Epipremnum, or pothos, are fast, forgiving vines and a good first aroid. Marble Queen, Manjula and other variegated forms add cream and white to the green.
Quick facts
- Light: Low to bright indirect light. Variegated types need brighter light to keep their patterns; direct sun burns the leaves.
- Water: Water when the top 3–5 cm (about 1–2 inches) of the mix is dry. Pothos recover from missed waterings better than from constantly wet soil.
- Soil: Standard airy potting mix with perlite or bark, in a pot with drainage holes.
- Temperature and humidity: 15–30 °C (60–85 °F). Normal household humidity is fine.
- Support: pothos trail happily, but leaves grow larger when the plant climbs a moss pole.
- Propagation: a cutting with a node and a leaf roots in water or moist mix within a few weeks.
- Feeding: balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength every 3–4 weeks in spring and summer; none in winter or low light.
- Pets: toxic to cats and dogs if chewed (contains calcium oxalate crystals). Keep out of reach.
Variegated pothos
Marble Queen, Manjula, Pinnatum Marble and similar types lose variegation in low light. Prune all-green growth back to a node with variegated leaves to keep the pattern.
Common problems
- Yellow leaves: Usually overwatering. Let the mix dry out.
- Loss of variegation: Not enough light. Move to a brighter spot and prune green growth.
- Brown spots: Sunburn or cold.
- Leggy vines: Low light. Prune, and root the cuttings to make the plant fuller.
Just arrived from Indonesia?
A long journey stresses any plant. Follow our first two weeks recovery guide before you repot, prune or fertilise.
Shop Epipremnum
Browse the Epipremnum collection or see all variegated plants.
Other care guides: Monstera · Philodendron · Syngonium · Scindapsus · Aglaonema · Anthurium