Introduction to Pothos
Indoor plants are a staple in many households, with their ability to add life and warmth to any room. One particular plant that should be on every plant lover’s list is the pothos.
Pothos, also known as the devil’s ivy, is a versatile, hardy, and easy-to-care-for plant that is perfect for beginners and experienced plant enthusiasts alike. In this article, we’ll discuss what makes a pothos a pothos, different varieties of pothos, and how to care for this must-have indoor plant.
Different Pothos Varieties
Pothos come in different varieties, each with their unique leaf shapes and patterns. These varieties, also known as cultivars, make for a beautiful and diverse collection of plants.
Here are some popular pothos varieties that you may come across:
1. Golden Pothos – This variety is the most common pothos.
Its leaves are variegated with shades of green and yellow, making it a beautiful addition to any room. 2.
Marble Pothos – These plants have striking variegation in which light green spots appear on dark green leaves. 3.
Neon Pothos – This pothos boasts bright neon-green leaves that glow in natural or artificial light. 4.
Jade Pothos – This variety has glossy, pale green leaves that are oval-shaped with pointed tips. What Makes a Pothos a Pothos?
The scientific name for pothos is Epipremnum spp. They belong to the Araceae family and are native to the Solomon Islands.
Pothos plants grow vines that trail beautifully and can reach up to 30 feet long in their natural habitat. However, in an indoor setting, they grow to an average length of 6 to 10 feet.
The Silver Satin Pothos, Philodendron hederaceum, and Scindapsus are other plants that could be confused with pothos. Although they all belong to the Araceae family, pothos have differentiating features.
Silver Satin Pothos has silver satin-like leaves, Philodendron hederaceum has smaller leaves, and Scindapsus leaves are smaller and heart-shaped.
Caring for Your Pothos Plant
Pothos plants are known for their low maintenance and easy-care nature. Here are some tips on how to care for your pothos plant.
1. Light – Pothos prefer indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.
They can also handle direct sunlight, but it may cause the leaves to burn. 2.
Water – Water your pothos plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot or fungal infections.
It’s best to water your plant less frequently in the winter months when it’s dormant. 3.
Soil – Pothos plants prefer a well-draining potting mix. Repotting your plant once every two years is recommended.
4. Temperature – Pothos plants thrive in temperatures between 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
They can handle some variations in temperature but don’t like extreme conditions. 5.
Fertilizer – Fertilizing your pothos plant once every two weeks during the growing season can help it thrive. Choose a balanced fertilizer and follow the package instructions on how much to use.
In conclusion, pothos is a great addition to any home. With their impressive leaf shapes and patterns, low maintenance and easy-care nature, there’s no reason not to get one.
Remember to follow the care tips outlined in this article, and enjoy watching your pothos plant grow and thrive in your home.
Best Pothos Varieties
Pothos is an excellent indoor plant that is popular for its low maintenance and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. It comes in various cultivars that differ in their leaf shapes, variegation, texture, and colors.
Here are some of the best pothos varieties to consider for your indoor plant collection. 1.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – The Golden Pothos is the most common and well-known pothos variety. It has variegated heart-shaped leaves that are green and yellow, making it look like a golden plant.
This cultivar can tolerate low light but thrives well in bright light conditions. 2.
Neon Pothos – This pothos variety boasts bright lime-colored leaves that seem to glow in any setting. It is highly popular with indoor plant enthusiasts due to its stunning coloration.
3. Manjula Pothos – With broad leaves with waved edges and variegation of green, white, and creamy yellows like the Marble Queen Pothos, the Manjula Pothos is an excellent addition to your indoor plant collection.
It’s a more recent cultivar that has gained popularity since its release in 2019. 4.
Marble Queen Pothos – This is a beautiful cultivar that has green leaves with bright white spots that resemble marble. Its variegation comes in different patterns and degrees of coloring, making it a beautiful and unique addition to an indoor plant collection.
5. Cebu Blue Pothos – This cultivar has a unique leaf shape that looks like a fishbone.
It has a bluish hue with a shiny texture that resembles a beautiful underwater plant. 6.
Jade Pothos – With shiny, oval-shaped leaves that come in monochromatic shades of green, the Jade Pothos is another cultivar to consider. It is a slow grower compared to other pothos varieties but is known for its low maintenance requirements.
7. Snow Queen Pothos – This pothos variety is the most variegated of them all, with white variegation on its leaves.
However, it is slower growing compared to others. 8.
Jessenia Pothos – This cultivar has subtle variegation and a light green shade on its leaves. It is a gorgeous plant that complements any indoor setting.
9. N’Joy Pothos – This is a newer cultivar with white and green variegation that forms random patterns on its leaves.
It is a highly popular cultivar among indoor plant enthusiasts due to its unique look. 10.
Pearls & Jade Pothos – Like the Marble Queen Pothos, this cultivar has a unique variegation pattern with white edges and green centers. 11.
Hawaiian Pothos – This cultivar has large, glossy leaves and a quick-growing rate. It can be trained to grow on a moss pole, making it an ideal plant for indoor vertical gardens.
The Hawaiian Pothos has a cascading feature and is perfect for hanging baskets. 12.
Variegated Neon Pothos – Another bright and visually appealing pothos variety, the Variegated Neon Pothos has a bright coloration with yellow and creamy variegation, making it a must-have indoor plant. 13.
Global Green Pothos – This is a recent introduction with unique variegation patterns bearing resemblance to the N’Joy Pothos. Each leaf has random variegation of white, green, and yellow.
14. Glacier Pothos – This cultivar is hard to come by and resembles the N’Joy variety.
However, its leaves are larger, and it has a unique variegation pattern. 15.
Harlequin Pothos – This cultivar is highly variegated, with white leaves bearing strong white variegation patterns. It is an excellent plant for the more experienced indoor plant enthusiast.
Satin Pothos (Not Really a Pothos)
One plant that is often confused with true pothos cultivars is the Satin Pothos. However, it is not a true member of the pothos family.
Its scientific name is Scindapsus pictus, and it belongs to the Araceae family, just like pothos. Satin Pothos has similar growth habits as pothos, such as trailing vines, but its leaves have a different texture and feel.
The Satin Pothos has silvery-green leaves with a velvety texture, whereas true pothos cultivars have a waxy surface. Despite their differences, Satin Pothos is an easy-care indoor plant that has become popular in recent years due to its unique foliage.
Its leaves have silver variegation that looks stunning in any setting. It grows well in low to bright light conditions and can tolerate drought.
Conclusively, pothos is an excellent indoor plant to add to your collection, and there are many cultivars or varieties to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a brightly colored plant or a slow-growing plant with a unique texture, there is a pothos cultivar that will suit your needs.
With proper care, your pothos plant will flourish and add life to any space it’s placed in. In conclusion, pothos is a must-have indoor plant that is easy to care for and comes in various cultivars that differ in their color, leaf shape, and texture.
Whether you’re a first-time plant owner or an experienced plant enthusiast, there is a pothos variety that will suit your needs. Remember to follow their care tips outlined in this article, and you’ll have a thriving indoor plant in no time.
FAQs
1. How often should I water my pothos?
Water your pothos when the soil is dry to the touch. 2.
Can pothos handle direct sunlight?
Pothos can handle some direct sunlight, but it’s best to avoid prolonged exposure as it can cause the leaves to burn.
3. Can I grow pothos in low light?
Yes, pothos can tolerate low light conditions, but they won’t grow as quickly compared to those in bright light conditions. 4.
How often should I fertilize my pothos plant?
Fertilize your pothos plant once every two weeks during the growing season.
5. Can I propagate my pothos plant?
Yes, pothos are easy to propagate via stem cuttings or division. 6.
Do pothos plants require a lot of space to grow?
Pothos plants can grow up to 30 feet long in their natural habitat, but in an indoor setting, they grow to an average length of 6 to 10 feet.