Epipremnum aureum ‘Pearls and Jade’ is a popular houseplant, celebrated for its unique foliage and relatively straightforward care. This cultivar of the broader Pothos family offers an attractive display of variegated leaves that can enhance any indoor setting. Its trailing vines make it a versatile choice for shelves or hanging baskets, bringing a touch of natural beauty to various spaces.
Identifying ‘Pearls and Jade’
The ‘Pearls and Jade’ Pothos is distinguished by its specific variegation pattern, which includes creamy white, grey-green, and deep green patches. These colors often appear in irregular blotches, streaks, and speckles across the leaf surface. This cultivar originated as a natural mutation of the ‘Marble Queen’ Pothos.
To differentiate ‘Pearls and Jade’ from similar Pothos varieties, observe its coloration and texture. ‘N’Joy’ Pothos exhibits crisper, more defined patches of white and green without the grey-green speckles found on ‘Pearls and Jade’. In contrast, ‘Marble Queen’ Pothos features a more mottled, creamy yellow-green variegation, with larger leaves. The smaller leaf size and the presence of grey tones are key indicators for identifying ‘Pearls and Jade’.
Caring for Your ‘Pearls and Jade’ Pothos
Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light is ideal for ‘Pearls and Jade’ Pothos. Place the plant a few feet back from a south or west-facing window, or directly in front of a north or east-facing window. Adequate light maintains variegation; too little light can cause white and grey areas to fade or revert to solid green. Avoid direct sunlight, as thinner leaves are prone to scorching and brown patches.
Watering Practices
Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Feel the soil to gauge moisture. Overwatering causes root rot, making roots soft and mushy and hindering nutrient absorption. Underwatering causes leaves to wilt or develop brown tips, though the plant typically recovers once watered.
Soil Mix
An ideal soil mix for ‘Pearls and Jade’ Pothos is well-draining, loose, and aerated to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy roots. A suitable blend includes quality potting soil, perlite, pine bark, or orchid bark. These enhance drainage and air circulation. A mixture of equal parts potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark is recommended.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Pearls and Jade’ Pothos prefers average room temperatures (65-85°F / 18-29°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C), stressing the plant. While it adapts to typical household humidity, higher humidity benefits its growth. To increase humidity, place the plant on a pebble tray, group it with other plants, or use a humidifier.
Fertilization
During the active growing season (spring and summer), ‘Pearls and Jade’ Pothos benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month. This cultivar is not a heavy feeder; frequent fertilization is unnecessary and can lead to salt accumulation. Reduce or stop fertilizing entirely during fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Propagating ‘Pearls and Jade’
Propagating ‘Pearls and Jade’ Pothos is straightforward, typically done with stem cuttings in water. Select a healthy vine and take a cutting four to six inches long, ensuring several leaves and at least two to three nodes (the small bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge). Remove leaves from the bottom one to two nodes for rooting.
Submerge the exposed nodes in clean water, keeping leaves above the waterline. Place the container in bright, indirect light. Change the water weekly to prevent bacterial growth. Roots typically form within a few weeks; once one to two inches long, transplant the cutting into a well-draining potting mix.
Troubleshooting Common ‘Pearls and Jade’ Problems
Loss of variegation (where patterns diminish) indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter, indirect light location to restore vibrant colors. Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves.
Yellowing leaves are a sign of overwatering, leading to root rot. Consistently wet soil suffocates and decays roots. Allow the topsoil to dry thoroughly between waterings and ensure the pot has drainage holes. Yellowing can also indicate nutrient deficiencies if not fertilized recently.
Brown tips or edges on leaves result from low humidity or underwatering. Increase ambient humidity through misting, pebble trays, or a humidifier. Consistent watering also helps prevent dryness.
Leggy growth (long, sparse vines with few leaves) suggests inadequate light. The plant stretches towards light sources. Providing brighter, indirect light and regular pruning encourages bushier, more compact growth.
Common houseplant pests like spider mites and mealybugs can affect ‘Pearls and Jade’ Pothos. Regularly inspect the plant, especially undersides of leaves, to detect infestations early. Treatment involves gently wiping away pests, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil.