Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts, including myself. When I first started my indoor gardening journey, Pothos was one of the first plants I adopted, and it has remained a staple in my collection ever since.
Its resilience, beauty, and easy care make it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned plant parents. In this blog, I’ll take you through the various types of Pothos, sharing my personal experiences and tips for each.
What Makes Pothos So Popular?
Pothos plants are beloved for many reasons:
- Low-maintenance: Pothos are incredibly forgiving and can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, from low light to bright indirect light.
- Versatility: These plants can be grown in hanging baskets, trained to climb up trellises, or even grown in water.
- Air-purifying: Pothos are known for their ability to purify the air, making them a healthy addition to any home.
Types of Pothos
Knowing the different types of Pothos can help you choose the best variety for your home and care for them effectively. Here are ten types of Pothos you should consider adding to your collection.
*Golden Pothos
*Marble Queen Pothos
*Jade Pothos
*Neon Pothos
*Pearls and Jade Pothos
*N’Joy Pothos
*Manjula Pothos
*Satin Pothos
*Cebu Blue Pothos
*Global Green Pothos
1. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Golden Pothos is the most common variety, characterized by its heart-shaped leaves with vibrant yellow variegation. It’s a hardy plant that can tolerate low light and irregular watering.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
This was my very first Pothos, and it thrived despite my initial mistakes in plant care. Its resilience gave me the confidence to expand my plant collection.
Here are some General Plant Care Tips you might need to know as a plant parent.
2. Marble Queen Pothos
Marble Queen has stunning white and green marbled leaves. It’s slower-growing compared to other Pothos varieties but makes up for it with its striking appearance.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain variegation.
- Water: Keep the soil slightly moist, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Use a well-draining mix to prevent root rot.
I placed my Marble Queen in a spot with filtered light, and it has rewarded me with beautifully variegated leaves. It’s a bit more demanding in light requirements, but worth the effort.
3. Jade Pothos
Jade Pothos has solid green, heart-shaped leaves. It’s perfect for those who prefer a more uniform look in their plants.
Care Tips:
- Light: Can tolerate low light but prefers moderate to bright, indirect light.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining potting soil.
I love the simplicity of the Jade Pothos. It’s less fussy about light, making it an excellent choice for darker corners of my home.
4. Neon Pothos
Neon Pothos is known for its bright, chartreuse leaves that can add a pop of color to any space. It’s a fast grower and relatively easy to care for.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light to maintain its vivid color.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential.
It is a showstopper in my collection. I’ve placed it in a well-lit spot, and its vibrant color never fails to catch the eye of visitors.
5. Pearls and Jade Pothos
Pearls and Jade Pothos feature smaller, more delicate leaves with white, green, and gray variegation. It’s a slower grower but worth it for its unique appearance.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light is crucial to prevent the variegation from fading.
- Water: Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
- Soil: Well-draining potting soil.
This variety adds a touch of elegance to my collection. I’ve found that it thrives best with regular misting and careful watering.
6. N’Joy Pothos
N’Joy Pothos has smaller leaves with white and green variegation, similar to Pearls and Jade but with more pronounced white patches.
Care Tips:
- Light: Requires bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation.
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: A well-draining mix is necessary.
N’Joy Pothos has been a joy to grow. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces, and the variegation is truly striking.
7. Manjula Pothos
Manjula Pothos has large, heart-shaped leaves with a mix of green, cream, and white variegation. Each leaf is unique, making it a standout in any collection.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Soil: Use well-draining potting soil.
The Manjula Pothos is one of my favorites for its unique leaves. I’ve placed it in a spot with plenty of indirect light, and it’s thriving.
8. Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
Satin Pothos, though not a true Pothos, is often grouped with them. It has dark green leaves with silvery spots and a velvety texture.
Care Tips:
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
The Satin Pothos adds a different texture to my collection. Its velvety leaves are a delight to touch, and it’s been relatively low-maintenance.
9. Cebu Blue Pothos
Cebu Blue has elongated, blue-green leaves with a slightly metallic sheen. It’s a fast grower and can climb or trail beautifully.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light to maintain its blue-green hue.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
The Cebu Blue Pothos is one of the more unique varieties in my collection. Its unusual leaf shape and color make it a conversation starter.
10. Global Green Pothos
Global Green Pothos features dark green leaves with lighter green variegation. It’s a relatively new variety that’s gaining popularity.
Care Tips:
- Light: Bright, indirect light.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix.
I recently added a Global Green Pothos to my collection. It’s still acclimating to its new environment, but the variegation is already impressive.
Two Important Things
How to Choose the Right Pothos for Your Space
When choosing a Pothos, consider factors like light availability, space, and your ability to provide regular care. Varieties like Golden and Jade Pothos are perfect for beginners, while Marble Queen and Manjula may require more attention.
Common Pothos Problems and Solutions
Even though Pothos are low-maintenance, they can face issues like overwatering, pests, and yellowing leaves. Ensure you’re providing the right light and watering schedule, and regularly check for pests.
Final Thoughts
Pothos are a fantastic addition to any indoor garden, offering a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes to suit different tastes and environments. I encourage you to try different varieties and find which ones work best for you. Happy planting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Pothos grow in low light?
A: Yes, Pothos can tolerate low light, making them ideal for offices and dimly lit rooms. However, for optimal growth and vibrant variegation, bright, indirect light is best.
Q: Can I grow Pothos in water permanently?
A: Yes, Pothos can grow in water indefinitely. Just ensure you change the water every two weeks to prevent stagnation and provide fresh nutrients. You can also add a few drops of liquid fertilizer to the water occasionally.
Q: Are Pothos plants toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Pothos plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and other pets if ingested. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort. Keep your Pothos out of reach of pets or consider pet-safe plants.
Q: How can I make my Pothos bushier?
A: To encourage bushier growth, regularly prune your Pothos by cutting back long vines just above a leaf node. This will promote new growth and make the plant fuller. Additionally, you can plant multiple cuttings in the same pot to achieve a denser appearance.
Q: What type of soil is best for Pothos?
A: Pothos prefer a well-draining potting mix. You can use a standard houseplant potting soil mixed with perlite or sand to improve drainage. Avoid fatty soils that retain too much moisture.
Q: How do I deal with pests on my Pothos?
A: Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspect your plant and, if you find pests, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Separate the affected plant to prevent the pests from spreading to others.
Q: Can Pothos be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, Pothos can be grown outdoors in mild climates. They prefer shaded areas and should be protected from direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Ensure they are planted in well-draining soil and brought indoors if temperatures drop too low.
