Is there a more iconic and widely available houseplant than Golden Pothos? Probably not, however there is much more to Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) than just the standard Golden Pothos. Read on below to learn about and see all the different beautiful varieties Pothos has to offer!
Background
Epipremnum aureum, better known as ‘Pothos’, is native to French Polynesia and has become naturalized in various other tropical areas of the world. It is very commonly kept as a houseplant, and is often the very first houseplant that people are introduced to (including me!). Besides ‘Pothos’, it has several other common names for it such as ‘Devil’s Ivy’ or ‘Money Plant’.
Size
6-10′ is about the maximum length it will grow indoors, but it can be easily pruned to the size and shape you prefer. It can very easily be grown in a hanging basket, which is fine (and very commonly seen), but the plant would actually prefer being attached to a moss pole as they are natural climbers.
Growing Conditions
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light. Pothos is able to adapt to and tolerate basically any lighting situation from bright indirect light all the way down to low light. Just remember that “low light”does not equal no light! Can also tolerate artificial light sources. Really the only light that Pothos won’t thrive in is direct sunlight, as the leaves will discolor and burn. One thing to keep in mind is that you will lose some of the variegation of certain Pothos varieties if they are kept in low light.
Watering
Let the soil dry out completely between waterings. The leaves will start to droop when the plant needs more water, so it is usually quite easy to tell when your Pothos plant is too dry.
Potting Mix
Needs a well-draining potting mix with plenty of aeration in order to avoid root rot and to allow for greater airflow to the root system. In general, Aroid plants such as Pothos can be left root-bound for awhile.
Humidity
Prefers a higher humidity level and will thrive the most with high humidity, but can tolerate lower humidity.
Fertilizer
Fertilize once a month or so during growing season. Cease fertilization during the colder months.
Propagation
Can be propagated both through cuttings and air layering, although taking cuttings to root in water is the much simpler route.
Toxicity
Toxic to animals. Also moderately toxic to humans as well. This is because Pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals.
Potential Problems
Yellowing leaves. It is actually normal for mature Pothos leaves to yellow and eventually fall off. As this happens, the majority of the leaves end up at the end of the trailing vine. Another cause of yellowing leaves would be over-watering the plant. Check and make sure your Pothos plant is in a very well-draining mixture if you spot this problem.
Brown to black patches on foliage. This is normally a classic symptom of a root rotting pathogen.
Veins on leaves turning black. This is a symptom of bacterial wilt disease.
Many of the above problems boil down to pathogens caused by too much excess moisture in the potting media, which leaves the plant susceptible to these pathogens. This is why proper drainage, and not giving your plants too much excess water are both so important!
A-Z List of Pothos Varieties
Cebu Blue Pothos
A somewhat rare form of Pothos with a striking hue. The leaves are thinner and longer than Golden Pothos. Tends to grow very rapidly in the right conditions. Roots very easily from cuttings. You are much more likely to find these at a locally owned plant shop than a big box store.
Global Green Pothos
One of the rarest varieties of Pothos. Has a splotchy medium to light green variegation pattern on the leaves.
Golden Pothos
I’m sure you’ve seen this one a million times or so. Classic Golden Pothos. There is more color and variegation of the leaves when the plant is receiving bright, indirect light instead of low light.
Manjula Pothos
This variety of Pothos is prized for its heart-shaped leaves as well as its beautiful variegation. This is another variety you are most likely only going to find through a local plant shop, or from ordering online.
Marble Queen Pothos
This variety of Pothos tends to have the most white variegation of them all, as well as large leaves.
N’Joy Pothos
This is a variety that has been bred for more compact growth and bright variegation. Often confused with Pearls and Jade Pothos (see farther below).
Neon Pothos
A bright, chartreuse variety of Pothos that has recently started becoming more widely available. Sometimes the edges of the foliage can be dark green, but there is no leaf variegation on Neon Pothos.
Pearls and Jade Pothos
Pearls and Jade is a cultivar that is a mutation of Marble Queen. The leaves are smaller than on Marble Queen and the variegation pattern is different. Often confused with N’Joy Pothos.
