The Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as the Pothos plant, is one of the most popular and easy-to-grow houseplants. This tropical vine is celebrated for its low-maintenance requirements and trailing growth habit, making it suitable for hanging baskets or climbing supports. Understanding where to acquire a Pothos and how to select a healthy specimen is important before bringing one home.
Retail and Online Purchasing Sources
The most accessible option for purchasing a Pothos is typically a big box store or large chain garden center, offering low cost and high convenience. These retailers often stock a high volume of common varieties, such as the Golden Pothos, keeping prices lower than specialized sources. However, plant quality can be inconsistent. Plants are frequently watered on a standardized schedule and may not receive individualized care, sometimes resulting in issues like overwatering stress.
Local nurseries and independent garden centers represent a higher-quality purchasing environment, where plants often receive better care from knowledgeable staff. While prices are generally higher than big box stores, you are more likely to find healthier specimens acclimated to a local environment. These specialized stores can also offer advice specific to your home and may carry a wider selection of less common cultivars.
For individuals seeking rare or highly variegated Pothos varieties, online retailers and specialty plant websites provide the greatest selection. This method allows access to unique cultivars not typically found in brick-and-mortar stores, appealing particularly to collectors. The primary risk with online ordering is the stress and potential damage during shipping. This risk can be mitigated by choosing vendors who specialize in live plant delivery and offer protective packaging, such as heat packs.
Popular Pothos Varieties for Buyers
When selecting a Pothos, the visual differences between common varieties are a primary consideration. The Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is the most widespread, featuring classic heart-shaped green leaves splashed with streaks of yellow or gold variegation. This coloring is generally more pronounced when the plant receives brighter indirect light.
The Jade Pothos is distinguished by its uniform, deep emerald-green foliage with no variegation. This makes it an excellent choice for lower-light conditions. In contrast, the Marble Queen Pothos displays heavy marbling with creamy white and green sections, often having more white than green on some leaves. Because the white variegation lacks chlorophyll, this variety grows slower and requires brighter light to maintain its distinct coloration.
The Neon Pothos has vibrant, uniform, lime-green to chartreuse-colored leaves that intensify in brightness with sufficient light exposure. Unlike variegated types, the neon coloring is consistent across the entire leaf surface, offering a different aesthetic. Selecting a variety involves balancing aesthetic preference with available light conditions, as more white or neon coloring generally implies a need for greater light intensity.
Evaluating Plant Health Before Purchase
Before finalizing a purchase, a thorough physical inspection of the Pothos is necessary to ensure you are bringing home a healthy specimen. Begin by examining the leaves, particularly the undersides and where the leaf meets the stem, for evidence of common houseplant pests. Look for tiny webs suggesting spider mites, small brown bumps indicating scale insects, or cottony white masses signaling mealybugs.
The condition of the soil and the plant’s base offer important clues about its health. Soggy soil that feels consistently wet is a warning sign of potential overwatering, which can lead to root rot. If possible, inspect the drainage holes for dark, mushy roots or a foul odor, which are definitive signs of a fungal infection.
Finally, look for signs of active and healthy growth, such as new, unfurling leaves at the ends of the vines. A healthy Pothos should have firm stems and no widespread yellowing or drooping of the foliage, unless attributable to the normal aging of the lowest leaves. Choosing a plant with firm leaves and visible new growth increases the likelihood of a successful transition to your home.