Pothos degenerans S.Y.Wong, P.C.Boyce & A.Hay

• Genus: Pothos
• Botanical Background: Described in Webbia 75: 91 (2020) by Wong, Boyce & Hay. Named for its “reduced” blooms—the smallest recorded in the genus—degenerans alludes to the minimal number of florets per spadix.

• Geographical Range: Known from two lowland localities in central Borneo, approximately 300 km apart (Sarawak and West Kalimantan)
• Environment: Grows in wet tropical biomes on forested ridges and riverine sites up to 200 m above sea level. Prefers high humidity, well‑drained soils derived from sedimentary substrates

Leaves

• Stiff yet thinly coriaceous
  
• Blade 5–11 × 1.5–3 cm, narrowly elliptic, acute apex, subacute to obtuse base
• Abaxial surface medium brown when dried, midrib paler
  

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spathe ovate‑concave, ~4 × 4 mm, purplish brown

• Spadix stipitate (stipe ~10 × 0.9 mm), fertile portion ~10 × 1.5 mm, slender, almost straight

• Up to three sessile florets (~2 mm diameter) with tepals basally fused, loosely clustered; stamens six, free; pistil oblong‑cylindric
  

Growth Habit

• A nomadic, root‑climbing leptocaul vine with differentiated stems
• Adherent orthotropic stems, free lateral fertile stems, and short, leafless flowering shoots arising below the petiole insertion

Light Requirements

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

Watering & Humidity

• Water when the top 2 cm of soil dries
• Maintain high humidity (60–80%)

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a well‑draining mix (e.g., equal parts peat, perlite, and orchid bark) in a pot with drainage holes

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 18–30 °C
• Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced, water‑soluble fertilizer at half strength

Division & Cuttings

• Root‑climbing stem cuttings with at least one node are most reliable
• Keep cuttings warm and humid until rooted

Seeds

• Unknown—fruiting has not been observed in cultivated or wild specimens

Typical Issues

• Spider mites and mealybugs
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot

Treatment Recommendations

• Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays
• Systemic insecticides for severe infestations; use according to label instructions

• Has the smallest inflorescences recorded in Pothos
• Each spadix bearing no more than three florets

• Sought by aroid collectors for its miniature blooms and compact foliage

  
  

Wild Population Status

• Known from very few collections
• Not yet assessed by the IUCN but potentially vulnerable due to limited range

Market Availability

• Rare in cultivation
• Rarely offered by nurseries