16 Great Pothos Varieties to Brighten Up Your Home

If you’re looking for a houseplant that’s virtually impossible to kill, pothos should be at the very top of your list.

As a passionate plant parent with dozens of varieties filling my home, I’ve grown and cared for nearly every pothos variety going. I’m here to share exactly what works.

In this guide, I’ve compiled 16 stunning pothos varieties, from the ever-popular Golden Pothos to the hard-to-find Glacier Pothos.

For each one, you’ll find a breakdown of its appearance, ideal light conditions, growth rate, and which type of plant parent it suits best.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced collector on the hunt for your next rare find, there’s a pothos variety waiting for you.

What Is a Pothos Plant?

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a tropical vining plant native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

It’s celebrated for its ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions, including low light, bright indirect light, and even inconsistent watering.

That resilience is what’s made it one of the most popular houseplants in the world.

Its trailing growth habit makes it beautiful in hanging baskets, cascading from shelves, or climbing a moss pole.

And with so many varieties to choose from, you can find a pothos that suits virtually any décor or living situation.

A few plants in this guide technically belong to closely related genera like Epipremnum pinnatum or Scindapsus pictus rather than true Epipremnum aureum.

Because their care needs and appearance are so similar to pothos, they’re widely grown and sold as pothos. That is why they have earned their place on this list.

Understanding Light Requirements for Pothos

Before diving into the varieties, it’s worth clarifying the light terminology I’ll use throughout this guide.

Getting light right is one of the most impactful things you can do for your pothos. This is especially true if you are growing a variegated variety.

Low light: A north-facing window in the northern hemisphere (or south-facing in the southern hemisphere). Light is limited here, but many pothos varieties can still survive and even thrive.

Bright indirect light: An east-facing window is ideal. Your plant receives around 4–6 hours of gentle morning sun without risk of leaf scorch.

This is the sweet spot for most pothos varieties, encouraging healthy growth and vibrant colour.

Bright direct light: A south-facing window in the northern hemisphere (or north-facing in the southern hemisphere).

This delivers full sun, which can scorch many pothos varieties in warmer climates.

💡 Avoid west-facing windows where possible. The harsh afternoon sun they receive can stress your plants, causing leaf fade, bleaching, or burn.

Pothos Varieties at a Glance

Not sure which variety to choose? Use this quick-reference table to compare your options before reading the full breakdowns below.

16 Types of Pothos Plants: From Classic to Rare

1. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Golden’)

The Golden Pothos is the one that started it all for many plant parents, and for very good reason.

Its cheerful green leaves streaked with golden-yellow variegation bring warmth to any room without overwhelming the space.

It was the first pothos I ever owned, and it’s still the one I’d recommend to any beginner without hesitation.

What makes this variety truly special is its flexibility. Unlike many variegated plants that demand bright light to maintain their colour, the Golden Pothos handles everything from low light to bright indirect light with ease.

It’s also fast-growing, easy to propagate, and inexpensive. It is one of the best-value houseplants available.

Appearance: Medium-sized, heart-shaped green leaves with yellow variegation; waxy surface that enhances its natural glow

Light: Low to bright indirect light (very flexible)

Growth rate: Fast

Best for: First-time plant parents, rooms with variable light, anyone wanting a quick-growing trailing plant

2. Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’)

Not to be confused with the Pearls and Jade Pothos (more on that shortly), the Jade Pothos is the understated classic of the pothos family.

Its solid, medium-green leaves have a clean, minimalist quality that suits contemporary interiors particularly well. It won’t compete with your other décor.

This variety truly shines in low-light spaces where other pothos struggle to hold their colour.

It’s one of the most shade-tolerant houseplants you’ll find, making it ideal for offices, hallways, or rooms without much natural light.

It adapts just as well to brighter conditions, making it one of the most versatile options on this list.

Appearance: Medium-sized, solid dark green leaves with a waxy finish; no variegation

Light: Low to bright indirect light

Growth rate: Moderate to fast

Best for: Low-light rooms, minimalist interiors, beginners who prefer a clean, unfussy look

3. Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’)

If you’re searching for a dramatic, high-impact pothos, the Marble Queen is your answer.

Its creamy-white variegation sweeps across deep green leaves in bold, irregular patterns, creating a striking contrast that’s genuinely hard to ignore.

You’ll often find it sitting right next to the Golden Pothos in nurseries. The key difference? The Marble Queen’s variegation is cool, bright white rather than warm golden yellow.

Because the heavy variegation reduces the available chlorophyll in the leaves, the Marble Queen grows more slowly than most other varieties.

Your patience will be rewarded with exceptional beauty. It also needs more light than simpler pothos varieties; leave it in low light and it will gradually revert to plain green as the plant compensates for reduced energy.

Appearance: Medium to large leaves with creamy white and green marbled variegation; very high contrast

Light: Medium to bright indirect light (essential for maintaining variegation)

Growth rate: Slow (due to high variegation reducing chlorophyll)

Best for: Statement pieces, bright rooms, plant parents who don’t mind a slower grower

4. Pearls and Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Pearls and Jade’)

The Pearls and Jade Pothos is actually a cultivar developed from the Marble Queen, not the Jade Pothos as many people assume.

It was created through the University of Florida’s plant breeding programme, and it shows: this is a refined, carefully considered cultivar with its own distinctive character.

What sets it apart from the Marble Queen is where the variegation appears.

On the Pearls and Jade, you’ll find white at the leaf edges, with green and silvery-white variegation threading through the leaf surface itself.

The overall effect is intricate and jewel-like. That is exactly what its name suggests. Like the Marble Queen, its high variegation slows growth.

Appearance: Small leaves with white edges and green-on-white internal variegation; intricate, layered patterning

Light: Medium to bright indirect light

Growth rate: Slow

Best for: Collectors, those who love fine detail, anyone comparing it with the N’Joy or Glacier

5. Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’)

It’s almost impossible to walk past a Neon Pothos without stopping to look.

New leaves emerge as a vivid lime-yellow before settling into a bright chartreuse-green at maturity, similar in look to a Lemon Lime Philodendron.

In the right light, this plant practically glows, and it can transform a dull corner into something genuinely eye-catching.

Some Neon Pothos leaves also develop dark green streaks or splashes. This is completely normal and simply part of how this variety expresses itself genetically.

You can trim those leaves if you prefer a uniform appearance, or embrace them for added contrast.

Appearance: Bright lime-green to chartreuse leaves; occasional dark green streaks on select leaves

Light: Medium to bright indirect light (low light causes the vivid colour to darken and dull)

Growth rate: Fast

Best for: Adding a bold pop of colour to neutral or dark interiors; those who love unusual plant colours

6. Variegated Neon Pothos

Consider this the elevated version of the Neon Pothos. Where the standard Neon occasionally produces leaves with streaks, the Variegated Neon delivers that contrast on every single leaf, consistently and reliably.

Each medium-sized leaf features bright green or yellow streaking across its lime-green base, giving the whole plant a layered, vibrant look that’s even more eye-catching than the standard Neon.

To keep those streaks vivid and consistent, this variety needs bright indirect light. Without sufficient light, the variegation tends to fade and the leaves become a more uniform green.

Appearance: Medium-sized lime-green leaves with consistent bright green or yellow streaking throughout

Light: Bright indirect light (required to maintain variegation)

Growth rate: Moderate

Best for: Neon Pothos fans who want more reliable, consistent variegation on every leaf

7. N’Joy Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘N’Joy’)

The N’Joy is another white-variegated pothos that’s frequently confused with the Pearls and Jade.

Once you know the difference, however, it’s easy to tell them apart. On the N’Joy, the separation between the white and green sections is crisp and clean.

There is no gradual blending or silvery overlap between the two colours. The variegation appears centrally on the leaf rather than at the edges (the reverse of Pearls and Jade).

Because it carries slightly less variegation than the Pearls and Jade, the N’Joy grows a little faster and holds its colour slightly better in medium light.

Appearance: Small leaves with clean, bright white central variegation; green edges; sharp, clear colour separation

Light: Medium to bright indirect light

Growth rate: Moderate (faster than Pearls and Jade)

Best for: Collectors who love white-variegated varieties; those comparing N’Joy vs. Pearls and Jade

8. Dragon’s Tail Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum)

Technically, the Dragon’s Tail belongs to Epipremnum pinnatum rather than Epipremnum aureum, so it is not a true pothos.

However, its care requirements and overall appearance are so similar to pothos that it’s widely grown and sold as one, and it fits naturally into any pothos collection.

What makes this variety truly spectacular is what happens as it matures.

Young leaves start small and simple, but as the plant climbs and develops, the leaves grow large and begin developing dramatic splits, much like a Monstera deliciosa on a more manageable scale.

For the fenestrations to fully emerge, this plant needs something to climb and consistent access to good light.

Appearance: Jade-green leaves that start small and develop large, dramatic splits (fenestrations) at maturity

Light: Medium to bright indirect light (good light is needed for fenestrations to develop)

Growth rate: Moderate

Best for: Monstera fans who want an easier-care plant; anyone with a climbing structure to offer

9. Glacier Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Glacier’)

The Glacier is one of the rarest pothos varieties, and if you manage to track one down, count yourself very lucky.

Like the N’Joy and Pearls and Jade, it features white variegation on small leaves. The Glacier is distinguished by a subtle, cool silver hue that neither of the others possesses.

This silvery quality is what gives it its name and makes it so prized among collectors.

Its leaves are also noticeably smaller than both the N’Joy and Pearls and Jade, and it lacks the white-edged leaves of the Pearls and Jade.

It’s a genuinely beautiful plant. I have only come across it in person a handful of times, and most mainstream nurseries simply don’t stock it.

Appearance: Very small leaves with silvery-white variegation; subtle silver sheen across the leaf surface

Light: Medium to bright indirect light

Growth rate: Slow

Best for: Rare plant collectors; those who have already collected the more common white-variegated varieties

10. Cebu Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’)

Named after Cebu Island in the Philippines, which is its native habitat. The Cebu Blue is one of the most visually distinctive pothos varieties on this list.

It has long, narrow, silvery blue-green leaves that shimmer in the light, giving it an almost ethereal quality that’s genuinely hard to find in other houseplants.

Like the Dragon’s Tail (a close relative), the Cebu Blue develops fenestrations at maturity. This is another reason it is so highly sought after by collectors.

Young plants won’t show splits yet, but give them time, good light, and something to climb, and those fenestrations will appear.

Appearance: Narrow, silvery blue-green leaves with a shimmer; develops fenestrations (splits) at maturity

Light: Medium to bright indirect light

Growth rate: Moderate

Best for: Those looking for an unusual colour; collectors who love fenestrated plants

11. Manjula Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Manjula’)

Here’s a gem for anyone who loves variegated plants but struggles with low light in their home: the Manjula Pothos can actually maintain its variegation even in less-than-ideal light conditions.

This is something genuinely rare in variegated houseplants. It was developed through a University of Florida research project and is a genuinely thoughtfully created cultivar.

Its medium-sized leaves feature creamy yellow-white as the dominant colour, with green variegation threading through.

This is essentially the reverse of most variegated pothos. What makes it particularly charming is its unpredictability: no two leaves look quite the same.

The leaves are also broader at the base than most other pothos varieties, which is a handy identification clue.

Appearance: Medium-sized, wide-based leaves with creamy white/yellow dominant colour and green variegation; highly variable leaf pattern

Light: Low to bright indirect light (unusual and valuable for a variegated variety)

Growth rate: Slow (green is the variegation, not the base colour, as it contains less chlorophyll)

Best for: Low-light homes that still want a variegated pothos; anyone tired of plain green plants

12. Jessenia Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Jessenia’)

A relative newcomer to the world of houseplants, the Jessenia Pothos has made quite an impression for a recently discovered variety.

At first glance, it looks remarkably similar to a Marble Queen. Both have a similar leaf shape, size, and growth habit.

The key difference lies in the variegation colour: the Jessenia’s is yellowish-green rather than creamy white, giving it a warmer, softer look.

It’s still fairly uncommon in nurseries, but growing popularity means it’s increasingly available if you search carefully. Give it bright indirect light to keep its variegation vivid.

Appearance: Medium-sized leaves with yellow-green variegation on dark green; growth habit similar to Marble Queen

Light: Medium to bright indirect light (low light reduces variegation)

Growth rate: Moderate

Best for: Marble Queen fans who want something with a warmer, more subtle variegation

13. Baltic Blue Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Baltic Blue’)

The Baltic Blue is a cultivar of the Dragon’s Tail Pothos, and like its parent, it technically belongs to Epipremnum pinnatum.

However, its care routine is virtually identical to standard pothos varieties, and it fits naturally into any collection.

What makes it distinct is its deep, dark green leaves with a striking blue undertone. This is something you genuinely don’t see in many houseplants.

Unlike the Cebu Blue (which has narrow leaves that grow large), the Baltic Blue maintains a consistent medium leaf size throughout its life. It does develop fenestrations at maturity, but only in adequate light.

Appearance: Medium-sized dark green leaves with a distinctive blue undertone; develops fenestrations at maturity

Light: Medium to bright indirect light

Growth rate: Moderate

Best for: Those who love the Dragon’s Tail but want a more compact, consistently sized plant

14. Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus ‘Argyraeus’)

Like the Dragon’s Tail, the Satin Pothos isn’t a true pothos. It belongs to the Scindapsus genus.

But its vining growth, similar care requirements, and trailing habit make it a completely natural addition to any pothos collection, and it’s widely sold alongside true pothos varieties.

What makes the Satin Pothos so lovely is its textured, almost matte surface and the way its individual silvery-green spots catch the light.

The spots appear as distinct markings across the leaf surface, rather than as continuous variegation.

This makes it easy to distinguish from other varieties. It’s also one of the most adaptable plants on this list in terms of light.

Appearance: Small dark green leaves with individual silvery-green spots; slightly textured, matte ‘satin’ surface

Light: Low to bright indirect light (very adaptable)

Growth rate: Moderate

Best for: Those who want something different from standard green-and-white variegation; low-light collectors

15. Global Green Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Global Green’)

Can’t decide between light and dark green? The Global Green Pothos gives you both at once.

Its small leaves feature a beautiful two-tone pattern, with a dark green exterior graduating to a lighter, brighter green centre.

It’s subtle but sophisticated, and the contrast is most vivid in bright indirect light.

Once considered quite rare, the Global Green has become increasingly accessible as more nurseries begin stocking it.

It may still carry a slight price premium over common varieties like Golden or Jade Pothos, but for its uniqueness, it’s a fair deal.

Appearance: Small leaves with dark green edges graduating to a lighter bright green centre

Light: Medium to bright indirect light (enhances the two-tone colour contrast)

Growth rate: Moderate

Best for: Those who love all-green plants but want something more distinctive; anyone building a diverse collection

16. Silver Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus ‘Exotica’)

Rounding off our list is the Silver Satin Pothos, which is another Scindapsus that earns its place alongside true pothos varieties.

Think of it as the elevated sibling of the Satin Pothos: it shares the same matte, textured leaves, but instead of soft grey-green spots, it features bold, bright silver markings that create a dramatic shimmer effect unlike anything else on this list.

It needs more light than the standard Satin Pothos to maintain that striking silver contrast.

Without sufficient light, vines can become leggy and the silvery markings will fade. Position it near a bright window or supplement with a grow light.

Appearance: Medium-sized dark green leaves with large, bold silvery markings; matte, textured surface

Light: Bright indirect light (required for best silver colouration)

Growth rate: Moderate

Best for: Anyone wanting a bold, eye-catching plant; collectors building a Scindapsus collection

How to Care for Any Pothos Variety

Every variety on this list shares the same fundamental care needs. Master these essentials and any pothos will thrive.

Watering

Pothos prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Push your finger about 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to water.

In summer, this typically means watering every 7–10 days; in winter, every 14 days or more.

Overwatering is the number one killer of pothos plants, so when in doubt, err on the side of too little rather than too much.

Signs of overwatering: Yellow leaves, soft or mushy stems, persistently soggy soil

Signs of underwatering: Wilting leaves, dry and curling foliage, bone-dry soil

Feeding

Feed your pothos with a balanced liquid fertiliser (such as a 20-20-20 formula) once a month during the active growing season, which typically runs from spring through to early autumn.

Do not feed during winter when growth slows and the plant doesn’t need the extra nutrients.

Potting and Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix. A standard houseplant compost mixed with 20–30% perlite works well and prevents waterlogging.

Repot every 1–2 years, or when you notice roots emerging from drainage holes or circling the pot base.

Temperature and Humidity

Pothos prefer temperatures between 15–30°C (59–86°F) and cope well with average household humidity.

In particularly dry environments (especially in winter with central heating running), a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot can help.

Keep all varieties away from cold draughts, open windows in winter, and direct radiator heat.

Propagation

Pothos are among the easiest houseplants to propagate. Take a cutting just below a node (the small bump on the stem from which roots grow), remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in water or moist compost.

Roots typically emerge within 2–4 weeks, after which you can pot up in fresh compost.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pothos Varieties

What is the easiest pothos variety to grow?

The Golden Pothos is widely considered the easiest pothos to grow.

It tolerates low light, irregular watering, a range of temperatures, and beginner mistakes better than almost any other houseplant. If you’re just starting out, this is your plant.

What is the rarest pothos variety?

The Glacier Pothos is one of the rarest varieties, followed by the Manjula and Jessenia Pothos.

The Glacier in particular is rarely found in mainstream nurseries and is highly sought after by collectors.

How do I stop my pothos from losing its variegation?

Variegated pothos lose their patterning when they don’t receive enough light. When this happens, the plant compensates by producing more chlorophyll, which turns the leaves green.

Move variegated varieties closer to an east-facing window and ensure they receive at least 4–6 hours of bright indirect light daily.

If natural light is insufficient, a grow light can make up the difference.

Can all pothos varieties grow in low light?

Most pothos will survive in low light, but few will truly thrive. The best options for genuinely low-light spaces are the Jade Pothos, Golden Pothos, Satin Pothos, and Manjula Pothos.

The last of these is particularly remarkable as it’s one of the only variegated plants that holds its colour in low light.

How fast do pothos grow?

Growth rate depends heavily on the variety and growing conditions.

Fast-growing varieties like the Golden Pothos and Neon Pothos can add several inches per month in ideal conditions during the growing season.

Heavily variegated varieties like the Marble Queen and Pearls and Jade grow considerably more slowly due to their reduced chlorophyll levels.

Are pothos toxic to pets?

Yes, all pothos varieties are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth and throat irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Keep all pothos out of reach of pets, or choose a pet-safe alternative if you have animals that chew plants.

What’s the difference between a pothos and a heartleaf philodendron?

They look very similar at first glance, but the differences are there if you know what to look for.

Pothos leaves have a thicker, waxier surface and feature a visible ridge where the stem (petiole) meets the leaf.

Heartleaf philodendron leaves are thinner, softer, and have a more uniform, matte appearance. Pothos also tend to be faster-growing and slightly more tolerant of neglect.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re just beginning your plant journey or hunting down the rarest varieties to add to an impressive display, there is a pothos variety for every home, every light level, and every aesthetic.

For beginners, start with a Golden Pothos or Jade Pothos. You’ll have it growing confidently in no time.

For those ready to explore further, the Manjula, Jessenia, Glacier, or Cebu Blue offer real excitement.

And if you’re passionate about variegated plants, the Marble Queen, N’Joy, and Pearls and Jade are among the most beautiful houseplants you can grow.

The care rules are simple: give your pothos adequate light for its variety, water when the soil is dry, and feed it through the growing season.

Do that consistently, and whichever variety you choose will reward you with beautiful, trailing growth year after year.