Dragon Tail Plant Totem

The Dragon Tail Plant (Epipremnum pinnatum) is a climbing aroid grown on a totem, so what arrives is already a vertical column of foliage rather than a trailing pot plant. On its support it reaches around 2m tall and 70cm wide, and the leaves split into deep fingers as the plant climbs, giving a monstera look on a much narrower footprint. It grows quickly and asks very little.

Why you'll love it

• The leaves change as it climbs. Juvenile foliage is simple and glossy; as the plant grips the totem it produces the deeply cut mature leaves it is grown for.
• Height without floor space. Two metres of green in a 70cm footprint, which is the difference between filling a corner and losing a room to it.
• Fast for an indoor plant. In a warm bright spot expect new leaves right through the growing season.
• Forgiving. It tolerates humidity, average indoor light and erratic watering better than most tropicals.

Where it works best

Indoors. This is its main job: a bright corner away from direct sun, in a living room, office or stairwell. Inside, your climate stops mattering, which counts with a plant this frost tender.

Pots, balconies and courtyards. Outdoors it needs a frost free garden, so tropical, subtropical and warm temperate only. A sheltered covered patio or a shaded courtyard suits it, and in cooler southern gardens keep it in a pot you can bring inside.

Growing the dragon tail plant in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light. Direct sun through glass scorches the leaves, and deep shade slows growth and keeps the foliage juvenile and unsplit.

Soil. A chunky, free draining indoor mix with bark or perlite through it. Aroid roots need air as much as water, and a dense potting mix in a pot without drainage is the usual cause of collapse.

Water and feed. Water when the top 3cm of mix is dry, roughly weekly in warm weather and every two to three weeks in winter. Tip out the saucer afterwards. Feed a half strength liquid fertiliser monthly through spring and summer only.

Training and pruning. Keep the totem lightly damp and tuck new aerial roots into it, which is what triggers larger leaves. Trim the leader when it reaches the height you want, and cuttings root readily in water.

What to expect when it arrives

Two options are grown: tube stock, and established 250mm totem plants in packs of three. Tubes are young unsupported cuttings you train onto your own totem, the slow and inexpensive route. The 250mm plants arrive already climbing, with the mature split foliage that makes this plant worth having.

The tube size is listed on backorder, so check availability before ordering. Plants are packed upright and delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Expect a fortnight of stillness while it settles into your light, then new growth. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Read the monstera care guide, which covers the same aroid habits.
• Browse the wider indoor plant range.
• Avoid the common mistakes in how to keep your indoor plants alive.
• Pair it with a pot that drains properly.

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Like other aroids the sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting if chewed. Keep it out of reach of pets that nibble foliage.

Why are my leaves not splitting?

Not enough light, or nothing to climb. Split leaves are a mature form that appears once the plant is well supported and getting bright indirect light, so tie the growth to the totem and move it closer to a window.

Can I grow it outdoors?

Only in frost free gardens: tropical, subtropical and warm temperate. Give it shelter from hot afternoon sun and a shaded position, and in cooler areas keep it potted so it can come in.