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Pothos englerianus Alderw.

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Pothos englerianus Alderw.
  • Common Name: Engler’s pothos (rarely used)

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Endemic to lowland and hill forests of Borneo
  • Features: Narrow, dark-green leaves with a soft, velvety surface; slender twining stems

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Pothos
  • Botanical Background: Described by botanist Cornelis Alderwerelt van Rosenburgh in 1920, the species honors German botanist Adolf Engler for his contributions to plant taxonomy.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Native to the rainforests of Borneo, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak regions.
  • Environment: Thrives in shaded understories with high humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures, and well-drained, humus-rich soils.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Lanceolate, 20–30 cm long and 2–5 cm wide

  • Leathery in texture with a matte to slightly glossy finish and prominent midrib

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Infrequent in cultivation; spathe greenish-white, 3–5 cm long, enclosing a cylindrical spadix
  • Pollination is typically beetle-mediated in native habitat

Growth Habit

  • Epiphytic or hemiepiphytic climber, producing slender aerial roots
  • No tubers
  • stems are flexible and twining

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light
  • avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch

Watering & Humidity

  • Keep substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged
  • Maintain humidity above 60% for optimal growth

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Use a well-draining mix of orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite in a container with drainage holes

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Ideal range 18–29 °C (65–85 °F)
  • Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced, diluted fertilizer

Propagation Methods

Division and Cuttings

  • Propagate via stem cuttings with at least two nodes
  • Place in water or moist mix until roots develop

Seeds

  • Rarely grown from seed
  • Requires warm, humid conditions and light exposure for germination

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Spider mites, mealybugs, and root rot from overwatering
  • Ensure good air circulation

Treatment Recommendations

  • Treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil
  • For root rot, reduce watering and repot into fresh, dry mix

Notable Traits & Uses

  • One of the few Pothos species with linear foliage
  • Plays a role as an understory climber in native ecosystems
  • Valued by collectors for its rarity and elegant, narrow leaves that contrast well in mixed aroid displays

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Not yet assessed by IUCN
  • Habitat loss in Borneo may threaten wild populations

Market Availability

  • Rare in the horticultural trade
  • Occasionally available through specialist nurseries and aroid societies

References & Resources

Further Reading

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