Pothos plants are perfect houseplants for beginners and season growers. Thanks to their ease of growth and maintenance. They are also called devil’s ivy, taro vine, ivy arum, and celyon creeper. The low maintenance needs are the reason behind their popularity.
The devil’s ivy plant has trailing stems with heart-shaped leaves, making it ideal for drape cupboards, shelves, and hanging baskets. These houseplants create a natural tropical vibe with long-lasting impressions.
My favorite pothos varieties are golden pothos, marble queen pothos, neon pothos, Manjula pothos, Hawaiian pothos, glacier pothos, and satin pothos. These cultivars are easy to maintain and can tolerate sudden changes in growing conditions.
All types of pothos share similar characteristics despite being different. The information in this comprehensive guide will help you identify each type with names and pictures. I have also shared some pothos varieties care tips at the end.
Types of Pothos Plants with Names and Pictures
Golden Pothos
The golden pothos plant is the most common houseplant for hanging baskets due to its trailing stems. The heart-shaped leaves with yellow variegation are the reason behind its popularity.
The lemon-colored patterns and glossy surfaces make this pothos plant ideal for brightening dark corners and creating a lasting impression.
Golden pothos can retain their bright variegation in low light conditions. It is a perfect choice as a bedroom plant due to the limited lighting. It can also help in cleaning the air in the bedroom.
Marble Queen Pothos
Marble queen pothos has more cream-colored leaves than green. The striking foliages create an eye-catching showpiece in any indoor space.
The deep variegation allows this pothos cultivar to thrive in bright indirect sunlight. Marble queen pothos experience a slow growth rate making it easier to grow and maintain.
The pothos cultivar requires minimal pruning requirements due to its bushy appearance. The species does not need frequent re-potting like other types of pothos.
Neon Pothos
The translucent bright green leaves make this pothos cultivar my favorite choice. The electrifying bold colors and bushy appearance are excellent for creating tropical vibes.
The neon pothos is a fast-growing tropical houseplant. It is a perfect option for hanging baskets and containers on tall plant stands.
Neon pothos is the only cultivar that can grow in water without becoming fussy. Keep these pothos in bright indirect sunlight and water when 2-3 inches of topsoil is dry.
Manjula Pothos
This pothos type has beautiful cream and green leaves. It also has some almost pure white leaves with hints of green.
Other variegations have green and white marble leaves. This patent pothos variety is also known as a happy leaf cultivar.
Manjula pothos is among rare pothos varieties due to challenges in meeting their care requirements. Keep the plant in a bright indirect sunlight location to prevent discoloration.
Cebu Blue Pothos
The Cebu blue cultivar belongs to the rare pothos varieties. It has elongated heart-shaped leaves with shiny silvery-blue surfaces.
The prominent vein patterns and bumps create an exotic tropical feeling in any space. The pothos cultivar is not an ideal choice for beginners.
Keep the plant in bright indirect sunlight and water when the topsoil is dry. Remember to maintain a high indoor humidity level.
Jessenia Pothos
Jessenia pothos is a new cultivar receiving gradual appreciation. It has emerald green foliages with yellow variegation.
Some variegation has marble effects and others with pure golden-yellow. Growing and caring for Jessenia pothos is not a walk in the park.
It also belongs to the rare pothos varieties chart. It is one of the reasons behind the difficulty in growing and maintaining at home.
Hawaiian Pothos
Hawaiian pothos has large leaves with glossy variegated surfaces. The emerald green leaves with light yellow-green dashes create exotic tropical vibes.
The stem aerial roots make this pothos cultivar ideal for a rainforest corner in the living room. It is also an excellent species for mixing with other broad and showy leaf plants.
It requires a regular pruning routine to foster a bushy appearance and grow thicker. The lush tropical forest look creates a lasting impression.
Trebi Pothos
Trebi pothos has some close relation with silver satin pothos since they belong to the same genus Scindapus. But the Trebi cultivar is not a true pothos.
The trailing houseplant has large green leaves with more variegation than the satin pothos. Its matte leaves have a silver marbling effect.
The silver-blue appearance is the reason behind its appreciation. However, this pothos cultivar is not ideal for brightening indoor spaces.
Glacier Pothos
It is a slow-growing pothos cultivar with small heart-shaped leaves. The variegated foliages have green with silver and grey speckles.
Glacier pothos is ideal for tables and desks due to their bushy appearance. The foliage variegation and size are similar to Pearls and Jade pothos.
The pothos cultivar can thrive in low light conditions and rooms with average humidity. But bright indirect sunlight exposure and high humidity foster a faster growth rate.
N-Joy Pothos
N-Joy cultivar is a new member of the pothos varieties chart. The variegated foliages have clear white and green patches, which turn darker due to aging and low lighting.
The sculptural qualities make this pothos cultivar ideal for bookshelf and tables. The variegations create an eye-catching showpiece for visitors.
It requires a minimal pruning routine due to its slow growth rate with a height of six feet after three years. It prefers bright indirect sunlight and slightly moist soil.
Satin Pothos
Silver satin pothos is the most popular cultivar in the market. But it is not a true Epipremnum aureum plant despite coming from the genus Scindapsus pictus.
Satin pothos is a climbing cultivar with dark green matte leaves. The silver spots on their foliages are the reason behind the name silver satin pothos.
Many houseplant enthusiasts tend to confuse satin pothos with philodendron silver. Both have long trailing veins and heart-shaped leaves.
It would be best to read my detailed article on How to Care for Satin Pothos. It has unique care requirements when compared to other pothos cultivars.
Pearls and Jade Pothos
Pearls and jade is a small leaf type of pothos with green and white variegation. The leaves have emerald green with white, cream, and grey markings.
The slow growth rate makes this pothos cultivar ideal for tables and office desks. The foliage variegation creates an exotic tropical feeling.
Pearls and jade pothos thrive in relatively moist soil. Lack of moisture can cause leaves drooping and wilting. Provide bright indirect sunlight and an average indoor humidity range.
Read my in-depth article on the difference between N-joy and Pearls and Jade pothos. The information will help you avoid the confusion associated with these pothos cultivars.
Snow Queen Pothos
Snow queen pothos has some close relation with marble queen pothos. But snow queen variegation is more consistent and white.
The high variegated leaves and lack of chlorophyll are the reason for the slow growth rate. The snow queen pothos can thrive in bright indirect sunlight and average indoor humidity.
Feel free to read my in-depth comparison article on the differences between snow queen and marble queen pothos. The information will help you tell their differences and similarities.
Harlequin Pothos
The harlequin cultivar belongs to the rare pothos varieties chart. The pothos cultivar has a mixture of marble and snow queen pothos.
The intense leaves variegation makes this species ideal for pairing with jade or silver pothos. It helps to brighten the dark corners in the living room.
Keep the plant in bright indirect sunlight and slightly moist soil. It can also tolerate low lighting conditions for a short period.
Global Green Pothos
The global green cultivar is a new pothos variety with beautiful green foliages. These rich green foliages have a marbling effect and are mottled in dark and light green.
It thrives in bright indirect sunlight and slightly moist soil. Direct sunlight can cause leaf discoloration and sunburn.
Global green pothos is ideal for growing in pots and hanging baskets. It grows best when allowed to climb a pole due to the trellis.
Emerald Pothos
Emerald cultivar is a type of N-Joy pothos due to their close similarities. But emerald cultivar belongs to the rare pothos varieties chart.
The variegated leaves of emerald have light green edges and dark green middle. These patterns allow the species to create an exotic tropical feeling.
It is a low-maintenance cultivar with simple care requirements. Emerald pothos is an excellent option for beginners and season growers.
Shangri La Pothos
Shangari la pothos is also called sleeping pothos and belong to the rare pothos varieties chart. It is also the most expensive pothos cultivar in the market.
The lovely shaped leaves make this cultivar unique from other pothos varieties. The vining plant can creep or climb on any surface.
The natural curly leaves tend to create a lasting impression. The cultivar requires regular pruning to control the vines from becoming messy.
How to Grow and Care for Pothos
The devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum) can survive in various environments with low to medium lighting conditions. Below are some of the essential tips when caring for the pothos plant.
Pothos Light Requirements
Most pothos varieties thrive in bright indirect sunlight. Adequate natural light enables the pothos plant to grow faster and keep the variegation vibrant.
The Dark-leafed pothos plant can survive in low to medium light conditions. Remember to protect your pothos from direct sunlight.
Pothos Soil Requirements
Pothos plants prefer fertile and well-draining potting soil. The potting medium should also hold relative moisture to keep the plant hydrated.
Use a potting medium with equal parts of peat moss, potting soil, and perlite. Poor drainage and excess moisture will cause root rot.
When to Water Pothos Plant
Water pothos plant when 2-3 inches of topsoil is dry. Soak the potting soil until excess water drain through the drainage holes. Deep watering keeps the plant alive and happy.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
Indoor pothos plant prefers a temperature range of 65-85oF (18-29oC). Maintain medium to high humidity levels to foster healthy growth.
Pothos Fertilizer Requirements
Apply dilute houseplant fertilizer to pothos every month during spring and summer. Do not fertilize your pothos during winter due to dormancy.
How to Prune Pothos Plant
Most pothos varieties experience a slow growth rate. These plants require a low to medium pruning routine. Remove the old and damaged leaves to conserve energy and enhance a bushy appearance.
The best time to trim the plant is during the spring season. It will allow the houseplant to adjust and start growing vigorously.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a perfect pothos cultivar can be a daunting and intimidating experience. It would be best to read through the 22 pothos varieties to make an informed decision.
I recommend snow queen, marble queen, and Hawaiian pothos due to their bright leaf variegation. I also recommend golden pothos to beginners due to their ease of growing and maintenance.
I hope this comprehensive guide on pothos varieties with names and pictures will help you make the right choice. Feel free to share with other houseplant enthusiasts in your communities.
