Solutions

Leggy growth, where stems become long and sparse with few leaves, is a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light. To resolve this, move the plant to a brighter location with more indirect sunlight. Pruning back the leggy vines can also encourage fuller, more compact growth.

Yellowing leaves are a frequent problem related to watering. Both overwatering and underwatering can cause leaves to turn yellow, as mentioned in the water care section. Check the soil’s moisture level to determine the cause and adjust your watering routine accordingly.

Pests such as spider mites and mealybugs can occasionally affect the plant. Spider mites create fine webbing, while mealybugs appear as small, white, cottony masses. An infestation can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap or neem oil for more persistent problems.