Interested in the Pearls and Jade Pothos? Want to appreciate its gorgeous leaves and learn how to keep them alive through winter break and beyond?
Whether you are an old hand or just starting out, this guide will teach you all you might need to know about caring for these beautiful plants. The easy-to-follow instructions include information on how to plant, fertilize, prune, propagate, take cuttings from your plants, and more!
Related: 20+ Types of Pothos and Varieties
in this article:
About Pearls and Jade Pothos
The Pearls and Jade Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum ‘Pearls and Jade,’ is a trailing houseplant with shiny green leaves with white or yellow variegation. It is an incredibly popular variety of the Marble Queen Pothos and is considered even more famous than its parent Pothos.
The main difference lies in the variegation: The Pearls and Jade Pothos leaves have a wider band of white or yellow variegation, making them look more “pearly” than marble. In addition, their leaves tend to be smaller, with a narrower footprint.
Related: Jade Pothos: Growing and Care Guide
It can be trained to climb the wall or a trellis, but it will also just as easily grow in a regular pot. It is also an excellent choice for hanging baskets.
Botanical Name | Epipremnum aureum ‘Pearls and Jade’ |
Common Name | Pearls and Jade Pothos |
Family | Araceae |
Plant Type | Evergreen Vine |
Origin | South Pacific |
Maintenance | Low |
Height | 6-10 feet |
Width | 2-3 feet |
Light | Bright, Indirect Light |
Bloom season | Spring, Summer |
Water needs | Low, Moderate |
Soil | Well-Drained, Slightly Moist |
Toxicity | Toxic |
Hardiness (USDA) | 9-12 |
Pearls and Jade Pothos Care
Like most Pothos plants, the Pearls and Jade Pothos are easy to care for. It requires very little attention and doesn’t demand much beyond the basics from its caretaker.
Light
The Pearls and Jade Pothos plants will grow best in bright, indirect sunlight. If you can provide a little more light than that, all the better because it will produce more variegation in its leaves.
Just be careful not to leave these plants under direct sunlight for too long; their delicate leaves can’t handle it.
Soil
The soil should be rich and well-draining. You can use potting mix or make your own potting soil by combining equal parts of peat moss and vermiculite with some perlite for aeration.
Water
The Pearls and Jade Pothos plant is a very hardy plant, so you can water it whenever the soil feels dry. If left too long in between waterings, the leaves may turn yellow and drop off.
Avoid overwatering these plants, as they don’t like to sit in water. If the soil is moist and you’ve watered your Pothos plant recently, then wait until it dries out before watering again.
Related: Underwatered vs Overwatered Pothos
Temperature and Humidity
It’s best to keep the Pothos plant indoors, where it can enjoy a warmer temperature and higher humidity. This will help prevent leaf drop and keep your plant looking healthy.
The ideal temperature range for this Pothos plant is between 60°F and 80°F. It’s also important to keep the plant away from drafts and maintain humidity around 50-70%.
You can increase humidity in your home by misting the plant with water and placing it near a humidifier or vaporizer. The Pearls and Jade Pothos plant is an excellent choice for bathrooms, as they naturally appreciate high humidity.
Fertilizer
You should fertilize your Pothos plant once a month during the growing season with an all-purpose fertilizer. You can also use slow-release pellets to help regulate the nutrient levels in your soil and prevent overfeeding.
Pruning
Jade and Pearl Pothos can be pruned to control their size, shape, and growth pattern. They’re best suited for hanging baskets or planters where you can train them to climb up the sides with support. However, if you want to grow them in a pot on your window sill or coffee table, they’ll need regular pruning to maintain their shape.
Potting and Repotting Pearls and Jade Pothos
Pearls and Jade Pothos don’t require frequent repotting. However, every two to three years, they will outgrow their containers, and you have to move them into a larger pot or divide them to create new plants.
Pothos plants prefer well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter like compost or peat moss added for nutrients and water retention.
The best time for repotting is during their growing season in spring or summer.
Related: How Often to Water Pothos
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the old soil from the pot by shaking it out and tapping on the side of the container.
- Use your pruning shears to cut away any dead or damaged roots from your plant’s root ball.
- Place your Pothos in its new pot, ensuring that there is at least one inch more than what was in its previous container.
- Fill the pot with your potting soil, ensuring it is level and pressed down into place.
- Water your plant until water comes out of the bottom of its container.
Propagating Pearls and Jade Pothos by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)
Stem cuttings are a quick and easy way to propagate Pothos plants. The process for propagating Pothos cuttings is similar to propagating any other houseplant. You will need to gather some materials from around your home and follow these steps:
- Cut a healthy stem from your plant that is at least four to six inches long.
- Dip the end of the stem into a rooting hormone (available at most garden centers), ensuring that all sides of it are coated evenly.
- Plant your cutting in a potting mix, ensuring that the cutting is at least one inch below the surface of the soil.
- Water gently and place your container in indirect light (not direct sunlight).
- Wait until roots form, and then transplant them into their own container.
Related: How to Propagate Pothos Plants
Blooms
Pearls and Jade Pothos are not known to flower indoors. They are primarily grown for their foliage and vining nature.
Toxicity
Pearls and Jade Pothos are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. If ingested, it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. It’s best to keep these plants out of reach if you have pets or children.
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 small, soft-bodied insects that are pale yellow or white in color. They have a cottony appearance and emit a sticky substance that is usually found on the underside of leaves. These pests can multiply quickly if not controlled. You can use an insecticidal soap spray to control them.
Fungus Gnats
These tiny black flies are often mistaken for fruit flies. They live in moist soil and can be found near the surface of the soil or on your plant’s leaves. If you notice small flying insects near your plant, treat them immediately. Prevent them from laying eggs in moist soil, or the problem may get out of hand.
Spider Mites
Spider Mites are a common pest for many houseplants. They are tiny, hard-to-see insects that suck the sap out of your Pothos. Spider mites will leave fine webbing on the underside of leaves and may cause yellowing or brown spots.
Thrips
Thrips are tiny insects that can be hard to see with the naked eye. They feed on plant tissues and cause damage to leaves, flowers, and stems. You may notice small white specks on your plants, and they can leave behind a silver powder when touched. Thrips are attracted to light, so placing them in indirect sunlight will help keep them away from your plants.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy