The ‘Snowy Morning Pothos’ (Epipremnum aureum ‘Snowy Morning’) is a visually appealing houseplant known for its striking white and green variegation, giving it a “snowy” appearance. Its unique foliage and relatively easy care make it suitable for both beginners and experienced plant owners. The plant’s trailing or climbing vines add a dynamic element to any home decor.
Snowy Morning Pothos Care
Light
‘Snowy Morning Pothos’ thrives in bright, indirect light, which is crucial for maintaining its prominent white and green variegation. Placing the plant near an east or west-facing window is ideal, providing sufficient light without harsh direct sun. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light leads to a loss of variegation.
Watering
This plant prefers its soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. While ‘Snowy Morning Pothos’ can tolerate some drought, consistent overwatering causes more harm than occasional underwatering.
Soil
A well-draining, aerated potting mix is best for ‘Snowy Morning Pothos’. An all-purpose indoor potting mix with added perlite or coco coir improves drainage and prevents compaction. This ensures efficient water flow and prevents waterlogging. A common mix is two-thirds indoor potting soil and one-third perlite.
Temperature and Humidity
‘Snowy Morning Pothos’ prefers warm conditions, with an ideal temperature range between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). It is sensitive to cold temperatures and should be kept away from drafts or heating vents, which can cause stress and hinder growth. While adaptable to average household humidity, it thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40-60%. To increase humidity, consider misting the leaves, placing the plant on a pebble tray with water, or using a room humidifier, especially during dry winter months.
Fertilizing
During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, ‘Snowy Morning Pothos’ benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer once a month, diluted to half the recommended strength. Over-fertilizing can harm the plant and cause root burn or yellowing leaves. Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Propagating Snowy Morning Pothos
Propagating ‘Snowy Morning Pothos’ is a straightforward process, most commonly achieved through stem cuttings. The best time to propagate is during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy vine and cut a 2-3 inch section with at least one leaf and a node (the small bump where a leaf attaches). Cut just below a node, as roots emerge from this point.
Cuttings can be rooted in water or soil. If propagating in water, place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged and leaves remain above the waterline. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh and prevent algae buildup. Roots typically begin to form within a few weeks.
For soil propagation, plant the cutting directly into a small pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, burying the node to encourage root growth. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until roots are established. Once roots are a few inches long, transplant the new plant into a larger pot. Multiple cuttings can be planted together for a fuller plant.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Several issues can arise with ‘Snowy Morning Pothos’, often signaling imbalances in care. Yellowing leaves are a common symptom and can indicate overwatering, insufficient light, or even nutrient deficiencies. If leaves are yellow and mushy, overwatering is likely, whereas if they are crispy and yellow, it might suggest underwatering. Adjusting the watering schedule and ensuring proper drainage can resolve these issues.
Browning leaf tips often point to low humidity or underwatering. Increasing ambient humidity through misting or pebble trays can help, as can ensuring the soil is adequately moist. Direct sunlight can also cause brown, scorched spots on leaves. Fading or greening variegation indicates insufficient bright, indirect light. Move the plant to a brighter location to restore its color.
Toxicity Concerns
‘Snowy Morning Pothos’, like other Pothos varieties, contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic if ingested. These crystals can cause immediate pain, burning, and swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat. The sap may also cause skin or eye irritation upon contact. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of pets and small children to prevent accidental ingestion.