The term “blue pothos” often refers to the ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos, a unique and highly sought-after houseplant. While no Pothos variety is truly blue, this popular cultivar is admired for its distinctive bluish-green foliage. Its captivating appearance and relatively straightforward care make it a favorite among both new and experienced plant owners.
What is ‘Blue Pothos’?
The plant commonly known as “blue pothos” is botanically identified as Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’. This particular cultivar originates from the island of Cebu in the Philippines, where it naturally climbs trees in tropical rainforests. Its most distinguishing feature is its elongated, narrow, and somewhat silvery blue-green leaves. These leaves possess a subtle metallic sheen, especially in bright, indirect light. The “blue” in its common name refers to the cool, unique hue of its foliage rather than a true blue coloration.
As the ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos matures, especially when given vertical support like a moss pole, its leaves can develop fenestrations, which are natural splits or holes. This characteristic is typically observed in older, more established plants and resembles the mature leaves of some Monstera species.
Caring for Your ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos
Light
‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its distinctive silvery-blue-green foliage. Placing it near an east or north-facing window is often ideal, as this provides gentle morning sun without the intensity of harsh afternoon rays. While it can tolerate medium light conditions, prolonged periods in low light may result in slower growth and less vibrant leaf coloration. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the delicate leaves.
Watering
Watering is crucial for the health of your ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos, as it prefers its soil to dry out partially between waterings. Water the plant thoroughly when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Allowing excess water to drain completely from the bottom of the pot helps prevent root rot. Signs of underwatering include wilting or curling leaves, which typically perk up within a few hours of receiving water.
Soil
‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos requires a well-draining, aerated potting mix to flourish. A common and effective mix can be created using one part potting soil, one part orchid bark, and one part perlite. This combination ensures adequate airflow to the roots and prevents the soil from becoming waterlogged, which is important for preventing root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant prefers warm environments, with an ideal temperature range between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (29°C). It is sensitive to cold temperatures, so avoiding drafts from windows or air conditioning vents is beneficial. As a tropical plant, ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos appreciates higher humidity levels, ideally around 50-70%. If the air in your home is dry, especially during winter, using a humidifier, placing the plant on a pebble tray with water, or grouping it with other plants can help increase surrounding humidity.
Fertilizing
During its active growing season (spring and summer), ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month, diluted to half strength. Fertilization should be reduced or stopped during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows. Over-fertilization should be avoided, as it can lead to nutrient burn or salt buildup in the soil.
Propagating ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos
Propagating ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with at least a few leaves and nodes, which are the small bumps on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. Make a clean cut just below a node using sharp, clean shears.
The lower leaves should be removed to expose the nodes. The cutting can then be placed in water, ensuring the exposed nodes are submerged while the remaining leaves stay above the water line. Alternatively, cuttings can be directly planted into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Roots typically begin to develop within a few weeks, after which the water-rooted cuttings can be transitioned to soil.
Common Issues with ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos
Owners of ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos may encounter a few common problems, many of which are related to environmental conditions. Yellowing leaves are a frequent concern and can indicate either overwatering or underwatering, as well as insufficient light or nutrient deficiencies. Assessing the soil moisture and light exposure can help pinpoint the cause.
Browning leaf tips often signal low humidity or underwatering, suggesting the plant needs more moisture in its environment or more consistent watering. Stunted growth might occur if the plant is not receiving enough light or nutrients, or if it has become root-bound in its current pot. ‘Cebu Blue’ Pothos can also be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Regular inspection of the leaves and stems can help in early detection and treatment, often involving wiping affected areas or using insecticidal soap.