If you’re looking to expand your collection of houseplants, Pothos is a great place to start. With its stunning foliage and easy care, it’s no wonder that Pothos is a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore different types of Pothos with pictures to help you choose the perfect one for your home.
Common Types of Pothos
Golden Pothos
Golden Pothos is a popular houseplant with vibrant, green leaves and yellow variegations. As a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant, golden pothos can thrive both as a climber or in hanging baskets. The trailing stems and eye-catching foliage make it a popular choice for indoor spaces.
Jade Pothos
Jade Pothos features solid green leaves without the variegations commonly seen in other pothos varieties. It is a resilient plant that can easily adapt to various lighting conditions, making it perfect for indoor environments. Just like other pothos types, jade pothos is great at purifying air and requires minimal care.
Marble Queen Pothos
The Marble Queen Pothos has large, glossy leaves with green and white variegations. This variety requires a bit more sunlight to maintain its beautiful coloration compared to the golden pothos. However, it shares the same easy-care characteristics and can be placed in hanging baskets or grown as a climbing plant.
Pearls and Jade Pothos
Pearls and Jade Pothos is a cultivar that showcases attractive white and green variegated leaves with a unique pattern. This variety is slower growing compared to the golden pothos but still fairly easy to care for. It is a charming addition to any indoor space with its visually appealing foliage.
Manjula Pothos
Manjula Pothos is a patented cultivar that displays uniquely shaped leaves with wavy edges and a mix of green, white, and cream variegations. This type of pothos requires bright, indirect sunlight and grows best in hanging baskets or trailing over surfaces, adding a touch of elegance to any indoor environment.
Satin Pothos
Satin Pothos is characterized by its velvety, heart-shaped leaves with silver patterns, providing a beautiful shimmering effect. This variety is not as closely related to other pothos plants but still shares similar, easy-to-care-for qualities. Satin pothos thrives in bright, indirect light and is perfect for hanging planters or trailing displays.
Neon Pothos
With its vibrant, lime-green leaves, Neon Pothos is a striking, colorful variety that can brighten up any indoor space. This pothos variety shares the same low-maintenance care requirements as other pothos plants and can adapt to various light conditions. Neon pothos is well-suited for hanging baskets or climbing displays.
Cebu Blue Pothos
Cebu Blue Pothos is known for its blue-green leaves featuring a hint of silver. As the plant matures, its leaves develop fenestrations or natural leaf holes. This versatile and adaptable pothos variety makes a stunning addition to indoor spaces, whether grown as a hanging plant or trained to climb.
Pothos Care Tips
Watering
Pothos plants require consistent watering but should not be overwatered. Keep the soil damp, but not soaking, by checking it with your finger. If the soil clings to your finger without leaving water on it, it’s time to water the plant. If your finger is wet, wait for a bit before watering again.
Light Requirements
These plants thrive in medium to bright indirect light, but they can also tolerate low-light conditions. Just keep in mind that low light might slow down their growth rate and result in less variegation on the leaves. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf burn.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is essential for healthy pothos plants. The ideal mixture should contain equal parts peat moss and perlite or sand. Alternatively, you can use a commercial potting mix designed for indoor plants, as long as it provides adequate drainage.
Fertilizing
Pothos plants generally don’t require much fertilization, but you can give them an extra boost during active growing months (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength, applying it every 4-6 weeks. It’s important not to over-fertilize, which can lead to weak, leggy growth and poor leaf coloration.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps maintain the shape of your pothos plant and encourages new growth. Remove any yellowing or dead leaves as needed. To keep the plant bushy and full, trim back long vines, making sure to cut just above a leaf node. This promotes branching and keeps the plant looking its best.
Repotting
Pothos plants can become root-bound over time, which means they need to be repotted to maintain their health. When you see the roots starting to wrap around the inside of the pot or emerging from the drainage holes, it’s time to repot. Choose a container slightly larger (1-2 inches wider) than the current one and use a well-draining potting mix. Gently remove the plant from its current pot, untangle any circling roots, and place it in the new container. Add fresh potting mix around the root ball, ensuring that it is firmly seated and watered well after repotting.
Pothos Propagation
Pothos propagation is a simple process that allows you to multiply your collection of this popular houseplant. There are two primary methods for propagating pothos: water propagation and soil propagation. This section will cover both methods, providing step-by-step instructions accompanied by helpful tips for a successful propagation.
Water Propagation
Water propagation is a popular method because it offers a clear view of the roots’ development. To propagate pothos in water, follow these steps:
- Identify healthy vines with several leaves and take cuttings, preferably with a single node. Using sharp scissors, snip the vine just below the node, which is the point where the leaf and stem connect.
- Remove the leaf closest to the cut end, ensuring at least one leaf remains on the cutting.
- Place the cutting in a container filled with clean water, making sure only the cut end is submerged. Keep the container in a bright, indirect light area and change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth.
- After 2 to 3 weeks, you should see new roots developing from the node. Once the roots are around 2 inches long, the cutting is ready for transplantation into soil.
Soil Propagation
Soil propagation is another effective method and allows for a more natural transition to the growing medium. Here are the steps to propagate pothos in soil:
- Prepare a potting mixture of equal parts peat moss and perlite or sand. This well-draining mix will promote the development of strong root systems.
- Take cuttings from a healthy pothos vine as described in the water propagation method. After snipping the vine, dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Be sure to cover the entire first set of root nodes.
- Insert the hormone-coated cutting into the soil mixture, burying the nodes. Gently firm the soil around the cutting to provide support.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Place the potted cutting in a bright area with indirect light, away from drafts, and maintain a warm temperature. Monitor for new growth over the following weeks, which will signal that the cutting has successfully rooted and established itself.
By using the water or soil propagation methods, you can expand your pothos collection and enjoy the lush, vibrant foliage of this versatile houseplant.
Common Pothos Problems and Solutions
Pests
Pothos plants can be affected by various pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, aphids, and whiteflies. These pests can cause damage by feeding on the plant’s sap, leading to yellow or white speckling on leaves. To manage pest issues:
- Check for signs of infestation regularly
- Isolate affected plants to prevent spreading
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for treatment
- Introduce natural predators like ladybugs
Diseases
Pothos plants can also suffer from some diseases, including root rot and bacterial infections. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which will result in the plant’s decline. To prevent and treat diseases:
- Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage
- Use a sterile potting mix when repotting
- Remove affected parts of the plant and treat with a fungicide if necessary
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves on a pothos plant can have various causes. It might be due to natural aging, overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. To address yellowing leaves:
- Monitor watering routines to ensure the plant gets the right amount
- Check for signs of pest infestations
- Provide appropriate fertilizer to restore nutrient balance
Wilting
Wilting in pothos plants can be caused by issues such as too little or too much light, improper watering, or temperature stress. To combat wilting:
- Ensure the plant receives adequate indirect sunlight
- Maintain proper watering schedules to avoid overwatering or underwatering
- Keep the plant in a stable temperature range
Following these tips will help ensure the pothos plant remains healthy and continues to thrive in its environment.
Benefits of Pothos Plants
Air Purification
Pothos plants are not just visually appealing; they also offer air purification benefits. These plants are known to be effective in filtering out harmful chemicals from the air, thus improving indoor air quality. Some common pollutants that pothos plants help to remove include formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.
Decor
Pothos plants not only purify the air but also make excellent decor additions to any space. Their attractive foliage and vine-like growth make them a popular choice for interior decoration. With various types and varieties available, such as Marble Queen, Jade Pothos, and Satin Pothos, there’s a pothos plant to suit everyone’s taste and preference. In addition, their adaptability makes them suitable for hanging baskets or even as trailing plants over shelves or furniture, providing a touch of lush greenery to the living space.
Low-Maintenance
One of the most significant benefits of pothos plants is their low-maintenance nature, making them an ideal choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. Pothos plants can tolerate neglect and thrive in various indoor conditions, even when under stress. They are generally easy to care for, requiring only moderate watering, and can grow well in both bright indirect light and low-light areas, depending on the specific variety. This versatile plant can thrive in a range of environments, making it an appealing option for those seeking to enjoy the benefits of indoor plants without excessive care or maintenance.
Video Guide
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.
