The Skeleton Key Pothos (Epipremnum amplissimum ‘Skeleton Key’) is known for its unique, key-shaped foliage that develops as the plant matures. Its deep green leaves and vining habit make it a popular addition to indoor plant collections, suitable for trailing or climbing.
Skeleton Key Pothos Care
Understanding the specific needs for light, water, soil, and environmental conditions will help your Skeleton Key Pothos thrive and develop its unique leaf shapes. Consistent care promotes robust growth for this tropical vining plant.
Light Needs
Skeleton Key Pothos thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. An east or west-facing window provides ideal conditions, offering ample light without harsh direct sun that can scorch leaves. While it tolerates lower light, insufficient light results in smaller leaves, slower growth, and may hinder mature foliage development. Too much direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorching and dulling of its vibrant green color.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is important for Skeleton Key Pothos health, as it is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. When watering, thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Water more frequently during the spring and summer growing season, and less in fall and winter. Yellow, drooping foliage indicates overwatering, while wilted leaves with crispy brown edges suggest underwatering.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy soil mix is important for Skeleton Key Pothos to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. An aroid mix, including components like peat moss, perlite, orchid bark, and coco coir, is suitable, as it allows for good root aeration. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water pooling. Repotting is generally needed every two years or when the plant becomes root-bound, identified by roots circling the inside of the pot.
Temperature and Humidity
As a tropical plant, Skeleton Key Pothos prefers consistent temperatures and moderate to high humidity, ideally between 60°F and 80°F (15°C to 27°C) year-round. Avoid drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations, as temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can cause cold damage or leaf curling. While average household humidity is often sufficient, the plant benefits from higher levels, especially in drier environments. Increase humidity by misting leaves, grouping plants, or using a pebble tray.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season, Skeleton Key Pothos benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, is suitable. Apply fertilizer once a month or every 4-6 weeks after watering to prevent root burn. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to salt buildup in the soil, causing browning leaf tips or stunted growth. Fertilizing is not necessary during fall and winter.
Propagating Skeleton Key Pothos
Propagating Skeleton Key Pothos is a straightforward process, primarily achieved through stem cuttings. Healthy stem cuttings are important for successful propagation.
Begin by selecting a healthy stem from the parent plant with at least one node, the small bump where leaves and roots emerge. Using clean, sharp scissors, cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting is 4 to 6 inches long with two to four leaves. Remove any leaves that would be submerged if rooting in water, as they can rot.
There are two methods for rooting cuttings: water propagation or direct planting in soil. For water propagation, place cuttings in a water-filled jar or vase, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth. Roots begin to form within a few weeks.
Alternatively, plant cuttings directly into a well-draining potting mix. Dipping the cut end in rooting hormone powder is an optional step for faster root development. Create a small hole, insert the cutting with nodes buried, and gently firm the soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or humidity dome to maintain humidity and promote rooting. Once roots are several inches long, water-rooted cuttings can be transferred to soil.
Common Issues and Solutions
Even with consistent care, Skeleton Key Pothos can sometimes show signs of distress. Recognizing and addressing common issues helps maintain your plant’s health. Most problems resolve with minor care adjustments.
Yellowing leaves are a common sign of issues. Overwatering is a frequent cause, leading to root rot from overly wet soil. Yellow leaves can also signal nutrient deficiencies or natural aging of older foliage. Adjusting watering practices to allow the soil to dry adequately between waterings is key to addressing yellowing.
Brown leaf tips or edges indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increasing ambient humidity through misting or using a pebble tray helps. Ensuring a consistent watering schedule, watering thoroughly when topsoil is dry, also prevents brown tips.
Stunted growth or small leaves may indicate insufficient light, nutrient deficiency, or being root-bound. Moving the plant to a brighter location with indirect light, providing balanced fertilizer during the growing season, and repotting encourages larger, healthier growth. The distinctive “key shape” of the leaves develops with maturity and is encouraged with climbing support like a moss pole or trellis.
Common houseplant pests, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, may affect Skeleton Key Pothos. Regularly inspecting foliage, especially the undersides of leaves, helps in early detection. For minor infestations, organic treatments like insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective. Wiping leaves with a damp cloth also helps remove pests and keep foliage clean.