The Pothos plant is one of the most popular and resilient houseplants. Although all Pothos belong to the same species, years of cultivation have resulted in many distinct varieties, or cultivars, each displaying unique visual characteristics. By focusing on a few key visual traits, you can confidently determine which type of Pothos is thriving in your home.
Fundamental Features for Pothos Identification
Differentiating between Pothos cultivars relies on examining three main visual characteristics, starting with overall leaf color. This color ranges from deep, solid green in some varieties to vibrant lime-green or chartreuse in others.
The second, and often most distinguishing, feature is the variegation pattern, which refers to the distribution of non-green color across the leaf surface. This non-green color can appear as white, cream, silver, or yellow. The pattern itself can be described as speckled, marbled, or blocky.
Finally, leaf shape and texture offer further clues to identification. Most Pothos leaves are cordate, or heart-shaped, but they vary in size and thickness. Some cultivars have smaller, daintier leaves, while others produce broad, wavy foliage.
Guide to Common Pothos Cultivars
The Jade Pothos represents the original, non-variegated form of the plant and is the most straightforward to identify. Its leaves are a uniform, deep, glossy green, lacking any secondary color, which contributes to its reputation as one of the most low-light tolerant varieties. Closely related is the Neon Pothos, which is also a solid color but features vivid lime-green or chartreuse foliage that intensifies with brighter light exposure.
The Golden Pothos is the most widely recognized cultivar, characterized by medium-green leaves speckled or splashed with golden-yellow variegation. In contrast, the Marble Queen Pothos is defined by heavy white and cream variegation marbled and swirled across the deep green leaf base.
The high concentration of white on the Marble Queen means it requires more light to photosynthesize effectively and typically grows slower. Another cultivar featuring heavy white variegation is the Manjula Pothos, distinguished by its broad, often wavy-edged leaves. The variegation on the Manjula is a mix of creamy white, silver, and various shades of green, giving it a unique painterly effect.
For a crisper, more defined look, the N’Joy Pothos and Pearls and Jade Pothos are often confused. The N’Joy features smaller leaves with sharp, blocky patches of pure white and dark green. The Pearls and Jade variety shares the compact leaf shape but has small flecks of green mottling or speckling within the white variegation.
Pothos Look-Alikes and Misidentification
Pothos plants are frequently mistaken for other vining houseplants. A common mislabeled plant is the Satin Pothos, which is not a true Pothos but a different genus. This plant is easily identified by its unique leaf texture, which is thicker and has a velvety, matte appearance. It also features distinct silver or grayish markings that are reflective, not purely white or yellow.
Another common source of misidentification is the Heartleaf Philodendron, which has a similar vining habit and heart-shaped foliage. The most reliable way to tell the difference is by examining the point where the leaf stem meets the main vine. A new Pothos leaf emerges tightly rolled directly from the previous leaf’s stem.
In contrast, a new Philodendron leaf is encased in a temporary, papery sheath called a cataphyll, which dries up and falls off after the leaf unfurls. Pothos also have thicker, more prominent aerial roots at each node, while the Heartleaf Philodendron typically produces multiple thinner aerial roots at the same point. Additionally, Philodendron leaves are generally thinner and softer than the waxy, more robust foliage of the Pothos.