“White pothos” refers to several popular varieties distinguished by prominent white variegation. These cultivars offer an appealing and easy-to-care-for houseplant option, bringing a bright aesthetic to indoor spaces. Their vining habit allows for versatile display, whether cascading from shelves or climbing.
Understanding White Pothos Varieties
The term “white pothos” describes specific Epipremnum aureum cultivars with significant white patterns on their leaves, rather than a distinct species. Each variety presents unique variegation. ‘N’Joy’ pothos displays crisp, well-defined white or cream patches sharply contrasted against green, typically without green speckles. ‘Pearls and Jade’ pothos, a patented University of Florida cultivar, features green leaves marbled with white, cream, and often hints of silver-gray, commonly speckled with green.
‘Glacier’ pothos exhibits smaller leaves with streaky white and silver-gray patterns, often with an intermediate silver tone. ‘Manjula’ pothos, a University of Florida creation, has heart-shaped leaves with an irregular, wavy margin, showcasing a mix of white, cream, and green that can appear as splashes or marbling. The variegation on ‘Manjula’ can range from an even distribution of colors to predominantly white leaves with green spots. ‘Snow Queen’ pothos distinguishes itself with a higher proportion of white, often appearing as creamy white and minty green splashes across the leaves.
Essential Care for White Pothos
Caring for white-variegated pothos requires attention to specific environmental factors to maintain their distinctive foliage. These plants are generally resilient, but their white areas, which lack chlorophyll, make them more sensitive to improper conditions. Consistent care encourages healthy growth and vibrant variegation.
Light
White pothos varieties require bright, indirect light to maintain their striking variegation. Too little light can cause the white sections to fade or the plant to revert to solid green, as the plant attempts to produce more chlorophyll. Conversely, direct sunlight can scorch the delicate white areas of the leaves, leading to browning or crispy spots. Ideal placement is often near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window, possibly with a sheer curtain to diffuse intense light.
Watering
Proper watering practices are important to prevent issues like root rot. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to soggy soil, which deprives roots of oxygen and promotes fungal growth. While these plants are somewhat drought-tolerant, consistent watering when the soil is adequately dry supports their overall health.
Soil
White pothos thrives in a rich, airy, and well-draining potting mix. A standard indoor potting mix is often suitable, but incorporating amendments like perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir can enhance drainage and aeration. This ensures that while the soil retains some moisture, it does not become waterlogged. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is preferred for optimal nutrient absorption.
Temperature and Humidity
Pothos plants prefer stable indoor temperatures, ideally ranging between 65°F and 85°F (18°C-29°C). They are sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C), which can cause damage. While pothos can tolerate average household humidity, higher humidity levels, between 40-60%, are beneficial and can promote more vigorous growth. Misting, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby can increase humidity, especially in drier indoor environments.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), white pothos benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, applied monthly or bi-weekly, is effective. Fertilizing supports vigorous growth and helps maintain the vibrancy of the foliage. Reduce or cease fertilization during the fall and winter months when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Pruning
Pruning white pothos helps maintain its shape, encourages bushier growth, and promotes overall plant health. Removing leggy stems or those that have reverted to solid green can redirect the plant’s energy towards more variegated growth. Pruning can be done in spring, summer, or fall by cutting back up to a third of the plant. This practice also encourages new side shoots, contributing to a fuller appearance.
Propagating White Pothos
Propagating white pothos is a straightforward process, commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section that includes at least one node, which is the small bump where a leaf or aerial root emerges. Cuttings measure 4-6 inches in length. Remove any leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting, ensuring the node is exposed.
- Place cuttings in a container of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Roots usually begin to develop within a few weeks; change the water weekly to keep it fresh.
- Alternatively, cuttings can be planted directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix.
- Once roots are well-established (1-2 inches long in water), the new plants can be transferred to soil.
- Provide bright, indirect light and maintain a warm, humid environment for successful rooting and establishment.
Troubleshooting Common White Pothos Issues
White pothos can exhibit issues that indicate environmental stress or pest infestations.
Watering and Humidity Issues
Yellowing leaves often point to improper watering (too much or too little) or insufficient light. Browning leaf tips can suggest low humidity or underwatering. Ensuring the plant is in well-draining soil and allowing it to dry out slightly between waterings can mitigate these problems. Specific concerns for white-variegated varieties include browning or crispy white sections, which commonly result from too much direct sunlight or very low humidity.
Variegation Loss
Loss of white variegation, where the leaves become predominantly green, is due to insufficient light. Moving the plant to a brighter, indirect light location can help restore the white patterns.
Pests
Common pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, and fungus gnats can affect pothos. These can be addressed by isolating the plant, wiping leaves with rubbing alcohol for mealybugs or scales, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil for broader infestations.