Upcoming Events: Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Plant Stake Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Sept. 27th @ 2pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm / Intro to Stained Glass October 3rd @ 2 pm
Mature Epipremnum Skeleton Key is a dramatic climbing aroid prized for its large, uniquely shaped leaves that develop an elongated narrow tip and broader upper section, creating the distinctive key-like silhouette behind its name. Juvenile leaves begin relatively small and simple, but when the plant is allowed to climb and mature, the foliage can transform dramatically. A well-established mature specimen looks considerably different from the small trailing Skeleton Key plants commonly seen in cultivation.
The plant is commonly sold as Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Skeleton Key’, although Skeleton Key is a cultivated form selected for its unusual mature foliage. Its characteristic leaf shape is strongly influenced by maturity and climbing conditions. Young or trailing growth may produce relatively ordinary-looking leaves, while established climbing growth develops the exaggerated shape that makes this plant so recognizable.
Mature Epipremnum Skeleton Key does best in bright, indirect light. Plenty of filtered light supports vigorous growth and helps the plant maintain large, mature foliage. It can tolerate medium light, but growth may become slower and leaves may become smaller. Avoid prolonged harsh direct sunlight, which can scorch the foliage.
Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain. Skeleton Key prefers consistent moisture during active growth but should never remain soggy or waterlogged. Avoid allowing an actively growing mature plant to remain completely dry for extended periods.
Use a well-draining, chunky aroid potting mix in a container with drainage. A mixture containing quality houseplant soil or coco coir, orchid bark, perlite or pumice, and other coarse amendments works well. This provides moisture retention while maintaining plenty of airflow around the root system.
Mature Epipremnum Skeleton Key prefers warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity. It adapts to average household humidity, but additional humidity can encourage larger foliage and help developing leaves unfurl properly. Good airflow is beneficial in higher-humidity environments.
This plant has a strong climbing growth habit, and vertical growth is particularly important for developing its characteristic mature foliage. Provide a sturdy moss pole, plank, tree-like support, or other surface that allows the aerial roots to attach. As the plant establishes itself and climbs, successive leaves can become substantially larger and develop the exaggerated Skeleton Key shape. If mature vines are allowed to trail without support, new growth may gradually revert toward smaller, more juvenile-looking foliage.
Mature Epipremnum Skeleton Key is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Like other Epipremnum, it contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation of the mouth, tongue, and lips, along with drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.
Upcoming Events: Moss Art Thursday Sept. 24th @ 6pm / Plant Stake Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Sept. 27th @ 2pm / Moss Art Thursday Oct. 1st @ 6 pm / Intro to Stained Glass October 3rd @ 2 pm
