An Expert Guide to Choosing Between Different Varieties of Pothos Plant

Pothos plants are everywhere. You’ve seen them. In apartments, in offices, in waiting rooms. People call them Devil’s Ivy because they’re nearly impossible to kill. Forget to water them? They’ll wait. Stuck in a dim corner? They’ll adapt. That’s why they’re one of the most popular houseplants on the planet.

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But “pothos” isn’t just one thing. There are dozens of varieties. Some have bright yellow streaks. Others are almost white. Some look silvery. A few have leaves shaped like keys or curled up like they’re sleeping. Each one has its own look, its own personality. And some are so rare people trade cuttings like collector’s items.

This guide covers them all. We start with the most common—the Golden Pothos, the one you’ve probably owned or seen a hundred times. Then we go deeper: what actually makes a “true” pothos? (Hint: it’s about the scientific name, Epipremnum aureum.) We’ll show you how to tell it apart from lookalikes that aren’t technically pothos but get called that anyway.

We also explain why these plants are so popular. It’s not just about looks. They clean your air. They grow in low light. They don’t need constant attention. You can ignore them for a week and they’ll still be fine.

And then we get to the rare ones. The ones collectors chase. The Treubii with its near-black leaves. The Shangri La with its wrinkled, sleeping foliage. We’ll tell you where they come from, how they grow, and why people are willing to pay more for them.

Whether you’re new to plants or you’ve got a jungle in your living room, there’s a pothos for you. This guide will help you find it.

The Most Popular Varieties of Pothos Plant

Let’s be clear: when most people say “pothos,” they mean Golden Pothos. It’s the default. The starter plant. The one your mom had in the ’90s and your roommate has now.

But it’s not alone. There are at least a dozen common types you can find at garden centers, big box stores, or online. We’ve listed them below—not in a stiff table, but in simple descriptions. No jargon. Just what they look like, how they grow, and why you might want one.

Golden Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

This is the classic. Bright green leaves streaked with gold or yellow. Heart-shaped. Grows fast. Trails or climbs. Doesn’t care if your light is bad. Water it when the soil feels dry. That’s it. If you’ve never owned a plant before, start here.

Marble Queen

Green and white, like actual marble. Softer patterns than Golden Pothos. Leaves get big—up to two feet if you let them. Grows slower, but still tough. Perfect for low-light spots where you want something elegant.

Neon Pothos

Loud. Bright. Almost glowing green. Leaves are smaller—about six to eight inches—and stand out against any background. If your room feels dull, this one wakes it up. Easy to grow. Just don’t put it in direct sun.

Manjula

Big, round, wavy leaves. Cream, white, and green all swirled together. No two leaves look the same. Grows quickly. Sends out lots of little roots. Looks fancy, but doesn’t act like it. Great if you like watching plants change.

N’Joy

Green leaves splashed with creamy white. Compact. Doesn’t take over your shelf. Leaves have a slight shine. Fast grower. Good for small spaces or desks.

Jade Pothos:

Solid, deep green heart-shaped leaves. No variegation. The classic, no-fuss pothos.

Silver Satin

Thick, silvery leaves with a soft shine. Feels different—almost waxy. Not a true pothos (it’s Scindapsus pictus), but everyone treats it like one. Likes to climb. Looks elegant next to books or lamps.

Aloha (Hawaiian)

Big, tropical leaves. Green with yellow streaks. Vines can hit ten feet. Feels like vacation. Great for filling empty walls or tall shelves.

Baltic Blue

The The most noticeable feature of the Baltic blue is the blue-green deeply fenestrated (split) leaves giving it a dragon’s-tail-like appearance. This pothos plant stands out in any room. Makes a statement without screaming.

Cebu Blue

Pointy, arrow-shaped leaves. Shiny blue-green. Looks nothing like the usual heart shape. Also Scindapsus. Climbs like crazy if you give it a moss pole. Feels prehistoric.

Harlequin

Green leaves with random splashes of white or yellow. Like someone flicked paint on them. No pattern repeats. Each leaf is its own little artwork.

Global Green

Solid, deep green. No streaks. No fuss. Just green. Cleans the air. Grows steadily. If you want something simple and reliable, this is it.

Glacier

Green and white, but the white leans silver. Grows slowly. Needs more light than most to keep its color bright. Worth it if you like subtle, silvery tones.

Jessenia

Yellow and green, but softer and more blended than Golden Pothos. Oval leaves with slightly wavy edges. Trails beautifully from hanging pots. Easy-going.

Snow Queen

Mostly white with thin green edges. Very slow grower. Needs bright, indirect light or it turns all green. Looks like snow settled on the leaves. High maintenance for color, low maintenance otherwise.

That’s the common stuff. Next, we’ll break down what makes a “true” pothos—and why some of your favorites might not actually be one. Then we’ll dive into the rare ones. But for now, if you’re looking to buy your first (or fifth) pothos, any of these will do just fine. They’re all easy. They’re all beautiful. And they’ll all outlive your worst plant-killing habits.

Diversity of Pothos Varieties

People love pothos. That’s why there are so many kinds. Breeders and growers kept selecting plants with unusual colors or shapes. Over time, that gave us dozens of varieties. Some leaves are neon green. Others look like they’ve been painted with white or silver. A few are almost black. There’s a pothos for every taste—whether you like bold, bright colors or soft, subtle patterns.

It’s not just about looks, either. Some grow fast. Others grow slow. Some trail down from shelves. Others climb up walls. You can pick one based on how much space you have, how much light you get, or just which one catches your eye.

With a Wide Range of Options Which Should You Choose?

Here are a few reason that you might consider a specific variety :

Marble Queen
Not just popular—iconic. Green and white, swirled like marble. Big leaves. Slow grower. Doesn’t mind low light. Looks fancy but doesn’t need fancy care.

Neon Pothos
If you want color that jumps out, this is it. Bright, almost glowing green. Smaller leaves. Perfect for shelves, desks, or anywhere you need a visual punch.

Jade Pothos
Solid, deep green. No streaks. No patterns. Just pure green leaves. Heart-shaped. Trails beautifully. Cleans the air. Super reliable. Think of it as the “quiet achiever” of the pothos world.

Manjula Pothos
Thick, round, wavy leaves. Cream, white, and green all mixed together. Each leaf looks different. Grows quickly. Looks expensive. Acts easy.

These are just a few. Walk into any plant shop and you’ll see more. The point is—you’ve got options that are likely to suit your plant decor aesthetic. Pick the one that fits your space, your light, and your mood.

What Defines a True Pothos?

Not every plant called “pothos” is actually a pothos. That might sound confusing, but it’s simple once you know.

The real pothos is Epipremnum aureum. That’s its scientific name. If you see that on the tag, you’ve got the genuine article.

What makes it a true pothos?

Heart-shaped leaves.
Usually some kind of yellow or gold streaking (though not always).
Grows by sending out little roots that grab onto things—perfect for climbing.

Some plants look almost identical but belong to a different family. Scindapsus, for example. People call them pothos because they grow the same way and look similar. But technically? Not the same plant.

Other Varieties Often Confused with True Pothos

Here’s where things get messy.

Scindapsus pictus — That’s Silver Satin. Thick, silvery leaves. Feels waxy. Climbs well. Often sold as “pothos,” but it’s not Epipremnum aureum.

Epipremnum pinnatum — This one’s close. Same genus. But the leaves are different—more elongated, less heart-shaped. Sometimes called “Cebu Blue” in its juvenile stage.

Treubii — Long, narrow leaves. Silvery or near-black. Grows fast. Looks nothing like a classic pothos leaf. Often labeled as Scindapsus.

None of this means they’re bad plants. They’re all great. But if you’re picky about taxonomy—or you’re trying to learn the real names—this is what you need to know.

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Distinguishing True Pothos from Other Varieties

How do you tell them apart? Look at three things:

The leaf shape. True pothos = heart-shaped. Scindapsus or pinnatum = often longer, pointier, or more oval.
The color pattern. Golden streaks? That’s classic Epipremnum aureum. Solid silver? Probably Scindapsus.
The growth habit. All of them climb. All of them trail. But true pothos sends out those little gripping roots more aggressively.

Bottom line: It doesn’t matter much for care. They all like the same things—indirect light, occasional water, room temperature. But if you want to know exactly what you’re growing, check the label. Or snap a photo and look it up. The name tells the story.

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The Most Common Pothos Variety Golden Pothos

Let’s talk about the king of houseplants: Golden Pothos.

It’s everywhere. For good reason.

Bright green leaves streaked with gold or yellow. Heart-shaped. Grows like crazy. Doesn’t care if you forget to water it. Doesn’t need a sunny window. Just… grows.

It’s the plant you give to someone who says, “I kill every plant I touch.” And somehow, it survives. Thrives, even.

Growth Habits and Care Requirements

Here’s how to keep it happy:

Light: Bright, indirect is best. But it’ll survive in low light. Just don’t put it in direct sun—that burns the leaves.
Water: Wait until the top inch of soil is dry. Then water it. Drain the pot. Don’t let it sit in water. Once a week is usually enough. Less in winter.
Temperature: Normal room temp. Doesn’t like cold drafts.
Fertilizer: Once every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer. Skip it in winter.
Pruning: Cut it back if it gets too long. The cuttings? Stick them in water. They’ll root. Then you’ve got a new plant.

It trails. It climbs. It fills shelves. It covers walls. It cleans your air. And it asks for almost nothing in return.

No wonder it’s the most popular.

Caring for Other Varieties of Pothos

Some pothos varieties require different conditions. Snow Queen and Marble Queen need brighter light to keep their white variegation from fading to green.

Shangri La hates soggy soil—let it dry out more between waterings.

Cebu Blue and Treubii climb aggressively—they’ll need a moss pole or trellis to look their best.

Realistic Growth Expectations

Some varieties grow fast (Golden, Manjula). Others grow slow (Snow Queen, Shangri La). If you want quick results, go for Neon or Golden. If you’re patient and love rare looks, Snow Queen or Glacier are worth the wait.

Common Problems & How to Fix Them

Every pothos owner runs into issues at some point. You don’t just want to know what to buy you want know how to keep it alive.

Troubleshooting:

Yellow leaves? → Usually overwatering. Let soil dry out.
Brown, crispy edges? → Too dry or too much direct sun.
Leggy vines with small leaves? → Not enough light. Move it closer to a window.
All-green leaves on a variegated plant? → Needs more light to keep its color.

Toxicity Warning (Important!)

Safety first! Pothos are toxic to cats, dogs, and small children if chewed or swallowed.

Pothos plants contain calcium oxalate crystals. If eaten, they can cause mouth irritation, drooling, or vomiting in pets and kids. Keep them out of reach if you have curious animals or toddlers.

Propagation Guide — How to Grow More From Cuttings

Propagation is one of the biggest reasons people love pothos. It’s a core part of the experience. Pothos are famously easy to propagate.

Simple step-by-step:

Snip a stem just below a node (the little bump where leaves and roots grow).
Put it in water or moist soil.
Wait 2–4 weeks. Roots will grow.
Plant it. Done.

What is the Rarest Pothos?

Now let’s talk about the ones you won’t find at the grocery store. The ones people hunt for. The ones that sell for $50, $100, even more—for a single cutting.

These are rare not because they’re hard to grow. Most of them are just as easy as Golden Pothos. They’re rare because they’re hard to find. Slow to propagate. Or just… unusual looking.

Here are the six of the rarest:

Treubii Pothos

Two types: Moonlight and Dark Form.

Moonlight — Silvery-green leaves. Long and narrow. Looks like brushed metal.

Dark Form — So dark green it looks black. Same shape. Just… moody.

Grows fast. Vines get long—6 to 8 feet indoors. Doesn’t flower inside. Technically not a true pothos (it’s Scindapsus), but everyone calls it one. Looks like nothing else.

Green Dragon Pothos

Shiny, solid green leaves. No variegation. Looks like Jade Pothos but with larger, slightly different leaf shape—more elongated, less heart-like. Grows about 7 inches a month. Can hit 4–5 feet long. Loves to climb. Easy to care for. Just give it something to grab onto.

Emerald Pothos

Dark green center with a light green edge. Like it’s outlined. Heart-shaped leaves. Trails up to 10 feet. Grows fast. Doesn’t flower indoors. Looks lush. Feels tropical. Rare because not many growers have it.

Skeleton Key Pothos

Long, narrow leaves with deep cuts—like an old skeleton key. Glossy green. No variegation. Grows fast. Can hit 10 feet. Some say it’s not a true pothos because the leaf shape is so different. But in its young stage, it looks just like one. Odd. Cool. Hard to find.

Shangri La Pothos (Sleeping Pothos)

Leaves are wrinkled. Curled up. Like they’re sleeping. Hence the name. Grows slow. Needs soil that drains well. Likes bright, indirect light. Gets to 3–5 feet indoors. Glossy green with light yellow streaks. Looks like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.

Silvery Ann Pothos

Mostly white and silver. Tiny bits of green. Looks frosty. Grows up to 10 feet. Often confused with Silver Satin—but Silvery Ann is whiter, less silvery. Also Scindapsus. Also rare. Also beautiful.

Where to Buy Rare Varieties

You won’t find Treubii or Shangri La at your local hardware store. Try Etsy, Facebook plant groups, or specialty nurseries like Logee’s or Gabriella Plants.

Supplemental Information: Why Pothos Belong in Your Home

They’re from tropical rainforests. That’s why they like humidity and warmth. But they’ve adapted. They grow fine in dry apartments. In offices with fluorescent lights. In bathrooms with no windows.

They clean the air. NASA even studied them. They pull out toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.

They grow big. Fill empty corners. Cover bare walls. Trail from high shelves. Climb moss poles. You decide how you want them to look.

And they’re cheap. Or free. Cut a piece. Put it in water. Wait a few weeks. Now you’ve got a new plant. Give it to a friend. Start a collection. Grow a jungle.

They don’t ask for much. They give back a lot.

“Start Here” Recommendation

New to plants? Start with Golden or Jade Pothos. They’re tough, fast, and forgiving. Once you’ve got the hang of it, try Neon or Marble Queen. Feeling confident? Hunt down a Treubii or Shangri La. There’s a pothos for every level.

However you start—just start. You won’t regret it.