How to Grow Small-leaved Pothos
Small-leaved Pothos
Epipremnum pinnatum
vineSmall-leaved pothos is a tropical climbing vine characterized by deeply lobed, pinnate leaves that develop as the plant matures. It is an aroid that thrives as a houseplant or in warm outdoor gardens, valued for its attractive foliage and low-maintenance nature. Unlike common pothos (Epipremnum aureum), this species displays more architectural leaf forms and slower growth.
When should you plant Small-leaved Pothos in your zone?
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Example Small-leaved Pothos timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Small-leaved Pothos
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Small-leaved Pothos
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 10b-11; grow indoors in cooler climates
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Get my Small-leaved Pothos timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung vines produce small, simple-lobed leaves; roots developing and acclimating to new environment
Maintain consistent humidity and warmth. Avoid moving frequently. Provide bright indirect light.
Juvenile Growth
2-3 monthsVine elongates with increasing leaf size; leaves begin showing more pronounced lobing and pinnate characteristics
Support with moss pole or trellis. Mist regularly to encourage aerial root development. Fertilize monthly during growing season.
Mature Vegetative
OngoingPlant produces larger, deeply lobed adult-form leaves; aerial roots prominently visible. Growth becomes vigorous.
Provide sturdy vertical support. Prune to control size and encourage bushier form. Continue regular feeding.
Advanced Growth
YearsFully mature plant with large, dramatic pinnate leaves; may eventually flower in ideal conditions with inflorescences (spathes)
Maintain warm, humid conditions. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for pests in dense foliage.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; mist foliage regularly. Isolate infected plant. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days.
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spray with insecticidal soap. Repeat every 1-2 weeks as needed.
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Manually remove with soft brush. Treat with horticultural oil or neem oil every 7-10 days.
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Allow soil to dry between waterings. Use yellow sticky traps. Apply Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to soil.
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Improve drainage immediately. Reduce watering frequency. Repot in fresh, well-draining mix. Remove affected roots.
Uses
Indoor Air Purification
HouseholdSmall-leaved pothos is an effective air-purifying houseplant that removes toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from indoor air. Its trailing growth habit makes it ideal for high shelves or hanging planters where it can maximize air circulation. [source]
Tropical Interior Design
HouseholdThe deeply lobed, architectural foliage of mature plants creates a dramatic living wall or moss pole feature in modern interiors. Its slower growth and unique leaf form distinguish it from common pothos in design applications. [source]
Vertical Garden Cultivation
HouseholdThe climbing aerial-rooting nature of small-leaved pothos makes it perfect for moss poles, totem stakes, or trellis systems in small spaces. It naturally attaches to vertical structures without tying. [source]
Plant Propagation & Sharing
CraftSmall-leaved pothos propagates readily from stem cuttings in water, making it an excellent plant for hobbyists to share with friends and for creating new plants from existing specimens. [source]
Non-toxic to Pets (with caution)
WildlifeWhile not toxic like some aroids, small-leaved pothos contains calcium oxalates and should not be ingested by pets; however, it is safer than many houseplant alternatives and grows quickly as a pet-safe green accent. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not a harvest plant. Prune stems regularly to maintain shape and encourage branching. Remove any yellowed or damaged leaves. Cuttings can be propagated in water or moist substrate.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Small-leaved pothos undergoes dramatic leaf transformation as it matures—young plants produce simple leaves while mature specimens develop the characteristic deeply pinnate leaves that resemble Monstera, a phenomenon called heterophylly.
- 🌱 In its native tropical rainforest habitat, this aroid is a hemiepiphyte that climbs trees using aerial rootlets and eventually produces massive adult leaves; this same behavior can be replicated indoors with tall moss poles.
- 🌱 Unlike its cousin Epipremnum aureum (golden pothos), small-leaved pothos rarely shows variegation and remains solid green, but its leaf structure is architecturally more interesting to plant enthusiasts seeking advanced foliage.
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