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Pothos cylindricus C.Presl

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Pothos cylindricus C.Presl
  • Common Name: Cylinder-leaf Pothos, Tubular Pothos

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Native to lowland forests of Malaysia and the Philippines
  • Features: Juvenile leaves form a hollow, tube-like shape before unfurling

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Pothos
  • Botanical Background: Described by botanist Carl Borivoj Presl in 1851. Early collectors noted its unique juvenile leaf form but infrequent flowering in cultivation.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Indigenous to humid tropical forests in Borneo, Peninsular Malaysia, and the Philippine archipelago
  • Environment: Thrives under forest canopy with dappled light and prefers well-drained, organic-rich soils

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Narrow, hollow tubes up to 10 cm long on its juvenile form
  • Broad, ovate to elliptic leaves reaching 20–30 cm, glossy green on its adult form

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Rarely produced in home collections

  • Spathe creamy white, enclosing a cylindrical spadix
  • Pollination by small beetles or flies in native habitat

Growth Habit

  • Evergreen, climbing vine with aerial roots

  • No tubers

  • Spreads via elongated stems and root nodes

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light
  • Tolerates moderate shade but may slow leaf development

Watering & Humidity

  • Water when the top 2 cm of soil dries

  • Maintain high humidity

  • Mist regularly or use a humidifier

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Use a well-aerated mix of peat, orchid bark, and perlite

  • Choose a container with drainage holes

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Ideal range: 18–29°C
  • Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season

Propagation Methods

Division

  • Division of established clumps in spring

Stem Cuttings (if applicable)

  • Stem cuttings with at least two nodes root readily in water or moist mix

Seeds

  • Uncommon
  • Viability and germination requirements are not well documented

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects
  • Prevent root rot by avoiding waterlogged soil

Treatment Recommendations

  • Wipe pests with alcohol swabs or apply insecticidal soap

  • Treat root rot by repotting in fresh, dry mix and trimming damaged roots

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Juvenile leaf tubes may trap small insects in the wild, aiding nutrient uptake

  • Occasionally featured in botanical studies on leaf morphology

  • Collector favorite for its dramatic leaf transition

  • Attractive as a hanging plant or trained on a moss pole

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • Not currently listed as threatened; habitat loss in Southeast Asia may impact local populations

Market Availability

  • Moderately available through specialty nurseries and online plant traders

  • Rarely found in general garden centers

References & Resources

Further Reading

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