Introduction & Overview
Common and Scientific Names
- Scientific Name: Pothos curtisii Hook.f.
- Common Name: No widely used English name but sometimes referred to informally as “Curtis’ pothos.”
Quick Facts
- Origin: Southwestern India, Peninsular Thailand to Sumatra
- Features: Slender, cylindric spadix with scattered flowers; coriaceous (leathery) oblong‑elliptic leaves
Taxonomy & Classification
- Genus: Pothos L.
- Botanical Background: Described by Joseph Dalton Hooker in Flora of British India (1893). Later treatments include Boyce & Hay’s revision of Potheae (1998).
Natural Habitat & Distribution
- Geographical Range: Native to southwestern India, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Singapore and Peninsular Thailand.
- Environment: Occurs in wet upper‑hill, hill and lowland primary to secondary evergreen forests, often on various substrates including limestone.
Morphological Characteristics
Leaves
- Lamina 80–260 × 16–95 mm, broadly to narrowly oblong‑elliptic
- Mid‑green above, paler beneath; coriaceous texture
- Petiole 20–105 × 1–6 mm, slender and canaliculate with a geniculate apex and corky geniculum
Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)
- Peduncle is 25–65 × 1–4 mm, often strongly curved
- Spathe is 34–67 × c. 10 mm, linear‑triangular to narrowly oblong, pale brown tinged reddish pink
- Spadix, stipitate (stipe 3–19 × 1–2 mm) and fertile portion 35–135 × 0.5–3 mm, slender‑cylindric, pale greyish pink (aging to blackish red)
- Flowers is widely scattered in a lax spiral, tepals broadly ovate, stamens 6, ovary compressed‑globose
Growth Habit
- Slender heterophyllous root‑climbing liana to 3 m
- Juvenile shoots shingle‑leafed, mature sterile stems to 6 mm diameter
Cultivation & Care
Light Requirements
- Bright, indirect light
- Avoid direct sun which can scorch leaves
Watering & Humidity
- Water when top 2–3 cm of soil dries
- Maintain humidity above 60 %
Soil & Potting Mix
- Use a well‑draining, loose mix rich in organic matter (e.g., bark, perlite, peat)
Temperature & Fertilizer
- Ideal range 18–30 °C
- Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth
Propagation Methods
Division
- Rhizome division, divide at nodes with healthy roots
Stem Cuttings (if applicable)
- Take 2–3‑node cuttings, root in water or moist mix
Seeds
- Rarely used
- Viability and germination unreported
Common Pests & Diseases
Typical Issues
- Spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects
- Root rot from overwatering
Treatment Recommendations
- Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays
- Horticultural oils or systemic insecticides as needed
- Ensure good air circulation and well‑draining soil
Notable Traits & Uses
- Part of the luzonensis group and the only member of that group in Peninsular Thailand
- Sterile specimens can be confused with related species but are distinguished by leaf texture
- Collectors prize it for its narrow, leathery foliage and elegant, erect inflorescences
- Rare and intriguing addition to aroid collections
Conservation & Availability
Wild Population Status
- Not formally assessed by IUCN
- Limited native range suggests monitoring may be warranted
Market Availability
- Rare in cultivation
- Typically found only in specialist aroid nurseries or botanical collections
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