Different Pothos Plant Varieties
Pothos plants (genus Epipremnum) are versatile houseplants prized for their adaptability and low-maintenance care. With their trailing vines and attractive foliage, they're a popular choice for adding greenery to indoor spaces. Often used in hanging baskets, as ground cover, or on shelves, pothos plants enhance home decor while also purifying the air. Known for their ability to remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, these plants contribute to a healthier indoor environment.
Discover 10 unique pothos plant varieties in this article by thedailyECO. We delve into their key characteristics, care requirements, and showcase stunning photos.
- Common pothos or Epipremnum aureum
- Centipede Pothos or Epipremnum pinnatum
- Lance Leaf Pothos or Pothos lancifolius
- Fern-Leaf Pothos or Pothos longipes
- Borneo Pothos or Pothos paiei
- Mini Pothos or Pothos repens
- Devil's Ivy or Pothos scandens
- Giant Pothos or Pothos grandis
- Pothos Manjula or Epipremnum aureum manjula
- Silver Pothos or Pothos pinnatum Cebu Blue
Common pothos or Epipremnum aureum
The plant commonly known as Golden Pothos is renowned for its striking appearance, featuring green leaves with a golden-yellow sheen. Previously classified as Pothos aureus, it is now scientifically recognized as Epipremnum aureum. Despite the change in its scientific name, it is still widely referred to as the common pothos or the telephone plant. Its heart-shaped leaves are both resilient and attractive.
Golden Pothos is a climbing plant and requires regular watering to thrive. If it becomes too dry, its growth may be significantly hindered. Young plants need careful guidance to support their growth, as mature stems can become brittle.
As the plant matures, its leaves will naturally seek out light, so it’s important to provide abundant, indirect light while avoiding waterlogging. This hardy plant can live for many years with proper care.
Centipede Pothos or Epipremnum pinnatum
Commonly known as Centipede Pothos or Tonga Vine Pothos, this variety is celebrated for its attractive light green leaves, with variegated types displaying lovely white tones. When grown without support, it forms a stunning hanging plant, and its leaves will generally be larger compared to when it is supported.
This pothos thrives in a humid environment, so it's important to regularly mist its leaves, stems, and the soil surface to maintain the necessary moisture. Its taxonomic classification follows a similar pattern to that described for other pothos varieties.
Lance Leaf Pothos or Pothos lancifolius
This pothos is a rare variety, originally from Malaysia, that has quickly gained popularity. It has delicate, thin stems and elongated, dark green leaves with a pointed tip. Although its appearance might suggest fragility, it is a remarkably resilient and durable plant, much like other pothos species.
Despite its delicate look, this variety is hardy and long-lasting, making it a unique yet robust addition to any plant collection.
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Fern-Leaf Pothos or Pothos longipes
Pothos longipes is a unique pothos variety that closely resembles common ferns in appearance. Native to Australia, it features elongated leaves with two rows of small leaflets emerging from the vertical middle. Known for its excellent climbing ability, this plant can cling to tree trunks and grow supported by them in the wild.
The leaves are relatively small, measuring 1.5 to 5 cm (0.6 to 2 inches) in length and 5 to 15 mm (0.2 to 0.6 inches) in width. Fresh seeds from this plant germinate easily, and they also serve as food for various bird species, adding to the plant's ecological significance.
Borneo Pothos or Pothos paiei
Pothos paiei is a fast-growing pothos variety, native to the tropical rainforests of Borneo. Officially named in 2020, Pothos paiei thrives in warm, humid environments similar to its natural habitat. Its thin, dark green stems and elongated leaves make it an attractive choice for plant enthusiasts.
Due to its ability to absorb moisture from both its roots and the surrounding air, Pothos paiei benefits from light misting on its leaves and stems, in addition to regular watering. When kept in tropical-like conditions with plenty of humidity and warmth, it grows quickly, making it a beautiful and fast-growing plant for indoor or greenhouse environments.
Mini Pothos or Pothos repens
Pothos repens is a pothos variety with a fern-like appearance, native to China and Vietnam. To thrive in a home environment, it needs conditions that closely resemble its natural humid forest habitat.
To ensure its well-being, provide constant moisture both to the soil and by misting the stems and leaves. Maintain a temperature of at least 20°C (68°F) and offer ample indirect light to support its growth. By mimicking its native conditions with adequate humidity, consistent watering, and proper light, Pothos repens will flourish and make a striking addition to your plant collection.
Devil's Ivy or Pothos scandens
Pothos scandens is a highly resilient and adaptable climbing plant, making it suitable for various climates and environments. Its attractive foliage can be displayed either climbing up a support or cascading down if left to hang, depending on how it’s guided.
This plant is ideal for beginners due to its straightforward care requirements. It needs consistent watering, ideally at the same time each day, and should be watered again only once the soil is dry. With minimal maintenance, Pothos scandens can thrive and enhance any indoor space with its lush, versatile growth.
Giant Pothos or Pothos grandis
Pothos grandis is a robust and impressive plant that can grow up to 20 meters (about 65 feet) in height. Native to Vietnam, it features thick, strong stems and large, striking leaves that can measure between 30 and 50 centimeters (12 to 20 inches) long.
This plant thrives in a temperate environment, avoiding extremes of heat and cold. It needs ample light to grow well, though it should be protected from direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage. With its substantial size and dramatic foliage, Pothos grandis is a striking addition to any space that can accommodate its impressive growth.
Want to ensure your pothos plants stay vibrant? Find out expert tips on reviving those yellowing leaves for a lush, green look in our latest guide.
Pothos Manjula or Epipremnum aureum manjula
Pothos manjula is a striking variety of pothos known for its beautifully marbled leaves in shades of green and white, with occasional light yellow accents. This plant is not only easy to care for, but also highly resilient and visually captivating. Its large, variegated leaves add a significant aesthetic appeal to any space.
One of its unique features is that no two leaves are identical; each one displays its own distinct patterns and color variations, reminiscent of a painter's brushstrokes. The plant’s white variegation tends to increase with more exposure to light. If you notice that the leaves are becoming droopy and losing their smooth texture, it’s likely a sign that the plant needs more water.
Silver Pothos or Pothos pinnatum Cebu Blue
This is commonly known as Silver Pothos or Blue Pothos. Native to the Philippines, it features striking green leaves with shades ranging from greyish to bluish and occasionally a metallic sheen.
Pothos in this variety thrives when grown in hanging pots or high positions, allowing its attractive foliage to cascade gracefully. Under optimal conditions, it can grow up to 3 meters (approximately 10 feet) long, making it a stunning addition to any indoor space.
If you loved exploring different pothos varieties, you’ll also enjoy our guide to the best indoor plants for transforming your living room.
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- Techniques for the Production of Pothos, Philodendron "cordatum" and Amaranta in Costa Rica. (nd). (np) Euned.
- Joe, M. (2021). Pothos Plants for Beginners: The Complete Guide on Growing, Propagation, Varieties, and Care of Pothos Plants Including Philodendron, Epipremnum and Scindapsus Houseplants. (np): Independently Published.