When it comes to low-maintenance indoor plants, few can compete with the Pothos. Often called "Devil’s Ivy" because it is nearly impossible to kill, this trailing vine is a staple for both beginner plant parents and seasoned collectors. But while many are familiar with the classic green variety, there is actually a diverse world of cultivars that offer unique colors, leaf shapes, and growth habits.
If you are looking to brighten up a corner of your home or start a cascading indoor jungle, here are 8 different kinds of Pothos you should consider.
1. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The Golden Pothos is the most popular variety worldwide. It features heart-shaped green leaves splashed with vibrant golden-yellow variegation.
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Who Is The Golden Pothos Best For? Beginners. It is a fast grower and highly adaptable to different light levels.
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Pro Tip: To maintain its striking gold flecks, provide bright, indirect light; in low light, the leaves may revert to solid green.
2. Marble Queen Pothos
The Marble Queen is known for its stunning, highly variegated foliage. Its leaves are covered in a heavy, cream-and-white marbling that makes it look more white than green in some cases.
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Growth Rate: Slower than the Golden Pothos because it has less chlorophyll.
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Light Needs: Requires bright, indirect light to keep its intense white marbling vibrant.
3. Neon Pothos
If you want a "pop" of color, the Neon Pothos is the perfect choice. Its solid, electric lime-green leaves lack variegation, providing a sharp contrast against darker furniture or other green plants.
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Unique Trait: The heart-shaped leaves are brightest when they are young.
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Care Tip: It thrives in medium to high indirect light to maintain its signature chartreuse glow.
4. Manjula Pothos
The Manjula Pothos is a patented cultivar developed by the University of Florida. It is distinguished by wide, heart-shaped leaves with unique wavy edges.
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Appearance: Every leaf is a work of art, individually adorned with shades of green, silver, cream, and white.
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Growth: It typically stays more compact and grows slower than common varieties.
5. Cebu Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum)
The Cebu Blue is a favorite among plant collectors for its narrow, arrow-shaped leaves and silvery-blue metallic sheen.
Credit: The Spruce / Cori Sears
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Maturity: As the plant matures and climbs a vertical structure like a moss pole, the leaves can actually develop natural splits (fenestrations).
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Light: Needs a warm, bright location to develop its distinctive blue-green hue.
6. N’Joy Pothos
The N’Joy Pothos is a relatively new variety with a tidy, compact growth habit. It features small, crisp leaves with distinct, concentrated patches of white and green variegation.
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Look: Unlike the "marbled" look of other queens, the N’Joy has very defined borders between the white and green sections.
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Care: Like other highly variegated types, it grows slower and needs plenty of indirect sunlight.
7. Pearls and Jade Pothos
Often confused with the N’Joy, the Pearls and Jade was also developed by the University of Florida. It has smaller leaves that look like they were "dipped" in green and white paint.
Credit: The Spruce / Cori Sears
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The Difference: While N’Joy has clean white patches, Pearls and Jade features green flecks and "pears" of silver-gray within its white variegation.
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Growth: This is a slow-growing, decorative variety that stays compact.
8. Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)
While not a "true" Pothos (it belongs to the Scindapsus genus), the Satin Pothos is almost always grouped with them due to its identical care requirements.
Credit: The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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Texture: It is prized for its soft, velvety dark green leaves that are splashed with iridescent silver spots.
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Why buy it: It is extremely undemanding and adds a luxurious, shimmering texture to any indoor plant collection.
Quick Pothos Care Essentials
To keep your collection thriving, follow these fundamental guidelines:
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Watering: Only water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry to the touch. Overwatering is the primary cause of root rot and yellowing leaves.
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Light: Most varieties prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the foliage. In situations where natural light is not available, consider using a full spectrum LED grow light. Soltech offers great options such as the Versa or Aspect Gen 2 to supplement natural sunlight to keep your Pothos thriving.
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Support: While they look beautiful in hanging baskets, Pothos are natural climbers. Providing a moss pole can encourage the growth of larger, more mature leaves.
Whether you are a first-time plant owner or a seasoned collector, adding a Pothos to your home is one of the most rewarding indoor gardening decisions you can make. From the classic, dependable Golden Pothos to the sophisticated, shimmering Satin Pothos, there is a variety to match every interior style and light level.
By following a few simple care steps prioritizing bright, indirect light and avoiding overwatering—you can enjoy lush, cascading vines that not only beautify your space but also help purify your air. Start with one variety, and you'll likely find yourself collecting them all.
