One of the staples of indoor cultivation, Pothos are one of the most popular, easy-to-grow houseplants. They are adaptable and can be kept in small, medium, or large containers.
In addition, they are an excellent choice for a novice gardener because they are easy to care for, usually disease-free, and have beautiful foliage in many different colors.
This article will explore the most notable types of pothos varieties and offer tips for keeping these gorgeous plants healthy and thriving for years to come.
- About Pothos
- What is Pothos Used For?
- How to Identify a Pothos?
- Pothos Photo Gallery
- How to Care for Pothos Plants
- Popular Types Of Pothos Plants For Indoor Cultivation
- Golden Pothos
- Marble Queen Pothos
- Manjula Pothos
- Snow Queen Pothos
- Cebu Blue Pothos
- Dragon’s Tail Pothos
- Glacier Pothos
- Pearls and Jade Pothos
- Neon Pothos
- Variegated Neon Pothos
- Baltic Blue Pothos
- NJoy Pothos
- Global Green Pothos
- Harlequin Pothos
- Hawaiian Pothos
- Jade Pothos
- Jessenia Pothos
- Shangri La Pothos
- Satin Pothos
- Silvery Ann Pothos
About Pothos
Pothos is a genus of only about 15 species in the Arum family, Araceae. Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, where they grow in warm, tropical climates, these plants are known for their long-lasting foliage.
These plants are usually grown for their attractive vines with heart-shaped leaves that come in many colors and degrees of variegation. They have long been used as ornamental plants because they can thrive indoors under artificial light or low-light conditions if provided with enough humidity.
These beautiful plants are also known as Devil’s Ivy, Money Plant, Taro Vine, or just Pothos. All members of this genus are evergreen vines that can be trained onto supports like trellises or hung from the ceiling using a hanging basket or as a regular potted houseplant.
What is Pothos Used For?
Pothos are versatile plants that can be used as ornamental vines, houseplants, or groundcover. They are also easy to grow and cultivate, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
Ornamental Houseplants
The most common use of Pothos is to decorate homes and offices. They are especially popular houseplants among those who like to have plants indoors but don’t have a lot of room for large plants that take up too much space. They are also commonly used as hanging plants or as ground cover in warm climates, where they thrive outdoors year-round.
Indoors, most Pothos warrant a trellis or support to climb onto. But they can also be displayed in hanging baskets with their vines trailing down the sides of the pot.
Pothos is also an efficient tool for removing indoor contaminants like formaldehyde from your home.
Air Purifiers
According to a NASA study carried out in 1989, most types of Pothos plants are effective air purifiers. They are able to remove toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air in your home.
These chemicals are found in cleaning products, paints, varnishes, and cigarette smoke. Even if you don’t have these products around your home, chances are some harmful chemicals have still made their way into your air. Pothos plants can remove these indoor contaminants and improve your health.
The NASA study found that the Pothos plant was able to remove at least 70% of formaldehyde from their test chamber in just 24 hours.
How to Identify a Pothos?
Leaves
The first thing to check are the leaves. Most Pothos types have long, heart-shaped leaves that are green and variegated with white or cream stripes.
The leaves are usually about 8 inches long but can grow up to 18 inches. The leaves will also be slightly glossy and may have a dark blueish tint.
Stems
The second thing is the stems. Pothos plants have long, trailing stems that trail along the floor or up furniture. The stems are usually thin and spindly, usually climbing on anything they can get a hold on.
Aerial Roots
The third thing to look at is the aerial roots. Most Pothos types have aerial roots that grow from the stem and attach themselves to any surface they can find. The roots are usually dark colored and easy to identify on fully grown Pothos.
This is the main way to tell a Pothos and Philodendron plant apart. Philodendron plants have multiple aerial roots that emerge out of each node, whereas Pothos plants only give off a single aerial from each node.
Pothos Photo Gallery
How to Care for Pothos Plants
Most Pothos types are easygoing and can live in a wide variety of conditions. They don’t demand much beyond the absolute basics.
Light
Most Pothos types are best kept in a location that gets bright, indirect light. A south-facing window is ideal, but any room with some natural light will work.
As a rule, the more variegated a Pothos plant is, the more light it is going to need to maintain that level of variegation.
Soil
All Pothos types prefer soil that drains well and is slightly acidic. A good potting mix will contain peat moss or another type of inorganic material, which provides aeration and drainage.
You can also use a store-bought potting mix or create your own by mixing equal parts potting soil, compost or peat moss, and perlite.
Water
Pothos plants like to stay moist but shouldn’t be left in water. The optimal way to water your Pothos plant is by letting the soil dry out completely before giving it another drink.
This can take anywhere from a couple of days to over a week, depending on the light your plant receives.
Related: How Often to Water Pothos
Temperature
Pothos plants prefer temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate lower temperatures but will start to suffer as the temperature drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
You should also keep your Pothos plant away from heat vents or other sources of direct sunlight that could damage its leaves.
Humidity
Pothos plants thrive in high-humidity environments (50-70%). In dry climates, try misting your Pothos plant daily or placing it on top of pebbles that have been soaked in water overnight to increase the amount of moisture in the air around it.
Fertilizer
Pothos plants do not need to be fertilized regularly. If your plant looks a little droopy and you want to give it some extra nutrients, fertilize using a regular houseplant fertilizer every two weeks.
Pruning
Most Pothos types are pretty easy to prune and can be done at any time. You can use the cuttings as starter plants for new pots or give them away to friends and family.
When grown as a climbing vine, your Pothos might need to be pruned regularly in order to maintain its shape.
Potting and Repotting
Pothos is a very forgiving plant and can be potted in just about any container you want. You can use plastic, ceramic, or clay pots; terra cotta planters; even recycled containers you find around the house. Use a soil-based potting mix with good drainage properties, and you’ll be fine.
Repotting is usually required every two to three years, depending on the size of your Pothos plant. The best time to repot any Pothos is in spring when it’s starting to grow and develop new leaves.
Propagation
Pothos is propagated by stem cuttings, which can be rooted in water or soil. A variety of methods exist for taking cuttings, but the easiest is probably rooting them directly into the potting mix.
Just take a 6-inch piece of stem and remove any leaves that might be on it; then place this cutting in a glass of water overnight so the end can callus over. The next day, plant it into a container filled with soil-based potting mix and water well until established.
Common Pests
Pothos plants are susceptible to a variety of pests, including mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. The best way to prevent pests from attacking your plant is to provide it with good air circulation, water only when the soil feels dry, and stick to a strict care routine whenever possible.
You can treat infestations of mealybugs and scale with insecticidal soap. For spider mites, try spraying neem oil on the leaves of your plant or dabbing them with an organic solution made from one part vinegar to nine parts water.
Common Problems
Related: Underwatered vs Overwatered Pothos
Are Pothos Plants Toxic?
Yes, most Pothos types are toxic to cats, dogs, and children. They contain calcium oxalate crystals in their chemical composition that can cause severe irritation to the mouth and throat.
Symptoms of ingestion include drooling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, lethargy, and swelling around the mouth. If you suspect your pet or child has consumed Pothos, call your local vet clinic immediately!
Popular Types Of Pothos Plants For Indoor Cultivation
Golden Pothos
The de-facto Pothos variety, the Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), is the most commonly available version of Pothos there is. Large green leaves with yellow-green variegation make it easy to spot in your home or office. Golden Pothos needs little in the way of pampering, happy to grow just about anywhere around the house.
The Golden Pothos is a treat to care for, growing quickly and easily without much attention at all. It is a great choice for beginners or those who are not quite ready to care for the more exotic varieties of Pothos.
- Variegation: Green with yellow variegation
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
Marble Queen Pothos
The Marble Queen Pothos is also known as Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’ or E. aureum ‘Marble Queen,’ depending on the source you use. Marble Queen Pothos is a beautiful variegated variety of Pothos with bright green leaves streaked with white variegation.
The parent plant for a plethora of different types of pothos plants, The Marble Queen is no slouch in the variegation department itself. The white streaks on the surface of its leaves resemble the marbling of a marble countertop, adding interest to the leaf no matter where it is displayed.
These plants are very easy to handle, making them an excellent choice for beginners looking to grow something beautiful while also learning about gardening.
- Variegation: Green with white variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Manjula Pothos
Cultivated by the University of Florida, the Manjula Pothos is a marvel of modern science. Retaining the air-purifying capabilities of its parent plants and boasting beautiful variegation to boot, this plant is a must-buy for any gardener looking to add some color to their home.
The most notable characteristic of this plant is its gorgeous variegated leaves, which have a dark green base and white and cream blotches scattered across the surface. It is a popular variety of Pothos, highly sought after by enthusiasts. However, because of its relative rarity, it is considered quite hard to come by.
- Variegation: Green with white and cream variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Snow Queen Pothos
Snow Queen pothos is among the most notable types of Pothos, and it’s easy to see why. This variety has shiny, green leaves with white variegation streaks.
Often confused for the Marble Queen, the Snow Queen Pothos features more prominent variegation than its counterpart. The whites are more pronounced and take up more of the leaf surface’s real estate.
The Snow Queen also has larger-sized leaves as compared to some other types of pothos plants. So much so that they can easily hide the stems underneath their foliage. The leaves are also thicker than some other varieties, which is a plus for those who want a fuller plant. This Pothos can reach up to 10 feet in height and width if given proper care. It’s easy to see why this plant is one of the most popular pothos types around today!
- Variegation: Light green with white variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Cebu Blue Pothos
Native to the Philippines (Cebu Island), the Cebu Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue) is a great choice for anyone looking for a different take on the pothos plant.
Cebu Blue Pothos is somewhat unique among Pothos types. Because unlike many other types of Pothos, it doesn’t display any variegation throughout its lifetime, remaining monotone throughout its lifespan. It has a deep, rich blue-green color that is both eye-catching and beautiful. The leaves are thin and pointed with a matte finish.
As the plant ages and matures, it develops fenestration in the leaves. These are small holes or seemingly random holes on the surface of the leaves that look like they have been cut out. This gives the leaves a unique appearance and makes them stand out from other types of Pothos.
Unfortunately, Cebu Blue Pothos cultivated indoors rarely form fenestrations on the leaves.
- Variegation: None
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
Dragon’s Tail Pothos
Dragon’s Tail Pothos is a variety of Pothos with a unique leaf shape. Young plants have oblong leaves with pointed edges that look somewhat out of place in a Pothos lineup. The leaves are a uniform dark-green color with a glossy finish.
As the leaves age, the surface of the leaves separates into three distinct sections, resulting in deep fenestrations in a very distinct pattern. This pattern looks strikingly similar to the shape of a dragon’s tail from mythology, which earns this plant its name.
Dragon’s Tail Pothos is a vigorous and compact plant that prevents it from being suited for hanging baskets. It can be displayed quite nicely as a regular potted houseplant or trained to grow upwards with the help of a supporting structure.
- Variegation: None
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
Glacier Pothos
A cultivar of the Marble Queen Pothos, the Glacier Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum ‘Glacier’ is a slow-growing, evergreen vine with heart-shaped leaves that are a vibrant combination of green and white. Bringing a breath of spring to any space it is planted in; the Glacier Pothos makes for a stunning houseplant or hanging basket. With its trailing growth habit and small size, this vine is perfect for those who want a plant that requires little maintenance.
This Pothos can be used as a living wall hanging or trained to climb up the sides of your home or office. The edges of the leaves are filled with white or yellow stripes and sometimes have a few red speckles on them. This cultivar is tolerant of neglect and low light conditions but will not tolerate direct sunlight; otherwise, it will turn brown.
- Variegation: Light green with white variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Pearls and Jade Pothos
If you’re looking for a beautiful pothos variety with dark, lush green leaves that are splashed with white variegation, Pearls and Jade Pothos might be the perfect choice for you.
The leaves are dark green with white variegation and have an almost metallic sheen. It’s a beautiful plant for anyone looking for a cascading, trailing pothos that can be trained to climb up the sides of your home or office. The leaves are shaped like a heart and appear bushy if pruned regularly.
The stems are strong, can support a lot of weight, and don’t break easily. This makes these types of Pothos suited for pathways with a lot of traffic, either as regular potted plants or trained climbers.
- Variegation: Dark green with white variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Neon Pothos
Neon Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon,’ is a stunning variety of Pothos native to the Solomon Islands. They’re fast-growing vines with thin stems that need regular trimming to keep the plant looking tidy.
The stems are delicate and limit how tall a neon pothos can grow unaided. That is why most gardeners like to provide support or a trellis for a Neon Pothos to grow alongside.
The leaves are bright green and have a waxy coating that makes them appear shiny. They are heart-shaped and can easily come off if disturbed. Avoid planting near walkways.
- Variegation: None
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
Variegated Neon Pothos
The variegated neon pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon Variegata’) is the heavily variegated version of the much-loved Neon Pothos. Bringing your indoor environment an immediate boost of green, its neon green, and yellow leaves are a color combination that is sure to bring some life into any space.
These variegated plants make for a beautiful houseplant that will add an eye-catching element to your home or office while still delivering the same benefits as its non-variegated cousin.
This variety produces gorgeous lime-green leaves with wide bands of gold or yellow depending on how much light it receives. The entire plant can grow up to 6 feet long!
- Variegation: Neon green with yellow variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Baltic Blue Pothos
The Baltic Blue Pothos is a relatively new type of Pothos that has dark green leaves that develop a blue tint to the surface as they mature. Cultivated by Costa Farms, these beauties have made huge splash in the Pothos market over the last few years.
Widely considered to be the easiest houseplant to care for, the Pothos makes a great gift for new gardeners and long-time plant enthusiasts alike. If you’re in the market for a houseplant that really stands out by its appearance and doesn’t like to fuss with watering or maintenance, then the Baltic Blue Pothos might be just what you’re looking for.
There are many different types of Pothos, but if you’re looking for something with a unique look than plain green or one of the many different colors available, this might be right up your alley!
- Variegation: None
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
NJoy Pothos
The NJoy Pothos is a cultivar of the popular marble queen pothos. It has smaller, thinner leaves with more pronounced areas of variegation than the marble queen.
The leaves are rich green with white blotches near the edges, making them excellent for hanging baskets or vertical gardens.
The variegation stands out even against a dark background, which makes these types of Pothos suited for a variety of indoor plantings.
The variegation also comes out more strongly in bright light, so you might want to place this somewhere sunny if you manage to get your hands on one.
- Variegation: Mid-green with white variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Global Green Pothos
Grow something really cool with Global Green Pothos. This type of pothos starts out like a typical pothos, but then its heart lifts up, revealing cheerful green-on-green variegation. Its aerial roots let it climb up and away from the ground, creating an attractive cascade over its container edge.
Dark green variegation appears on mid-green leaves, making for an unusual display. The variegation appears most prominent under sunny conditions. You might have to sacrifice a spot near a sunny windowsill to get a good look, but it’s worth it.
It grows quickly, requires little maintenance, and can tolerate lower light conditions. It’s also a great choice for beginners who have only limited experience with plants.
- Variegation: Mid-green with dark green variegation
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
Harlequin Pothos
The Harlequin Pothos is a striking and beautiful addition to any home. This easy-to-care-for plant has bold, wavy leaves that develop unique patterns no matter where you purchase your Pothos from.
This plant is characterized by striking leaves that have white or yellow markings on them. The variegation is intensive and widespread. You’ll rarely find a leaf without it.
In addition, it requires low maintenance—just occasional watering and repotting when necessary. Gardeners who find themselves overwhelmed by complicated plant care materials will appreciate these simple requirements of this beautiful succulent!
- Variegation: Green with white variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Hawaiian Pothos
The Hawaiian pothos plant is a beautiful, easy-to-grow houseplant with large leaves that trail down over an indoor windowsill or hang from your deck or patio.
You can also grow them outside during summer (they’ll need to be brought in before frost). The vines have large leaves that splay out around the base of the plant, allowing them to drape down across whatever surface they are climbing.
What initially appears to be a simple decorative houseplant turns out to be so much more. The Hawaiian Pothos is, first and foremost, a versatile and colorful indoor plant.
It can also be grown outside in temperate climates, but it is most charming as an indoor plant year-round. It makes an excellent choice for beginners because of its tolerance of varying levels of light and water, relatively low-fertilizer requirement, and adaptability to the high heat of a central location.
- Variegation: Green with white variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Jade Pothos
Jade Pothos is an understated yet tasteful addition to the home decor. With its compact size, dark green foliage, and trailing stems, it creates a vibrant display without much effort on your part.
If you’re looking for a versatile plant that will add a burst of color and interest to your home without taking up too much space, Jade Pothos is the one for you.
This evergreen vine makes an excellent hanging basket or floor plant, but it can also be trained against walls and trellises if you have limited indoor space.
- Variegation: None
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
Jessenia Pothos
A new and improved version of the popular classic Pothos, Jessenia Pothos features long trailing vines with shiny, glossy foliage, which makes it perfect for hanging baskets. It’s also easy to care for—just give it water when it needs it and let Jessenia do the rest.
Its long trailing vines and beautiful green leaves will make your home look gorgeous, but its easy care requirements will make keeping it alive much easier than you expect!
This striking plant can easily be grown indoors as a trailing vine. In fact, whether you have a large garden or just a small porch, it’s easy to fit this tropical climber into your indoor space.
- Variegation: Green with Yellow-green variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Shangri La Pothos
Shangri La Pothos is an intriguing variety of Pothos with many traits that make it an ideal houseplant. This pothos variety is hardy, easy to care for, and has a unique leaf pattern. The leaves on this plant are shriveled and wrapped around themselves, resulting in a spinach-like appearance.
These leaves easily trail down the sides of the pot supported by their semi-rigid stem system. Each leaf grows individually with a lot of space between two leaves. It’s a peculiar plant that has a unique appeal to it. It is also very easy to handle as long as you give it good light, water, and nutrition.
- Variegation: None
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light
Satin Pothos
Although not technically a Pothos (it belongs to the Scindapsus genus instead), the Satin Pothos is so closely related to these plants it doesn’t really make a difference.
This gorgeous plant is a beautiful vine plant with glossy leaves that have silvery splotches. They prefer to grow in medium light and diffuse light, so they are perfect for a sunny windowsill around the house.
These stunning long vines might look tough to grow, but honestly – they’re super easy. These popular plants are not only for their beauty but for their low-fuss lifestyle.
The striking leaf variegation of the Satin Pothos gives it great visual appeal. It makes an excellent houseplant and an interesting addition to any space.
- Variegation: Green with Silver variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
Silvery Ann Pothos
The Silvery Ann Pothos has rich silvery splashes of variegation over matte green foliage, and the resulting leaves are large and appear slightly washed out.
With gorgeous pitch-green leaves splashed in silvery-white, these plants look gorgeous no matter where they are displayed.
Silvery Ann is the most famous variety of the Satin Pothos and bears much of the same characteristics as its parent plant.
This plant thrives in bright light but can handle low-light conditions as well. It’s easy to care for and makes a nice centerpiece or addition to any home or office space.
- Variegation: Matte Green with Silver variegation
- Light: Medium to bright, indirect light
