Pothos cylindricus C.Presl

• 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.

• 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

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

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
  

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

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

• 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

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