When it comes to low-maintenance indoor plants, few can compete with the Pothos. Often called "Devil’s Ivy" because it is a very forgiving trailing vine , it is a staple for both beginner plant parents and seasoned collectors. While many are familiar with the classic green variety, there is a diverse world of cultivars offering 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 (color patterns caused by lack of chlorophyll).
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Best For: Beginners who want a fast-growing, highly adaptable plant.
- Care Tip: Maintain its gold flecks by providing filtered light.
2. Marble Queen Pothos
The Marble Queen is known for its stunning, highly variegated foliage. Its leaves are covered in heavy cream-and-white marbling.
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Growth Rate: Slower than the Golden Pothos because it has less chlorophyll (the green pigment used for photosynthesis)
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Light Needs: Requires bright, indirect light to keep its intense white marbling vibrant.
3. Neon Pothos
For a distinct look, the Neon Pothos offers solid, electric lime-green leaves without variegation.
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Appearance: Provides a sharp contrast against darker furniture or deep green plants.
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Light: Thrives in medium to high indirect light to maintain its signature glow.
4. Manjula Pothos
The Manjula is a patented cultivar developed by the University of Florida. It is distinguished by wide leaves with unique wavy edges
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Appearance: Leaves feature a complex mix of green, silver, cream, and white.
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Growth: 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
- Maturity: As it climbs a vertical structure, it can develop fenestrations (natural leaf splits).
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Light: Needs a warm, bright location to develop its distinctive hue.
6. N’Joy Pothos
The N’Joy features small, crisp leaves with 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: 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
- Texture: Prized for soft, velvety dark green leaves 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 Summary Of Pothos Varieties
|
Variety |
Scientific Name |
Growth Rate |
Light Needs |
Unique Trait |
|
Golden |
Epipremnum aureum |
Fast |
Medium to Bright |
Yellow variegation |
|
Marble Queen |
Epipremnum aureum |
Slow |
Bright Indirect |
Heavy cream marbling |
|
Neon |
Epipremnum aureum |
Moderate |
Medium to Bright |
Solid chartreuse leaves |
|
Manjula |
Epipremnum aureum |
Slow |
Bright Indirect |
Wavy leaf edges |
|
Cebu Blue |
Epipremnum pinnatum |
Moderate |
Bright Indirect |
Silvery-blue sheen |
|
Satin |
Scindapsus pictus |
Slow |
Medium Indirect |
Velvety silver spots |
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.
