The question of whether Epipremnum pinnatum is a Pothos is common among houseplant enthusiasts, highlighting a long-standing point of confusion in plant naming. The plant most people identify as “Pothos” is technically Epipremnum aureum, a species renowned for its hardiness and trailing vines. While the term “Pothos” is frequently applied to many vining plants in the same family, Epipremnum pinnatum is scientifically distinct from its more common relative. Understanding the botanical relationship and visual characteristics of both plants resolves this naming overlap.
The Shared Taxonomic Identity
Both Epipremnum pinnatum and Epipremnum aureum belong to the same genus, Epipremnum, placing them within the Araceae family, commonly known as the aroids. This shared classification explains their similar growth habits, which involve climbing with aerial roots and producing trailing vines. They are distinct species but close botanical cousins, related at the genus level.
The common name “Pothos” stems from a historical classification error. When E. aureum was first described in 1880, it was mistakenly placed in the genus Pothos and named Pothos aureus. Despite being reclassified into the genus Epipremnum in 1964, the original misnomer has persisted in commercial use for over a century. This legacy means the common name now refers to a plant that no longer belongs to the genus Pothos, which is a separate group of plants.
Key Visual Differences Between the Species
The most reliable way to distinguish E. pinnatum from E. aureum is by observing changes in leaf structure as the plants mature. Epipremnum pinnatum is known for its striking juvenile form, often exhibiting narrower, elongated leaves that can have a distinct blue-green tone in varieties like ‘Cebu Blue’. In contrast, the juvenile leaves of E. aureum are typically broader, often displaying the familiar heart shape and characteristic yellow or white variegation.
The development of fenestration, which are the splits or holes that appear in the leaves, is the most telling difference. E. pinnatum develops these perforations along the leaf lamina and edges relatively early when given a structure to climb. The leaves of mature E. pinnatum become deeply lobed or pinnate, resembling a palm frond, which is the basis for its species name.
While E. aureum can develop large, mature leaves with some irregular splits, it generally maintains rounded edges and does not develop the extensive, organized fenestration seen in E. pinnatum. E. pinnatum is often described as slower-growing than the highly robust and fast-growing E. aureum, especially in the initial stages. The mature leaves of E. pinnatum can also be significantly larger and more segmented, leading to its nickname, the Dragon Tail Plant.
Why the Confusion Persists
The primary reason for the enduring confusion is that “Pothos” has become a convenience term used widely in the horticulture trade. Retailers frequently market various Epipremnum species and even plants from the closely related Scindapsus genus simply as “Pothos.” This is due to their similar vining appearance and care requirements. This broad commercial application disregards the specific scientific designation, reinforcing the idea that all plants in the genus are interchangeable.
Specific cultivars of E. pinnatum, such as ‘Cebu Blue’ or ‘Baltic Blue’, are popular and are almost always sold under the umbrella of “Pothos,” often without their full scientific name. The juvenile forms of both E. pinnatum and E. aureum can look very similar, with small, entire leaves, making field identification difficult for the average buyer. Ultimately, “Pothos” serves as a practical, but botanically imprecise, label for many hardy, vining aroids, even though E. pinnatum is recognized as a distinct species.