The Ultimate Guide to the Different Varieties of Pothos Plant

Jess Simpson
Jess Simpson
Founder of Plant Care Simplified

Jess is a true horticulturist whose passion for plants has led her to become an expert in tropical houseplants. Jess was born and raised in...

Pothos plants, also known as Devil's Ivy, are one of the most popular houseplants in the world due to their ease of care and ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. There are many different varieties of Pothos though, each with its own unique charm.

Below we will explores the diverse world of Pothos plants, from the most popular variety, the Golden Pothos, to the rarest of them all. We will des into the taxonomy of the Epipremnum genus and what defines a true Pothos plant, setting it apart from other species often confused with it.

The article also look at some of the reasons why it is popular as a house plantthe easy-to-grow nature of the Golden Pothos and its low maintenance requirements. Lastly, the article takes a look at the rarest Pothos varieties and what sets them apart, discussing what makes them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.

The Most Popular Varieties of Pothos Plant

golden pothos - Devils Ivy
Golden Pothos - Devils Ivy

Below have laid out a table listing the comst common varieties of Pothos plants that you are likely to come across together with a few of their distinctive features.

VarietyDescription
Golden PothosThe Golden Pothos is a classic variety, known for its vibrant yellow and green variegated leaves. Its leaves can grow up to two feet long and have a heart-shaped form. It is one of the most popular houseplants and is known for being easy to care for and grow.
Marble QueenThe Marble Queen is another popular variety of Pothos, with distinctive green and white variegated leaves. The leaves are heart-shaped and can grow up to two feet long, making it a great choice for trailing or climbing. This variety is also low maintenance and is known for its ability to grow in low light conditions.
Neon PothosThe Neon Pothos is a newer variety, known for its bright neon green leaves. The leaves are heart-shaped and are slightly smaller than other varieties, growing to around six to eight inches long. This variety is highly prized for its bright, eye-catching color and is a great choice for adding a pop of green to any room.
ManjulaThe Manjula Pothos has beautiful, heart-shaped leaves that are a rich, deep green color. The leaves are slightly larger and more rounded than other pothos varieties, giving this plant a unique look. It is also known for its quick growth and ability to produce many aerial roots, making it a great choice for those who enjoy watching their plants grow and develop.
N'JoyThe N'Joy Pothos is a stunning variety that is characterized by its green variegated leaves with splashes of creamy white. It is a fast-growing plant that is perfect for those who want to bring a pop of color into their home. The leaves are slightly larger than those of other pothos varieties, and they have a slightly glossy appearance that makes them look even more vibrant.
Pearls and Jade PothosThe Jade Pothos is another popular variety that is known for its bright green leaves and quick growth. The leaves are heart-shaped and slightly larger than those of other pothos varieties, and they are covered in a soft, velvety texture. This plant is great for those who want to create a lush, tropical environment in their home, and it is also a great option for those who want to improve air quality in their home.
Silver Satin PothosThe Silver Satin Pothos is a beautiful variety with silver leaves that have a satin-like sheen. The leaves are medium-sized and the vines can grow up to 6 feet long. This variety is prized for its unique appearance and is a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their home.
Aloha PothosThe Aloha Pothos is a tropical variety with bright green leaves that are accented by yellow markings. The leaves are large and the vines can grow up to 10 feet long. This variety is known for its cheerful appearance and is a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of the tropics to their home.
Baltic Blue PothosThe Baltic Blue Pothos is a stunning variety with heart-shaped leaves that are blue-green in color and accented by silver markings. The leaves are large and the vines can grow up to 10 feet long. This variety is prized for its unique coloring and makes an excellent addition to any home or office.
Glacier PothosThe Jessenia Pothos is a rare variety of pothos known for its bright yellow and green variegated leaves. The leaves are oval-shaped with slightly serrated edges and can grow up to 8 inches in length. This variety is relatively fast-growing and can climb or trail in a hanging basket. It is low maintenance and can thrive in low to bright indirect light.
Snow QueenSnow Queen is a variegated pothos variety with green and white leaves. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a unique silver-white variegation that sets it apart from other pothos varieties. It is a slow-growing plant that requires low to bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
Jessenia PothosThe Jessenia Pothos is a rare variety of pothos known for its bright yellow and green variegated leaves. The leaves are oval-shaped with slightly serrated edges and can grow up to 8 inches in length. This variety is relatively fast-growing and can climb or trail in a hanging basket. It is low maintenance and can thrive in low to bright indirect light.
Cebu Blue PothosThe Cebu Blue Pothos is a hybrid of the Pothos species, named for its unique blue-green foliage. Its leaves are slightly thicker than traditional Pothos leaves and have a glossy appearance. This variety is popular for its attractive color and low maintenance requirements.
Harlequin PothosThe Harlequin Pothos is a hybrid variety known for its distinctive variegated leaves. Its leaves are green with yellow or white splashes, giving it a distinctive appearance. This variety is popular for its bright, cheerful appearance and low maintenance needs.
Global Green PothosThe Global Green Pothos is a traditional Pothos variety that is known for its lush, green foliage. Its leaves are heart-shaped and slightly larger than traditional Pothos leaves. This variety is popular for its simple, classic appearance and its ability to clean indoor air of pollutants.

Diversity of Pothos Varieties

The popularity of Pothos plants has led to the development of numerous varieties, each with their unique leaf patterns and colors. From bright neon greens to variegated patterns of white, yellow, and green, there is a Pothos variety to suit every taste. In this section, we will explore the different types of Pothos plants and the characteristics that set each one apart.

A Wide Range of Options

Epipremnum aureum - Marble Queen
Epipremnum aureum - Marble Queen

There are many different Pothos varieties, each with its own distinct look. Some of the most popular include:

  • Marble Queen: Known for its bright green leaves with white variegation, it is a stunning example of a Pothos plant.
  • Neon Pothos: This variety boasts bright neon green leaves and is a popular choice for those seeking a bold pop of color.
  • Jade Pothos: The Jade Pothos is a hardy variety. It is version of marble queen but with with pure brilliant green leaves and has a trailing growth habit.
  • Manjula Pothos: This rare variety has round, puckered leaves with a unique variegation of white, yellow, and green.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of Pothos varieties available. Whether you prefer bright, bold colors or more subtle variegation, there is a Pothos plant that will suit your tastes.

What Defines a True Pothos?

A. Understanding the Pothos Taxonomy The pothos plant is part of the Epipremnum genus, which is a large and diverse group of climbing vines and shrubs. There are many species within this genus that are commonly referred to as "pothos", but not all of them are true pothos plants. In order to understand what defines a true pothos, it's important to understand the taxonomy of the plant and its closest relatives.

Characteristics of True Pothos: Varieties of Pothos

A true pothos plant is scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum, and it is defined by its unique leaf shape, color pattern, and growth habits. The leaves of a true pothos are typically heart-shaped, with a deep green color and distinctive golden or yellow variegation. The vines of a true pothos are also notable for their tendency to climb, using aerial roots to attach themselves to a support.

Other Varieties Often Confused with True Pothos 

While many plants are commonly referred to as "pothos", there are several species within the Epipremnum genus that are often confused with true pothos plants. These include species such as Scindapsus aureus and Epipremnum pinnatum, both of which have similar-looking leaves but differ in their growth habits and other characteristics.

Distinguishing True Pothos from Other Varieties 

To distinguish a true pothos from other pothos-like species, it is essential to examine the leaves, stems, and growth habits of the plant. A true pothos will have heart-shaped leaves with a distinct yellow or golden variegation, while other species may have differently shaped leaves or lack the distinct variegation. Additionally, a true pothos will climb using aerial roots, while other species may not.

Ultimately, a true pothos plant is defined by its unique leaf shape, color pattern, and growth habits. Understanding the differences between a true pothos and other pothos-like species is vital to identify them and care for your plant properly.

The Most Common Pothos Variety

While there are many beautiful and unique Pothos varieties, one stands out as the most popular among plant enthusiasts. This variety is known for its attractive appearance, ease of care, and ability to thrive in various conditions.

Timeless Classic: The Golden Pothos

The Golden Pothos is widely regarded as the most popular variety of Pothos plant. Its bright yellow and green leaves are a striking addition to any room, and its hardiness and low maintenance requirements make it a favorite among plant owners. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, the Golden Pothos is a fantastic choice for your home or office.

Growth Habits and Care Requirements

Golden Pothos is an easy-to-grow plant that can thrive in various conditions. It is a fast grower and can quickly fill out a space with its lush foliage. 

The plant plant prefers indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions, making it an excellent choice for homes and offices with less-than-ideal lighting conditions. It also does well in average room temperatures and is relatively drought-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance option for busy plant owners. Watering once a week, or when the soil is partially dry, and fertilizing your Pothos every 4-6 weeks, is usually enough to keep it healthy and thriving.

The Golden Pothos is a versatile and attractive plant that will bring a touch of nature to any space. With its bright, cheerful leaves and low maintenance requirements, it's no wonder this variety is so popular among plant enthusiasts.

What is the Rarest Pothos?

Having looked at the most popular Pothos plant variety, we now turn our attention to a different aspect of these fascinating plants: rarity. 

Pothos plants come in a wide range of colors and patterns, some of which are quite rare and highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Below we will explore some of the rarer Pothos varieties and what sets them apart from their more common cousins.

We will look specifically at six rarest Pothos varieties, including Treubii Pothos, Green Dragon Pothos, Emerald Pothos, Skeleton Key Pothos, and Shangri La Pothos.

Treubii Pothos: 

Varieties of Pothos - Treubii Pothos
Treubii Pothos

Not universally accepted as a true Pothos being of the Scindapsus genus rather than the Epipremnum aureum, this Pothos variety is native to the dense rainforests of Southeast Asia. The 'Moonlight' variety has a silvery green appearance without any variegation, while the 'Dark Form' has dark green leaves that appear almost black. The Treubii Pothos has a long, lance-shaped leaf that can grow up to 4 to 20 inches in an indoor environment. It has a rapid growth rate and can extend up to 6 to 8 feet long with a width of 1 to 2 feet. Although the Treubii Pothos does not bloom indoors, it can flower in its natural habitat.

Green Dragon Pothos: 

Green Dragon Pothos
Varieties of Pothos - Green Dragon Pothos

The Green Dragon Pothos is a variety is native to French Polynesia and has shiny, green leaves without any variegation. It is similar in look to the jade Pothos with witch it shares its same hardy nature. It grows well in light, well-draining soil and has a growth rate of 7 to 8 inches per month. The Green Dragon Pothos can grow up to 4 to 5 feet long as a hanging plant or climbing plant and has glossy, heart-shaped leaves.

Emerald Pothos: 

Varieties of Pothos - Emerald Pothos
Emerald Pothos

The Emerald Pothos is a rare variety that is native to Southeast Asia and has light green edges with a dark green central vein. This plant has a moderate to fast growth rate and can grow up to 10 feet long with heart-shaped leaves and trailing stems. Flowers do not bloom indoors, but it is a beautiful plant to have as a houseplant.

Skeleton Key Pothos: 

Skeleton-key Pothos
Skeleton-key Pothos

The Skeleton Key Pothos is native to the tropical rainforests of Asia and the Pacific and has a skeleton-like leaf pattern. It has glossy, green leaves without any variegation and can grow up to 10 feet long with a rapid growth rate. Although some argue that the Skeleton Key Pothos is not a true Pothos due to its leaf structure, its leaves resemble Pothos in their juvenile stage.

Shangri La Pothos: 

Varieties of Pothos - Shangri La Pothos
Shangri La Pothos

This rare Pothos variety, also known as the 'Sleeping Pothos', has a unique wrinkled and somewhat rolled-up leaf structure. It requires light, acidic, and well-drained soil and has a slow to moderate growth rate, growing up to 3 to 5 feet indoors and 6 to 8 feet outdoors. The Shangri La Pothos has a glossy green color with light yellow variegation.

Silvery Ann Pothos: 

Varieties of Pothos - silvery ann
Silvery Ann Pothos

The Silvery Ann Pothos is native to Southeast Asia and has a beautiful silvery appearance with white variegation over green leaves. It grows at a moderate rate and can reach a length of up to 10 feet. The Silvery Ann Pothos is similar to the Silver Satin Pothos, but it is not exactly the same.

Suplemental Information: Varieties of Pothos

Native to the tropical rainforests of the South Pacific, these vining plants have become a staple in homes and offices, adding a touch of green to any space. With their long, trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, Pothos plants come in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a versatile addition to any decor.

The Benefits of Pothos Plants: Pothos Plant Varieties

Pothos plants are prized for their ability to purify the air and provide a calming, natural atmosphere. They are also low maintenance, thriving in a range of light levels and requiring infrequent watering. These hardy plants can grow to be quite large, making them perfect for filling empty corners or climbing up trellises and wall mounts. With their lush foliage and effortless beauty, Pothos plants are a wonderful choice for anyone looking to add some greenery to their space.

Jess Simpson
Jess SimpsonFounder of Plant Care Simplified

Jess is a true horticulturist whose passion for plants has led her to become an expert in tropical houseplants. Jess was born and raised in South East Asia surrounded by lush jungles and lush botanical gardens. This environment prompted her to develop a love for all things green and growing. A move to the UK helped her plant care skills and improved her knowledge Her commitment to her craft and her dedication to her customers has earned her a reputation as one of the best in the business. She continues to inspire others with her love for nature and the environment.Bio Page

More Posts