Pothos gigantipes Buchet ex P.C.Boyce

• Genus: Photos
• Botanical Background: First mentioned (invalidly) by Buchet in 1942 and validly published by P.C. Boyce in Blumea 45: 162 (2000). The type specimen (Chevalier 37045) was collected in Thua Thien Hue, Vietnam.

• Geographical Range: Native to lowland wet forests of Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.
• Environment: Thrives in shaded understories with high humidity, warm temperatures (20–30 °C), and humus‑rich, well‑drained soils.

Leaves

• Juvenile: Congested, blue‑grey, on 3 mm stems with winged angles

• Adult: Elliptic, 8–15 cm long, glossy mid‑green, rounded base, acuminate‑mucronate apex, prominent submarginal collecting vein

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

• Spathe: Waxy white to pale yellow, somewhat triangular‑truncate 
• Spadix: Stipitate (stipe 27.5–40 × 2–2.5 mm), fertile portion ovoid‑clavate (12.5–15 × 10–12 mm), mid‑yellow
• Pollination: Likely by small flies or beetles attracted to waxy spathe

Growth Habit

• Robust, homophyllous root‑climbing vine to 4 m, with adventitious roots
• Stems never form tubers or thick rhizomes

Light Requirements

• Bright, indirect light

• Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch

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Watering & Humidity

• Keep substrate evenly moist but not waterlogged

• Maintain humidity above 60%

Soil & Potting Mix

• Use a mix of bark, peat, and perlite for good drainage and aeration

Temperature & Fertilizer

• Ideal range 18–30 °C

• Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during active growth

Division and Cuttings

• Clump division possible if mature clumps form.

Stem Cuttings (if applicable)

• Stem cuttings with 2–3 nodes root readily in water or moist substrate

Seeds

• Rarely propagated by seed

• Fresh seeds germinate in warm, moist conditions in 4–6 weeks

Typical Issues

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

Treatment Recommendations

• Wipe foliage with soapy water or neem oil
• Use insecticidal soap for infestations. Improve drainage to prevent rot

• Epithet “gigantipes” refers to its comparatively large spathe stipe
• In its native habitat, it contributes to forest understory complexity

• Valued by collectors for its unusual rectangular stems, blue‑grey juvenile foliage, and robust climbing habit

Wild Population Status

• Not yet assessed by IUCN

• Habitat loss in Southeast Asia could pose future risks

Market Availability

• Rare in general trade
• Available through specialist Aroid nurseries and collectors