Jade pothos plants are often used in home decorations due to their easy growing conditions, making them popular houseplants. It is also believed that keeping jade pothos plants indoors can remove harmful chemicals from the air and provide a better quality of life for its occupants.
If you’re interested in growing Jade Pothos, this guide will help you learn how to grow a Jade Pothos plant from start to finish. Learn everything you need to know about cultivating this popular tropical houseplant, from germination to transplantation, maintenance tips, and much more!
in this article:
About Jade Pothos
Jade Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’, is a naturally occurring variety of the original Golden Pothos. It bears bright, glossy green leaves with robust stems that don’t break easily. These are hardy pothos with a drought-tolerant nature and hardiness uncommon to Pothos.
They can be trained to climb on a trellis or support or kept as regular houseplants in a pot. You can even get away with planting them in a hanging basket but remember to prune regularly.
As a climbing vine, it can get as long as 40 feet if cultivated properly.
Related: 20+ Types of Pothos and Varieties
Botanical Name | Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’ |
Common Name | Jade Pothos |
Family | Araceae |
Plant Type | Evergreen Vine |
Origin | South Pacific |
Maintenance | Low |
Height | 20-40 feet |
Width | 3-6 feet |
Light | Bright, Indirect Light |
Bloom season | Spring, Summer |
Water needs | Low, Moderate |
Soil | Well-Drained, Slightly Moist |
Toxicity | Toxic |
Hardiness (USDA) | 10-12 |
Jade Pothos Care
Forgiving by nature, the Jade Pothos is easy to care for. It is a low-maintenance plant and requires minimal effort from its owner.
Light
One key factor that makes the Jade Pothos so desirable is its ability to function in low light. Unlike its more variegated cousins, this Pothos has plenty of photosynthetic capacity to spare and can get by on a much lower dose of light.
However, it still prefers medium to bright indirect light to truly thrive. A west or south-facing window is a great option for this plant. If you don’t have one, consider using a grow light to compensate.
Soil
The soil requirements for the Jade Pothos are minimal. It prefers a rich and well-draining potting mix (like one made from peat moss or orchid bark), but it can function just as well in poor soils if they’re fast draining. A container with drainage holes is also highly recommended to remove excess water quickly.
Water
Jade Pothos is a very hardy plant and can tolerate a fair amount of neglect. However, it still needs to be watered regularly to thrive. Allow the soil to dry out slightly (1-2 weeks) between waterings, then give it a water until you see it draining through the drainage holes in your pot.
Related: How Often to Water Pothos
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature range for jade pothos is 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re growing it indoors, keep the plant away from drafty windows and doors, which can cause fluctuations in temperature. Pothos also does best when there’s a lot of humidity in the air (around 50 to 70%).
Fertilizer
Jade Pothos is a low-maintenance plant and doesn’t require much fertilizing. But, to promote faster growth, you can use a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month during spring and summer but not more than that.
Pruning
Jade Pothos can be pruned to promote faster growth and more bushy plants. You should also prune it if you notice any dead or dying leaves. When you’re trimming your jade pothos, be sure not to remove too many stems at once, or else the plant may suffer from shock.
Related: NJoy Pothos: Growing and Care Guide
Potting and Repotting Jade Pothos
Jade pothos are among the few Pothos that appreciate frequent repotting. These plants are vigorous growers and regularly drain the nutrients from the soil.
A clear sign that the plant needs repotting is when the roots start spilling out of the cracks in the pot. You’ll have to repot almost every year in the spring or summer.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Carefully remove the jade pothos from their container. Try not to disturb any of the roots, as this can cause them injury.
- Cut away any extra soil from around it with your pruning shears, and gently shake off any excess dirt.
- Fill the new pot with soil so that it’s 1 inch below the rim of the pot. Place a small amount of peat moss on top and spread it out evenly.
- Place the root ball into the pot and gently push down on it. Make sure that all of the roots are covered with soil and not exposed at any point.
- Water your plant well and place it in a location where there is plenty of light but not direct sunlight.
Propagating Jade Pothos by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)
Jade pothos is a succulent plant that can be propagated by taking cuttings from it. This is a good way to grow more plants without having to buy new ones from the store. The best time to take stem cuttings from your jade pothos is during summer or early fall when the plant is actively growing.
Related: How to Propagate Pothos Plants
- Cut off healthy stems that are between 4 and 6 inches long with your pruning shears, and remove leaves on the bottom two-thirds of each stem.
- Take each cutting and dip its ends into rooting hormone.
- Then, place the cuttings in a container or pot filled with moist, well-draining soil.
- Water the soil until it drains completely from the bottom of your container.
- Wait for new growth to appear on your pothos cuttings before transplanting them into larger pots.
Blooms
Jade pothos are not known to flower indoors. They are primarily grown for their foliage and vining nature.
Toxicity
Jade pothos is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. If ingested, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. If you have pets or children, it’s best to keep these plants out of reach.
NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.
Common Pests
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are tiny, white insects that suck sap from your plant’s leaves and leave behind a sticky substance on the surface. You can treat mealybugs by applying rubbing alcohol to a cotton swab and rubbing affected areas.
Scale Insects
Scale Insects are one of the most common pests that attack pothos plants. These insects are difficult to spot, but you may notice a sticky substance on the underside of leaves or white cottony masses growing on stems.
Spider Mites
Spider mites can also be an issue for jade pothos plants. These tiny arachnids spin webs between leaf veins and feed on plant sap, causing yellow spots and webbing to appear on the foliage.
Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves
Many factors can cause a plant’s leaves to turn yellow over time, but it’s important to remember that most plants will naturally do this if left in the dark for an extended period. However, this can also result from overwatering or too much direct sunlight exposure.
Brown Leaves
Brown leaves often indicate that a plant is deprived of water or not getting enough humidity. The best way to remedy this is by placing your plant in a humid environment. and increasing its watering cadence.
Root Rot
Overwatering can cause the roots of your plant to rot and die. This is a common problem for those who don’t know how much water their plants need. If you notice the early signs of root rot, immediately reduce watering frequency, check the roots, and check the drainage holes in your pot for clogs or obstructions.
Related: Underwatered vs Overwatered Pothos