Epipremnum aureum or pothos, as they are commonly called, are among the most popular plants for creating a tropical relaxing atmosphere indoors. Their lush vines in different shades of green with splashes of cream/white variegation, can be made to cascade from heights or grow up poles or trellises to such dramatic effect.
They grow very quickly too, satisfying the most impatient amongst us. They are also easy to care for and will only succumb to the most malicious mishandling. They can even be grown in water alone, making them convenient for beginners and busy plant parents.
Their beautiful heart-shaped leaves are thick and glossy with an embossed texture. New leaves grow from the tip of a stem which extends to long vines as the plant ages. The vines can be made to branch for a fuller look by snipping off the younger leaves.
Leaves may be a few centimetres small or more than 30cm long depending on the growing conditions of the plant and its age. Plants that grow upwards on poles or other support tend to have larger leaves and thicker vines than plants that are left to trail downwards.
Aerial roots appear at the leaf nodes along the vines. This is normal, as the plant is programmed to latch on to something as it grows. So, watch out if you don’t want her clinging to your walls. The aerial roots may be cut off without any detrimental effect to the plant.
Some Pothos varieties
There are many pothos varieties out there, and breeders continue to add new ones. Here are a few in my collection.
Golden pothos. This is the most common and traditional variety, at least here in Nigeria where I live. It features bright green leaves with cream to golden blotches. The golden colour becomes more pronounced in higher light environments.
Neon pothos. This has bright green/yellow leaves with no variegations. In lower light conditions, the colour appears darker, while higher light gives it a magnificent glow reminiscent of neon lights.
Marble Queen pothos has light green leaves speckled and streaked with white, just like marble. In lower light conditions, the white variegation may appear cream.
Jade pothos is the plain darker green variety with no variegations.
N’joy pothos has distinct patterns of white on darker green leaves. It has smaller-sized leaves than the rest.
Manjula pothos closely resembles N’joy, but its light green and white variegation appear around the midrib, leaving the margins green. Its leaves also have a more rounded shape than other varieties and have somewhat wavy margins giving them a cupped appearance.
Where to place your pothos indoors and outdoors
Pothos are adaptable to a wide variety of lighting conditions, and the mature vines can tolerate direct sunlight for a few hours a day. As a guide, the more variegation the plant has, the more light it will need to maintain it.
For instance, the marble queen pothos requires plenty of bright indirect light to keep the white streaks looking white, otherwise, they begin to turn yellow. The jade, on the other hand, will be happy with less light.
So, place your plant where you think is best and watch for signs.
Pothos grow in vines and look magnificent trailing down hanging baskets or plant stands. They can also be trained to climb up a coco coir pole.
You can also grow your pothos permanently in water too. It makes a lovely arrangement when left to trail around a shallow or tall vase. Just cut off a long vine and place it in water with at least two nodes (without leaves) submerged.
The plant will grow roots from the nodes which are in water and will continue to sprout new leaves. You’ll only need to remember to change the water once or twice a month. Isn’t that just perfect for beginners?
How much do they cost?
Pothos are fast-growing and easy to propagate, so they usually don’t cost a lot in tropical countries such as Nigeria. Depending on where the plant is cultivated and how it is cared for, sellers would charge about N1000 for a stem/rooted cutting of the golden pothos, jade, or N-joy.
The less common varieties such as neon, cebu blue, or Manjula are often imported and sold for a premium.
Read more about how to save money buying houseplants.
How to care for pothos
Pothos are common plants for beginner gardeners because they are so difficult to kill. Simply follow this care guide to get the best out of your plants.
Water:
This is probably one of the easiest plants to care for in terms of watering needs. Your pothos will tell you by her drooping limp leaves that she needs a drink. Until then, you only need to keep admiring her.
Feel the soil too to confirm that it’s dry before watering thoroughly. Depending on the size of the plant, the pot, and the humidity of the room, you should expect to water once in seven to ten days.
If overwatered, the lower leaves will curl, turn yellow, and fall off.
Get used to looking at your plant for these signs.
Soil:
Your pothos will do best in rich, aerated, and well-drained soil. Adding coco-peat to regular garden soil helps improve aeration. Pothos can also be easily grown in plain coco-peat. When in coco peat you should feed it at least once a month with compost tea or liquid fertiliser.
You can also make a light substrate for your pothos by mixing one part compost with one part coco-peat. Aeration is crucial to a healthy plant.
Feeding:
Your pothos will benefit from regular feeding to grow large leaves. Feed with compost tea or liquid fertiliser once a month.
Controlling pests on your pothos
This plant is relatively pest-free. Clean the leaves about once a month to remove dust.
How to propagate pothos
Propagate your pothos by cutting the vine between the leaf nodes. Stand the vine in water with one or two nodes submerged. A leaf node is a point where a leaf emerges from the vine.
Roots will appear in a few weeks but wait until they are a few centimetres long before transferring to soil and starting off your new plants. Your plant will be established and trailing in a few months.
So, do you currently have any pothos in your collection? If not, it’s not too late to start. Get a cutting from a friend and try your hands at propagating it. You can’t go wrong.
Thanks for reading.
