How Many Types Of Pothos Are There – ? A Comprehensive Guide

ByEric James Updated on

Thinking about adding a touch of green to your living space, RV, or even a small off-grid cabin? Pothos plants are a fantastic choice for beginners and experienced plant parents alike. They’re resilient, easy to care for, and come in a surprising variety of beautiful foliage.

But with so many options, you might be wondering, “how many types of pothos are there?” This guide will explore the diverse world of Epipremnum aureum, helping you choose the perfect leafy companion for your adventures and living spaces.

We’ll delve into the most popular varieties, discuss their unique characteristics, and offer practical tips for keeping them thriving, whether you’re on the road or settled in your homestead. Get ready to discover a pothos that perfectly matches your style and needs.

Understanding the Pothos Family: More Than Just Green

The pothos plant, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, is a beloved houseplant prized for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. While many people picture a classic green and yellow variegated variety, the pothos family boasts a much wider spectrum of colors, patterns, and textures.

These adaptable plants are native to tropical forests, which explains their tolerance for lower light conditions and occasional neglect – qualities that make them ideal for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who might not always have a consistent watering schedule or perfect sunlight.

How Many Types of Pothos Are There? Unpacking the Varieties

The question of “how many types of pothos are there” doesn’t have a single, definitive number because new cultivars are constantly being developed. However, there are about a dozen or so widely recognized and popular varieties that dominate the market and are commonly found in nurseries and online plant shops.

Each variety offers a unique aesthetic, from the vibrant splashes of color on a Neon Pothos to the intricate marbling of a Marble Queen. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the one that will best complement your indoor jungle or travel setup.

Popular Pothos Varieties You Need to Know

Let’s explore some of the most sought-after pothos types. Each has its own charm and care requirements, though generally, they are all quite forgiving.

Golden Pothos: The Classic Choice

The Golden Pothos is perhaps the most common and recognizable variety. Its leaves are typically a deep green, splashed with irregular patches of golden-yellow. This is the pothos many people picture when they think of the plant.

  • Why it’s great for adventurers: Its hardiness and ability to tolerate a range of light conditions make it a perfect travel companion, easily thriving in the dappled light of a van window or the ambient light of a campsite shelter.
  • Visual appeal: The golden variegation adds a cheerful, bright touch to any space.

Marble Queen Pothos: Elegant White Splashes

The Marble Queen Pothos features striking white or creamy variegation against a dark green background. The patterns can range from fine speckles to broad streaks, giving each leaf a unique, marbled appearance.

  • Light needs: To maintain its vibrant white patterns, the Marble Queen prefers brighter, indirect light. Too little light can cause the white areas to fade or revert to green.
  • Aesthetic: Its sophisticated look makes it a popular choice for those who appreciate a more refined plant aesthetic.

Neon Pothos: A Pop of Brightness

As the name suggests, the Neon Pothos sports bright, chartreuse-green leaves. New growth often emerges an even more intense yellow-green, creating a beautiful contrast with older leaves.

  • Light requirements: It thrives in medium to bright indirect light, which helps maintain its vibrant neon color. In low light, the color can become duller.
  • Impact: This variety brings an energetic pop of color, perfect for brightening up dim corners.

Jade Pothos: Deep, Rich Green

The Jade Pothos is characterized by its solid, deep green leaves with no variegation. It’s a more understated option compared to its variegated cousins, but its lush, dark foliage offers a sense of tranquility.

  • Hardiness: This is one of the most robust pothos varieties, tolerating lower light conditions and occasional underwatering exceptionally well.
  • Versatility: Its simple, elegant appearance makes it a versatile choice that complements any decor.
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Silver Pothos (Satin Pothos): Velvety Texture

While often grouped with pothos due to its similar vining habit, the Silver Pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is technically a different genus. However, its care and appearance are so similar that it’s often included in pothos discussions. Its leaves are dark green with silvery-grey splotches and have a distinct velvety texture.

  • Unique texture: The soft, velvety feel of its leaves sets it apart.
  • Care: Prefers bright, indirect light and slightly drier soil than other pothos.

Global Green Pothos: Cool Tones

The Global Green Pothos is a newer cultivar that stands out with its muted, cool-toned green variegation. The patterns are less defined than some other varieties, offering a subtle yet attractive marbled effect.

  • Distinctive look: Its unique color palette offers a different visual appeal compared to the warmer tones of Golden Pothos.
  • Growth habit: Similar to other pothos, it has a trailing growth habit.

N’Joy Pothos: Bold Green and White Patches

The N’Joy Pothos is a popular variety known for its distinct patches of white and green. The variegation is often more sharply defined and clustered on the leaves, giving it a clean, modern look.

  • Leaf pattern: The white areas can sometimes extend to the edges of the leaf, creating a striking contrast.
  • Compact growth: Often has a slightly more compact and upright growth habit compared to other trailing pothos.

Pearls and Jade Pothos: A Refined Look

Similar to N’Joy, the Pearls and Jade Pothos features white and green variegation. However, its patterns are typically more speckled and spread throughout the leaf, resembling tiny pearls scattered on green. It also often has hints of grey or silver.

  • Subtle variegation: The speckling provides a delicate and refined appearance.
  • New growth: New leaves may emerge with more prominent variegation.

Manjula Pothos: Creamy White Dominance

The Manjula Pothos is a highly sought-after variety with large, heart-shaped leaves that are heavily variegated with creamy white and light green. The variegation is often broad and irregular, giving it a painterly quality.

  • Eye-catching foliage: Its prominent variegation makes it a statement plant.
  • Light: Requires bright, indirect light to maintain its extensive white patches.

Glacier Pothos: A Cooler, Silvered Tone

The Glacier Pothos is another attractive variety with grey-green leaves and silvery-white variegation. It tends to have a more compact growth habit and smaller leaves compared to some other pothos types.

  • Compact size: Ideal for smaller spaces or when you want a more contained vine.
  • Silvery hues: The cool tones of its variegation offer a sophisticated look.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Pothos

Beyond the sheer number of types, think about what you need from your plant. This is especially important if you’re living a mobile lifestyle or aiming for self-sufficiency.

Light Requirements for Different Pothos Varieties

While most pothos plants are known for their tolerance of low light, their variegation can be significantly impacted by light levels.

  • High Light (Bright, Indirect): Varieties with significant white or yellow variegation, like Marble Queen, Manjula, and N’Joy, need bright, indirect light to maintain their colorful patterns. Too little light can cause them to revert to green.
  • Medium Light: Most pothos varieties do well in medium, indirect light. This is often the sweet spot for overall health and good variegation.
  • Low Light: While they can survive in low light, their growth will be slower, and variegation may be less pronounced. Jade Pothos is particularly tolerant of low light.

For RVers or van dwellers, consider placing your plants near a window that receives bright, indirect light for a good portion of the day. If natural light is scarce, consider a small LED grow light.

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Watering Needs: Balancing Moisture and Drainage

Pothos plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering is a common pitfall, leading to root rot.

  • Check the soil: Stick your finger about an inch or two into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
  • Water thoroughly: When you water, do so until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
  • Adjust for environment: In drier climates or during hot weather, you might need to water more frequently. In humid environments or cooler months, water less often.
  • Container choice: Ensure your pot has drainage holes. Terracotta pots can help wick away excess moisture, which is beneficial for preventing overwatering.

For those on the go, establish a routine. Perhaps watering after you’ve set up camp for the night or before you leave in the morning.

Soil and Potting Mix

A well-draining potting mix is crucial for pothos. A good blend often includes:

  • Potting soil
  • Perlite or pumice for aeration
  • Orchid bark for added drainage and air circulation

This mix mimics the airy, well-draining conditions of their natural tropical forest floor environment. If you’re homesteading or setting up a more permanent indoor garden, consider creating your own mix for optimal results.

Temperature and Humidity

Pothos plants thrive in average home temperatures, generally between 65-80°F (18-27°C). They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but avoid frost.

They also appreciate humidity. If your environment is particularly dry, especially in winter or in an RV with heating, consider these options:

  • Misting: Lightly misting the leaves occasionally can help.
  • Pebble tray: Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it increases humidity around the plant.
  • Humidifier: For a more consistent solution, a small humidifier can be beneficial.

Propagation: Sharing the Greenery

One of the joys of growing pothos is how easy they are to propagate. This is a fantastic skill for any outdoor enthusiast, allowing you to multiply your plants or share them with fellow travelers and friends.

  • Stem Cuttings: The most common method involves taking stem cuttings.
    • Find a healthy vine and cut a piece that includes at least one “node” (a small bump on the stem where a leaf attaches or used to attach).
    • Remove the lower leaves from the cutting.
    • Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged.
    • Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
    • Roots will typically form within a few weeks.
    • Once the roots are a couple of inches long, you can plant the cutting in soil.
  • Water vs. Soil Propagation: Some prefer to root directly in soil, planting the cutting and keeping the soil consistently moist. Both methods are effective.

This easy propagation makes it simple to start new plants for your homestead, gift them to fellow campers, or even trade cuttings at a plant swap.

Common Pothos Problems and Solutions

Even the most resilient plants can encounter issues. Here are a few common problems and how to address them:

Yellowing Leaves

  • Cause: Overwatering is the most common culprit. Underwatering or insufficient light can also lead to yellowing.
  • Solution: Check your watering schedule. Ensure the soil is drying out between waterings. If underwatering is suspected, increase watering frequency. If light is an issue, move the plant to a brighter location.

Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges

  • Cause: Usually due to underwatering or low humidity.
  • Solution: Ensure consistent watering and consider increasing humidity around the plant using methods mentioned earlier.

Leggy Growth with Small Leaves

  • Cause: Insufficient light or the plant needs pruning.
  • Solution: Move the plant to a brighter location. Pruning the long, leggy vines encourages bushier growth and larger leaves. You can even propagate the cuttings!

Pests

  • Common Pests: Mealybugs and spider mites can sometimes infest pothos.
  • Solution: Inspect your plants regularly. If you spot pests, isolate the affected plant. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. For more severe infestations, insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.

Pothos as a Sustainable and Adaptable Plant for Outdoor Lifestyles

For those embracing off-grid living, homesteading, or van life, pothos plants offer more than just aesthetic appeal. They are remarkably sustainable and adaptable.

  • Air Purification: Pothos are excellent at filtering common indoor air pollutants, contributing to a healthier living environment, whether that’s your cozy campervan or your budding homestead.
  • Low Maintenance: Their forgiving nature means they can withstand periods of less-than-ideal conditions, making them perfect for those who are often on the move or focused on other homesteading tasks.
  • Propagating for Abundance: The ease of propagation means you can quickly establish a small jungle, providing a sense of abundance and connection to nature even in confined spaces.
  • Living Decor: Their trailing vines add a natural, calming element to any space, softening hard edges and bringing a piece of the outdoors in.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pothos

What is the most common type of pothos?

The most common type of pothos is the Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum). Its distinctive green and yellow variegation makes it instantly recognizable and widely available.

Can pothos grow in low light?

Yes, pothos plants can survive in low light conditions. However, their growth will be slower, and their variegation may be less pronounced. Varieties like the Jade Pothos are particularly tolerant of low light. For vibrant variegation, brighter, indirect light is recommended.

Are pothos plants toxic to pets?

Yes, pothos plants are mildly toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth, tongue, and throat, leading to symptoms like drooling, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing. It’s best to keep pothos plants out of reach of curious pets.

How often should I water my pothos?

Water your pothos when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This typically means watering every 1-2 weeks, but the frequency can vary depending on light, temperature, humidity, and the size of the pot. Always ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent overwatering.

Can I grow pothos outdoors?

In tropical or subtropical climates, pothos can be grown outdoors year-round. In cooler climates, they are best grown as houseplants, but they can be moved outdoors to a shaded patio or balcony during the warmer months. Ensure they are protected from frost.

Embrace the Pothos Diversity

So, how many types of pothos are there? While the exact number is fluid, there are at least a dozen distinct and popular varieties that offer a spectrum of colors, patterns, and textures. From the classic Golden Pothos to the striking Manjula and the velvety Satin Pothos, there’s a variety to suit every taste and every adventurer’s lifestyle.

Whether you’re a seasoned overlander looking to green up your rig, a homesteader cultivating your first indoor garden, or a beginner camper wanting to bring a bit of nature into your tent, the pothos is an excellent, low-maintenance choice.

By understanding their subtle differences in care and appreciating their unique beauty, you can confidently select and nurture these adaptable plants. They are more than just decor; they are living companions that bring life, clean air, and a touch of the wild into your world.

Happy planting, and may your vines trail long and strong!

Eric James
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