Pothos is a popular houseplant that comes in several different varieties, each with its own unique characteristics and appearance. Some of the most common types of pothos include the Golden Pothos, Marble Queen Pothos, Jade Pothos, and Neon Pothos. Golden Pothos is known for its variegated green and yellow leaves, while Marble Queen Pothos has variegated green and white leaves. Jade Pothos has solid green leaves, and Neon Pothos has bright chartreuse leaves that add a pop of color to any space. Understanding the different types of pothos can help gardeners choose the right plant for their specific needs and preferences.
Pothos Overview
Biology
Pothos plants belong to the Epipremnum genus, with the most popular species being Epipremnum aureum (All About Gardening). They are native to Southeast Asia and are prized for their air-purifying abilities and beautiful, heart-shaped leaves. Pothos plants are usually green, but may also display white, yellow, or blue variegation depending on the variety, such as the deep green-blue leaves of the Baltic blue pothos (The Spruce).
Care Requirements
Pothos plants are known to be low-maintenance and adaptable, making them popular among both beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts. Below are the basic care requirements for most pothos plants:
- Light: They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.
- Water: Water when the soil feels dry to the touch, typically once a week, but reduce frequency in cooler months or low light.
- Soil: Any well-draining potting mix works well for these plants.
- Humidity: They can tolerate average indoor humidity levels, but may benefit from increased humidity in drier environments.
- Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
It’s important to note that the care requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific pothos variety. Make sure to research the needs of your specific plant to provide the best care possible.
Golden Pothos
The Golden Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum, is one of the most popular and widely available varieties of pothos plants. This fast-growing plant is characterized by its waxy, heart-shaped green leaves with yellow variegation. It easily adapts to various light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light.
Native to southeastern Asia, the Golden Pothos is known for its resilience and versatility. It is often confused with the common philodendron due to their similar appearance. However, Golden Pothos belongs to the arum family (Araceae) and is an evergreen plant with thick leaves and splashes of yellow on the foliage.
Some interesting facts about the Golden Pothos include:
- It is also known as the money plant or devil’s ivy, as it is believed to bring good fortune in some cultures.
- Golden Pothos can thrive in a variety of environments, including hanging baskets and tabletop planters.
- It is an excellent air purifying plant, as it absorbs harmful indoor chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene.
In summary, the Golden Pothos is an attractive and easy-to-grow houseplant that is perfect for beginners and seasoned indoor gardeners alike. With its beautiful variegated leaves and hardy nature, it is sure to become a favorite in your indoor garden.
Marble Queen Pothos
The Marble Queen Pothos is a popular houseplant known for its unique variegation, featuring a mix of white and green leaves, giving it an enchanting appearance. This type of pothos is quite versatile and can adapt to various growing conditions, making it an excellent option for beginners looking to start their houseplant journey.
One essential aspect of caring for a Marble Queen Pothos is providing the right lighting. This plant thrives in medium to bright indirect light. However, it is important to note that it can tolerate low-light conditions if necessary. Avoid placing this plant directly in the path of harsh sunlight as it may harm the delicate leaves.
When it comes to watering, Marble Queen Pothos prefers soil that is slightly moist but not overly saturated. Make sure to allow the top inch of the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to root rot and other health issues. A well-draining potting mix is recommended for optimal growth.
With its ability to adapt to various environments and beautiful variegated foliage, the Marble Queen Pothos can be a stunning addition to any indoor space. However, it is crucial to be aware that this plant is considered mildly toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested, so exercise caution when choosing its placement within your home.
Jade Pothos
Jade Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum ‘jade pothos’, is a popular type of pothos plant that is easy to grow and maintain. This attractive plant features dark green leaves that are lightly variegated with gold, making it a visually appealing and elegant addition to any home or office.
One of the key benefits of Jade Pothos is its low-maintenance nature. The plant can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions, from low light to bright indirect light, and is able to adapt well to different environments. This makes it an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
When it comes to watering, Jade Pothos prefers moderately moist soil, but can also tolerate periods of dryness. It is important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot. A general rule of thumb is to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Here are some tips to keep your Jade Pothos thriving:
- Place the plant in a well-draining pot with a drainage hole to prevent water from sitting in the bottom.
- Use a well-balanced fertilizer approximately once a month during the growing season to support healthy growth.
- Prune the plant as needed to maintain a bushy appearance and promote new growth.
- Watch for common pests, such as spider mites and mealybugs, and treat any infestations promptly to prevent damage to the plant.
With its eye-catching appearance and easygoing nature, Jade Pothos is a fantastic choice for both novice and seasoned plant enthusiasts. Its ability to thrive in various conditions makes it a versatile and adaptable addition to any indoor plant collection.
Neon Pothos
The Neon Pothos is an attractive and popular indoor plant with a distinct color profile. Its bright, lime-colored leaves give it a unique, almost luminescent appearance that sets it apart from other pothos varieties (All About Gardening). Unlike many other types of pothos plants, the Neon Pothos lacks variegation and features a monochromatic green look, which makes this cultivar stand out amongst the crowd.
As for its care, the Neon Pothos is quite similar to other pothos varieties, with a few minor differences. One such difference is that this particular plant appreciates slightly more light compared to the jade or golden pothos (Houseplant Resource Center). In general, the deeper green the leaves, the less light the plant requires for healthy growth.
Neon Pothos is an excellent option for beginner indoor gardeners or for those looking to add a splash of vibrant color to their plant collection. Its care requirements are manageable, and its eye-catching aesthetics are sure to be appreciated by plant enthusiasts and decorators alike.
Pearls and Jade Pothos
Pearls and Jade Pothos is a unique variety of the pothos genus Epipremnum, known for its distinct and attractive foliage. This cultivar was developed at the University of Florida and is a patented variation of the Marble Queen Pothos (The Spruce). It has captured the attention of plant enthusiasts due to its smaller, thinner leaves and interesting variegation patterns.
One of the key differences between Pearls and Jade Pothos and other varieties, such as Marble Queen or Golden Pothos, is the size and shape of its leaves. The leaves of Pearls and Jade Pothos are smaller and thinner, which gives it a delicate and elegant appearance (The Spruce). Additionally, the variegation pattern on the leaves is unique, featuring white-edged light green leaves with cream and white speckles, and green streaks throughout (The Spruce).
This variety of pothos is often confused with Njoy Pothos due to the similarity in leaf shape and variegation. However, the key distinguishing feature is the extreme speckled variegation pattern on Pearls and Jade Pothos, which sets it apart from Njoy (Terrarium Tribe).
When it comes to caring for Pearls and Jade Pothos, it is important to note that this plant is considered toxic to pets (The Spruce). However, they are known for being hardy and difficult to kill, making them an excellent choice for new and experienced plant enthusiasts alike (Plantophiles).
Common Issues and Solutions
Pest Control
Pothos plants are generally easy to care for, but they can still be susceptible to pests. Some common pests that may infest pothos plants include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. To manage pest infestations, start by regularly inspecting your plants for signs of pests and catching any issues early on.
In a situation where you find a mild pest infestation, you can try removing the pests manually. Use a soft cloth or cotton swabs dipped in soapy water to wipe the leaves and stems gently. Another option is to use a mixture of water and insecticidal soap, which can be sprayed onto the affected areas to get rid of the pests (The Spruce).
Disease Prevention
Pothos are usually quite resistant to diseases, but they can sometimes be affected by fungal infections like root rot or leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, make sure your pothos plant has well-draining soil, and avoid over-watering. Watering the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry is a good practice.
Additionally, ensure that your pothos plant is placed in an area with good air circulation, and provide it with adequate light. If you notice any leaves with signs of disease, remove them promptly and dispose of them to prevent further spread (Nature of Home).
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.