Easy Tropical Toxic to pets

Dragon's Tail Plant

Epipremnum pinnatum

A versatile vining plant with shiny green leaves that can develop dramatic splits as it matures.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Medium light
Humidity

55–80 %
Temperature

18–28 °C

How to care for your Dragon's Tail Plant

Everything you need to keep your Dragon's Tail Plant healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Epipremnum pinnatum is a robust climbing aroid, often cultivated indoors for its attractive foliage. Juvenile leaves are typically entire and heart-shaped, but with proper climbing support and maturity, they develop dramatic fenestrations and splits, similar to a Monstera. It is quite adaptable to various light conditions and benefits from regular watering and high humidity to achieve its full potential. Like other Araceae, it is toxic if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals, so keep it away from pets and children.

Watering your Dragon's Tail Plant

Every 7 days

Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly and ensure good drainage.

How to know it needs water

Soil feels dry to the touch
Leaves start to curl or droop slightly

How much light a Dragon's Tail Plant needs

Medium light

Medium to bright indirect light; can tolerate lower light but will grow more slowly.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

55–80 %

Medium to high, benefits from elevated humidity for mature leaf development. Benefits from regular misting, especially to encourage mature leaf development and aerial roots.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Fertilize monthly during spring and summer; reduce or stop entirely in winter.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength. · 2-1-2

Repotting your Dragon's Tail Plant

Every 18 months

Repot into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining aroid mix, adding a moss pole for climbing.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre, pine bark

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Stunted growth
Plant becoming root-bound

Pruning your Dragon's Tail Plant

To control growth, shape the plant, or encourage larger, mature leaves to develop. Cut stems just below a node using sharp, clean scissors or pruners.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 8 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Keep away from pets and children.

Good to know

Young leaves are entire, but mature climbing leaves develop impressive fenestrations and splits, resembling a dragon's tail.
The 'Cebu Blue' cultivar is particularly popular for its silvery-blue mature leaves, a beautiful variation.

Frequently asked questions about the Dragon's Tail Plant

How do you care for a Dragon's Tail Plant?

Water it every 7 days. Give it medium light. Ideal humidity: 55–80 %. Ideal temperature: 18–28 °C. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly and ensure good drainage.

How often should you water a Dragon's Tail Plant?

Every 7 days Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly and ensure good drainage. How to know it needs water : Soil feels dry to the touch ; Leaves start to curl or droop slightly.

How much light does a Dragon's Tail Plant need?

Medium light Medium to bright indirect light; can tolerate lower light but will grow more slowly. 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Dragon's Tail Plant toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion causes oral irritation, pain, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat. Keep away from pets and children. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Dragon's Tail Plant leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Dragon's Tail Plant?

Repot every 18 months, ideally in spring. Repot into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining aroid mix, adding a moss pole for climbing.