The Ultimate Guide to Pothos Plants: 18 Varieties to Grow and Display in Your Home
Pothos plants are a favorite among plant enthusiasts for many reasons. They are easy to care for, versatile, and add a touch of greenery to any indoor space. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 18 different types of pothos plants that are not only fun to grow but also stunning to display in your home.
Why Pothos Plants Are Popular
Pothos plants, also known as devil’s ivy, are part of the Epipremnum genus and are considered toxic to both cats and dogs. Despite their toxic properties, pothos plants are still a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts due to their ease of care and beautiful foliage.
Here are some reasons why pothos plants are so popular:
- They thrive indoors and can survive in a range of lighting conditions
- They are great vining plants that are perfect for hanging baskets and planters
- They come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them both visually appealing and versatile
- They are low-maintenance and forgiving plants, making them ideal for beginners
The 18 Types of Pothos Plants You Need to Know About
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Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): This widely available pothos variety features waxy, heart-shaped green leaves with yellow variegation. It does well in a variety of lighting conditions, making it a versatile option for any space.
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Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’): Similar to the golden pothos, the marble queen pothos has white/cream variegation on its leaves. It requires slightly more light than the golden pothos to maintain its bright variegation.
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Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’): With solid jade-green foliage, the jade pothos is a great option for low-light spaces. Its slim, heart-shaped leaves make it a unique addition to any plant collection.
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Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’): True to its name, the neon pothos features bright green-yellow foliage that pops in any room. It thrives in medium to bright, indirect light.
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Dragon’s Tail Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum): The dragon’s tail pothos is characterized by small, thin, jade-green leaves that grow large and develop fenestrations as they mature. It is a unique variety within the pothos family.
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Cebu Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’): Native to Cebu island in the Philippines, the Cebu blue pothos features silvery green-blue leaves that develop fenestrations as they mature. It is a striking addition to any plant collection.
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Baltic Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Baltic Blue’): The baltic blue pothos has dark green leaves with a blue undertone, making it a unique and eye-catching variety. Its large leaves develop fenestrations early on, adding interest to its foliage.
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Global Green Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Global Green’): This relatively new pothos variety features foliage mottled with dark and light green, similar to the n’joy or pearl and jade pothos. It is becoming more popular in garden centers and nurseries.
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Pearls and Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Pearls and Jade’): Developed at the University of Florida, the pearls and jade pothos has white-edged light green leaves with cream and white variegation. It is a slow-grower that prefers bright light.
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N’Joy Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘N’Joy’): Similar to the pearls and jade pothos, the n’joy pothos has papery-thin green and white leaves with white/cream variegation. It is a distinct variety within the pothos family.
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Glacier Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Glacier’): The glacier pothos has foliage similar to the pearls and jade pothos but with a slightly more silvery coloration. It is a rare variety that requires medium to bright, indirect light for healthy growth.
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Manjula Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Manjula’): Characterized by creamy yellow-white leaves with light and dark green variegation, the manjula pothos is a rare and patented variety. It prefers bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
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Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’): While technically not a pothos, the satin pothos has similar care requirements and appearance. It features small, shimmery green and silver leaves with a vining growth habit.
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Silver Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’): The silver satin pothos has large, thick leaves with silvery splashes, making it a striking addition to any plant collection. It thrives in bright, indirect light.
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Jessenia Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Jessenia’): Discovered in 2014, the jessenia pothos has highly variegated green and yellow-green foliage. It does well in medium to bright, indirect light.
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Variegated Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon Variegata’) :: This variety is distinguished by stable variegation of bright green/yellow throughout its leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation.
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Snow Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Snow Queen’): The snow queen pothos has stunning white/cream foliage with streaks of medium green variegation. It requires bright, indirect light to prevent the leaves from reverting.
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Harlequin Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Harlequin’): The rarest variety on the list, the harlequin pothos has highly variegated white and dark green foliage. It requires bright, indirect light to support its bright variegation.
How to Care for Pothos Plants
Pothos plants are relatively easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for both beginner and experienced plant owners. Here are some care tips to help your pothos plants thrive:
- Light: Pothos plants do best in bright, indirect light. They can also tolerate low light conditions, but their growth may slow down.
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering your pothos. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry between waterings.
- Temperature: Pothos plants prefer temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). Avoid exposing them to temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
- Humidity: Pothos plants can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels, but they prefer higher humidity. You can increase humidity by misting the leaves or placing a humidifier nearby.
- Potting Mix: Use a well-draining potting mix for your pothos plants. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
- Fertilizer: Feed your pothos plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Where to Buy Pothos Plants
Pothos plants can be found at garden centers, nurseries, and online plant retailers. Here are some popular places to buy pothos plants:
- Local Garden Centers: Visit your local garden center or nursery to see if they have a selection of pothos plants available.
- Online Plant Retailers: Websites like The Sill, Bloomscape, and Etsy offer a wide variety of pothos plants for purchase.
- Plant Swaps: Consider joining a plant swap group or attending a plant swap event in your area to exchange plants with other enthusiasts.
In Conclusion
Pothos plants are a versatile and easy-to-care-for addition to any indoor space. With a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from, there is a pothos plant for every plant enthusiast. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant owner, a pothos plant is sure to brighten up your home and bring a touch of nature indoors. So why not add a few pothos plants to your collection today and enjoy their beauty for years to come!