How to Keep Cebu Blue and Growing Two

The silvery sheen captivates you, not to mention the way the light softens the feather shaped leaves. The Cebu blue pothos, (Epipremnum pinnatum Cebu blue) will appear bluish green. It is so pretty in a very plain and simple way.

In the Beginning

My introduction to this plant was from an online purchase, as it is not easily available in garden centers, or big box stores in my area. I was looking for a variegated pathos, however, the minimalist lines of the Cebu blue caught my eye. The vendor was also offering the bonus of a fenestrated cutting. Joy and bliss, as this plant is usually without the holes in the leaves in its immature stage.

Maturity for this plant is size not age. A mature plants looks very different from the silver blue baby we see in non tropical climates. Native to Cebu island in the Philippines, this plant can reach 50 feet with huge leaves which are fully fenestrated. Indoors, the Cebu blue rarely reaches a few feet and leaves remain around 4 inches.

The single leaf arrived well preserved for its journey, via Canada post, halfway across the country. The leaf cutting went straight into water. It slowly pushed out roots, and a few weeks later it was moved into a nice tropical soil mix, with orchid bark for good drainage. I tried to create as much of its natural habitat as I could. The only exception is the humidity. (Nobody is perfect).

Cebu blue does okay in normal household humidity but will thrive when given when given extra humidity. In fact, if you notice the end of the leaves turning brown, it’s telling you it wants more humidity. I have said in the past that I try to integrate plants into their current surroundings as much as is feasible and economical.

After a year of watching the single leaf grow into a lovely lone vine snaking around the moss pole, I knew it was time to propagate. A tried and true method to get two or more of a favourite plant.

Propagation

I cut about 12 inches off the top and divided this into 3 new cuttings. A word of caution, the plant is toxic due to calcium oxalate crystals, so its recommended you use gloves when pruning the plant. That caution extends to pets and young children.

One looks for the aerial roots on the stem, and you cut the longer stem near those roots, then cut away any leaves close to those roots which will ensure all the nutrients to new growth when you place the stem in water. The same method is also used for the leaves where you cut stem close to the individual leaf where there is an aerial root, and again submerge in the water.

Propagation is the best insurance for healthy plants. You enhance your collection, and ensure the continuation of a favourite plant. It is usually a very simple process depending on the plant, starting off a cutting in water or soil. As Luther Burbank (1849-1926), the horticulturist, and botanist said:

“The secret of improved plant breeding, apart from scientific knowledge, is love.”

Luther Burbank

I believe the British pop group, the Beatles, also had the same idea. So the cuttings went into a candle holder turned propagation station, which was acquired from a thrift store. It is just perfect, and we just have wait for the roots to peep through. Once you get a couple inches of roots, you will be ready for the next stage. If you try this method, remember to replace the water every few days.

Bright Indirect light is so important for this plant, in its natural habitat it creeps upward seeking light. It rewards with fabulous wide split leaves which fully absorb the light. I have moved this plant around a few times trying to find just the right spot. Each space is different, so experiment, the plant will let you know.

Putting Down Roots

Once you transfer the well rooted cutting to the soil, do not over water as this plant is very susceptible to root rot. You will learn the nuances of this plant just like all your other favourites.

If it is already in your collection, you are blessed. Indoor gardening is about growing, both yourself and the plants.