Indoor gardeners looking for a vibrant and eye-catching addition to their plant collection may be drawn to the colorful foliage of Jessenia pothos and golden pothos. While they share similar names and belong to the same family, these two plants have distinct differences in appearance, care requirements, and more. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Jessenia pothos and golden pothos, so you can decide which one is the best fit for your indoor garden.
Jessenia Pothos and Golden Pothos: Overview
Jessenia Pothos and Golden Pothos are two popular varieties of Epipremnum aureum, which are often grown as attractive and easy-to-maintain houseplants. Both of these varieties exhibit vibrant green leaves, but they differ in their leaf patterns and growth rates.
Jessenia Pothos features light green, heart-shaped foliage with greenish-yellow hues. Each leaf of this variety is unique, similar to the Marble Queen Pothos. Jessenia Pothos tends to grow more slowly than non-variegated pothos, as it lacks enough chlorophyll to support rapid growth.
On the other hand, Golden Pothos leaves display beautiful creamy gold-colored streaks and splotches on their green surface. This variety is known for its ability to retain its bright variegation, even in low light conditions, making it an excellent low-light plant. As an added benefit, Golden Pothos grows at a faster rate compared to Jessenia Pothos.
Both Jessenia and Golden Pothos can be cared for in a similar manner, as they are both hardy and easy-to-grow plants. When it comes to pruning, maintaining the size of either variety is essential. Jessenia Pothos, for example, may grow large over time, but timely pruning stimulates new and healthy growth.
In summary, Jessenia Pothos and Golden Pothos are two diverse but equally appealing houseplant varieties. Their differences in leaf coloration, growth rates, and low light performance offer home gardeners an opportunity to select the perfect pothos plant to fit their aesthetic preferences and growing conditions.
Physical Differences
Leaf Color and Pattern
Jessenia Pothos and Golden Pothos exhibit noticeable differences in their leaf color and pattern. Jessenia Pothos leaves feature a mixture of light green and greenish-yellow hues, creating a unique and varied appearance in comparison to other varieties. Each leaf in Jessenia Pothos has its distinct pattern, making them quite appealing.
On the other hand, Golden Pothos leaves possess a golden-yellow hue. The variegation in Golden Pothos primarily consists of yellow and gold, whereas in Jessenia Pothos, the variegation leans towards lime and forest green tones.
Vine Structure
The vine structure of Jessenia and Golden Pothos also has differences due to the variegation in their leaves. Jessenia Pothos tends to grow at a slower pace compared to Golden Pothos or Jade Green. The slower growth rate in Jessenia Pothos is mainly attributed to the lighter-colored areas in its leaves, which have reduced chlorophyll content. This results in a lower capacity for photosynthesis and thus, slower growth.
Golden Pothos, conversely, does not face the same growth limitations, as its leaf variegation allows for better chlorophyll production and a more efficient photosynthesis process.
In summary, Jessenia Pothos and Golden Pothos differ in both their leaf color and pattern, as well as their vine structure due to variegation and growth rate. These differences make them visually distinct and affect how they grow in various conditions.
Growth and Care Requirements
Jessenia pothos and golden pothos are both popular houseplants, each with unique care requirements to help them thrive.
Light Preferences
In terms of light preferences, Jessenia pothos does best in medium to bright, indirect light, which supports its variegation 1. However, it can also tolerate low-light conditions if necessary. Golden pothos, on the other hand, is known for its adaptability and can thrive in a range of lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light.
Water Requirements
When it comes to water requirements, both Jessenia and golden pothos share similar needs. For Jessenia pothos, it is advised to water every seven to ten days2, while golden pothos generally requires watering once the top inch of soil has dried out. Overwatering is a common pitfall for both varieties, so it’s essential to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
Temperature and Humidity
As tropical plants, both Jessenia and golden pothos prefer warm and humid environments. Jessenia pothos thrives in temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 23 degrees Celsius) and 50% to 70% humidity3. Golden pothos has similar temperature preferences, typically doing well in temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-27 degrees Celsius). Maintaining humidity around your pothos plants can be achieved through periodic misting or placing a tray filled with water underneath the plant’s container.
In summary, while there are some differences in the light preferences of Jessenia and golden pothos, they both require similar care in terms of watering, temperature, and humidity to thrive. By following these care guidelines, your pothos plants should grow and flourish in your home.
Common Issues
Pest Problems
Jessenia pothos and golden pothos may encounter pests such as mealybugs, scale, thrips, and spider mites. These pests can cause harm to the plants by feeding on their leaves and stems, leading to damage, slowed growth, and potential diseases. To prevent and treat pest problems, inspect your plants regularly and use treatments such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol to eliminate the pests.
Disease Susceptibility
Both Jessenia and golden pothos can be vulnerable to root rot when overwatered or when their soil retains too much water. Root rot can cause yellowing leaves, wilting, and eventually death of the plant. To avoid root rot, ensure you have a well-draining soil mix and water the plants only when necessary, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Another common issue with both pothos varieties is yellowing leaves, which can have multiple causes. Overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or simply aging leaves can result in yellowing. Monitor your plant’s watering and feeding schedule, and adjust as needed to address these causes of yellowing leaves.
- Mealybugs
- Scale
- Thrips
- Spider mites
By regularly inspecting your plants and addressing any pest or disease issues promptly, you can maintain the health and beauty of both Jessenia pothos and golden pothos.
Propagation Techniques
Stem Cuttings
Jessenia pothos and golden pothos can both be propagated through stem cuttings. To propagate jessenia pothos or golden pothos, find a healthy stem with at least one root node, which are the small brown nodes on the stems. Cut a 4-inch (10 cm) section just below the root node 1. Remove any leaves near the cut end, as this helps promote root development.
Once the stem cuttings are prepared, dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful propagation. Ensure the first set of root nodes is covered with the hormone. Prepare a potting mix, ideally composed of half peat moss and half perlite or sand. Plant the cuttings in well-draining soil with drainage holes in the pot 2. Water the freshly potted plant thoroughly and place it in a brightly lit area with indirect light.
Water Propagation
Another technique for propagating both jessenia and golden pothos is water propagation3. To begin, follow the same steps for preparing stem cuttings as described in the previous section. Instead of planting the cuttings in soil, place them in a container with water, making sure that only the root nodes are submerged. Change the water frequently, at least once a week, to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
Once the roots have developed and reached a length of about 2 inches (5 cm), transplant the cuttings into a pot filled with well-draining soil4. Continue to care for the plant by watering it regularly and ensuring it receives bright, indirect light.
While both propagation techniques are effective for jessenia and golden pothos, remember to be patient, as jessenia pothos may grow slower than other varieties due to its limited chlorophyll 5. With proper care, you’ll soon have thriving jessenia or golden pothos plants in your home or garden.
Decor Ideas
Jessenia and Golden pothos are both popular houseplants known for their striking foliage and easy care requirements. Incorporating these plants into different decorative styles can bring life and color to your home while also providing an excellent opportunity for plant lovers to showcase their favorite varieties.
Hanging Baskets
One great way to display Jessenia and Golden pothos in your home is through the use of hanging baskets. These plants have a natural trailing growth habit, which makes them perfect for hanging settings. Choose a basket that complements your interior design style, and watch as your pothos gracefully cascades over its edges, filling the room with vibrant greenery. Hanging baskets can be placed in corners, windows, or even along walls to introduce a touch of nature and elegance to your space.
Cascading from Shelves
Another attractive decor option for Jessenia and Golden pothos is positioning the plants on shelves, allowing their vines to cascade downwards. This display method can be particularly effective in enhancing bookshelves, room dividers, or wall-mounted shelves throughout your home. Strategically place your pothos plants among your favorite books or decorative items for an appealing blend of form and function. The trailing vines will soften the lines of the shelves, creating a visually appealing effect while showcasing the unique foliage patterns of each variety.
Incorporating Jessenia and Golden pothos into your home decor through hanging baskets and cascading shelf displays is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also offers an easy way to enjoy the beauty of these low-maintenance plants. Whether you choose one variety or mix and match both, these vibrant houseplants will undoubtedly brighten your living space and invite a sense of calm and serenity.
Helpful Video
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.