With a little bit of love and care, you will be able to create the perfect environment for your variegated Pothos Plants to thrive!
Variegation is one of the most eye-catching and admired visual quirks that a houseplant can have, and Pothos plants are no exception. Variegated Pothos plants are in fact quite ubiquitous, despite being formally deemed a mutant variety. Thanks to some mutations in the cells, they tend to display colorful patches of bright yellow or creamy white throughout their leaves. Naturally, these beautiful arrangements of color have made variegated Pothos extremely popular with gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts.
If you’re in the market for a Pothos that already shows off stunning variegation, there are several popular varieties to choose from. These include the Marble Queen Pothos, which has light yellow streaks throughout its leaves, and the Neon Pothos, which is perhaps the brightest and most vibrant with large patches of chartreuse and electric green. There’s really something for everyone, no matter what type of variegated Pothos you’re looking for.
What does a variegated Pothos need to thrive?
But before you jump right in and purchase one of these beauties, there are some important things to consider. Unlike their non-variegated counterparts, variegated Pothos are more susceptible to losing their striking patterns. If they don’t get enough sunlight or the right type of fertilizer, they can quickly go back to showing off solid green coloring. So if you’re taking on a variegated Pothos, be sure to give it plenty of sunlight, feed it quality fertilizer, and rotate it regularly to prevent any sections from becoming overexposed.
Variegated Pothos plants can be delicate but beautiful additions to any indoor garden, and with a little bit of extra care, you can help them keep their eye-catching patterns for years.
How does variegation form in leaves?
Plant enthusiasts often appreciate variegation in foliage. Variegation is the phenomenon of multicolored leaves due to an imbalance between the production of chlorophyll, the pigment that makes leaves green, and the production of other substances. Variegated plants can be truly captivating and many times create a stunning showpiece in any garden.
For those just becoming acquainted with the concept, variegated plants have several different types of coloration. Lighter shades, such as yellow or white, are often found in tandem with patches of typically green. Some plants may also develop reflective variegation, a phenomenon of tiny air pockets forming in the leaves and giving it a silvery appearance – this is known as “chimeric” or “chimeral” variegation.
The majority of variegated plants are the result of mutation, however, some patterns of variegation are built into the species’ genetic code, such as in Calathea varieties. Variegated Pothos is widely sought after for its beauty, and usually takes on the form of yellow or light green patches. Its random and chaotic patterning adds to its appeal, however being a result of random mutation, it is more difficult to reproduce and maintain, thus making it a much rarer and more valuable find.
How to take care of variegated pothos?
Variegated pothos is some of the most attractive, easy-to-care-for houseplants you can find. With their large, glossy, variegated leaves and ability to thrive without direct sunlight, it’s no wonder they have become so popular. Unlike other foliage plants, these lush plants require minimal care and are virtually indestructible. Despite their easy-care reputation, it’s important to maintain a consistent care routine and provide optimal care to encourage a healthy, thriving plant. Knowing the secret to keeping your variegated pothos happy and healthy is key to ensuring they reach their full potential. Here are some tips and tricks to get your pothos thriving.
Temperature requirements for Pothos
Native to the warm, tropical climates of French Polynesia, variegated pothos plants are accustomed to higher temperatures and humidity than we can provide indoors. Generally speaking, they perform best when temperatures are kept between 65F and 85F. Going beyond this range can negatively impact the health of the plant and stop growth.
Growth Rate of Money plant
The growth rate of variegated pothos or money plant depends on the level of variegation. Heavily variegated varieties contain far less chlorophyll than others and photosynthesis occurs more slowly, making their growth rate slower compared with other pothos varieties. In the right conditions, you can expect your pothos to grow around 10-18 inches per month during peak growing periods. Optimal conditions and care will ensure the quickest growth rate.
Light requirements for pothos
Many people adore the striking variegations featured on Pothos plants, but without the right light conditions, these delicate markings can vanish. Although caring for these plants is generally quite easy, it’s important to understand the light considerations associated with variegated Pothos in order to keep their foliage looking its best.
Point to remember related Variegation
Sunlight is the most critical factor when it comes to the care of variegated Pothos. These plants naturally contain less chlorophyll than other plants, so they need all the energy from photosynthesis that they can get. If the light levels are too low, the rate of photosynthesis isn’t strong enough, and the plant will start to create additional chlorophyll to make up for the lack of energy. Unfortunately, this chlorophyll can eventually seep into the variegated areas, making them green.
bright indirect sunlight
For this reason, variegated Pothos plants need as much bright indirect sunlight as possible in order to retain their color. Most variegated types will thrive in moderate light levels, but low light is just not an option. If your plant appears to be losing its variegation, move it to a brighter area.
Although the plant needs plenty of sunshine, it’s important to keep it away from harsh direct sunlight. This kind of sunlight can actually scorch the leaves, causing damage to the leaf tissue. Any additional exposure to midday or afternoon sun should be avoided. To learn more, take a look at our in-depth guide to the best locations for pothos plants in the home.
Potting & Planting
When it comes to potting and planting your Variegated Pothos, there are a few things to consider for healthy, thriving plants. Whether you’ve purchased your plants from a nursery or have obtained cuttings from a friend or online retailer, proper potting and planting are essential for the health and growth of your houseplant. For instance, if you’ve received cuttings from a rarer type of Pothos, it’s important to group them together and plant them into the same pot. This will allow the plant to have full, healthy-looking foliage. While some Pothos plants can grow outdoors, it’s best to keep them confined to one pot to ensure their growth and spread are controlled.
When to Water Variegated Pothos?
Watering An important factor in keeping your Variegated Pothos healthy is ensuring its soil stays moist, but not soggy. There’s no set rule as to how often you need to water the plant, however, you should look out for signs the plant is becoming too dry. When the top two inches of soil become dry, it is time to water the plant. Overwatering is also a risk, so make sure you are not adding too much water. Wilting leaves are also a sign of either too much or too little water.
Humidity requirements for Pothos
When it comes to humidity, Variegated Pothos need moderate to high levels of humidity. Living in conditions with low humidity can cause the leaves to become dry and brittle, and even cause yellowing of the leaves. The ideal humidity level for Variegated Pothos is between 50-70%. During the winter months, you may find that the humidity in your home or office is too low. To increase the humidity level around your pothos, there are a few easy and economical ways to provide it with the moisture it needs.
Pebbles tray
The first is to set up a pebbles tray. All you need to do is fill a shallow tray or dish with some pebbles, and then fill it with water up until it reaches about half the depth. Place your Pothos plant pot on top of the pebbles, making sure that the base of the pot does not come into direct contact with the water. This helps the pot to draw from the evaporating water, creating the perfect environment for your Pothos to thrive in.
Misting
The second is misting-You can also mist the leaves with a bottle sprayer filled with water. The best way to boost the humidity around your Glacier Pothos is to use a plant humidifier. These devices help to circulate moisture in the air, which is perfect for plants that prefer high humidity levels.
Plant humidifier
Finally, the best way to maintain high humidity levels is to use a plant humidifier. A humidifier works to circulate moisture in the air which is perfect for your Pothos. The humidifier can be set to a desired level of output and will keep your plant and its environment at just the right level of comfort.
Gather plants in one space
And as a bonus, if your pothos isn’t the only plant in your living space, you can also keep all of your indoor plants in the same room. This ensures all the plants benefit from the improved humidity level while making the most of the space.
Fertilizing Variegated Pothos
Are you worried about your pothos plant not getting enough fertilizer? You’re not alone! Many people struggle with the care and maintenance of pothos plants, in particular the fertilizing part. Why? Improper fertilizing of your plant can result in poor growth, discoloration of leaves, and even plant death!
Fortunately, if done correctly, you can get your pothos to thrive with just the right amount of love and affection in the form of fertilizing. Here is what you need to know to make sure you are providing your pothos with the proper care it needs:
Furthermore, if you see that the leaves are starting to look yellow, you can cut back on the amount of fertilizer you’re using. Just be sure to continue to monitor your plant’s growth, and adjust your care accordingly. With a little love and attention, your Pothos will look lush and green in no time!
What is the Best soil mixture for your variegated pothos?
For pothos, a good soil mixture is one that provides the plant with plenty of airflows and water drainage. An ideal mixture should contain about one part compost, one part horticultural-grade potting soil, and one part fine bark or perlite. This mixture will give the pothos the aeration and water drainage it needs to stay healthy and vibrant.
Make a Soil blend at home
If you’re looking to make this special soil blend at home, you’ll need to gather the necessary materials. In addition to the above ingredients, you’ll need to obtain a sieve, stirring rod, and gardening gloves. To begin, sift one part compost, one part horticultural-grade potting soil, and one part fine bark or perlite. Once all the materials are sifted, use the stirring rod to mix them together. Make sure to combine these ingredients evenly so that you can maximize the airflow and water drainage for the pothos. From here, you can report your variegated pothos in the soil and enjoy watching it flourish!
Sadly, there are many soils with too much clay or organic matter that can suffocate the roots of the pothos. Such soil will hinder the plant’s growth and prevent it from absorbing essential nutrients. To make sure your pothos thrives, it’s important to mix potting soil that has both aeration and water drainage capabilities. So, if you want your pothos to become the star of your garden, the ideal soil mixture for it is one that comprises high-quality compost, horticultural-grade potting soil, and fine bark or perlite.
Pruning and Repotting of Pothos plant
Variegated pothos is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for and maintain. However, like all plants, it does have specific needs. One of these is pruning. Pruning is a vital part of the care for variegated pothos, as it helps to manage the size, shape, and fullness of the plant.
When it comes to pruning variegated pothos, it is important to remember to do it very often. Pruning helps to encourage new growth and branching while allowing you to easily manage the size and shape of the plant.
When pruning a variegated pothos, it is best to do it properly and carefully. Ensure that the pruning tools are sterilized to prevent the spread of diseases and pests. When pruning, cut above the leaf nodes, as this is where the new growth will happen. Remember to wear gloves and goggles to protect yourself from any dirt and debris that may be stirred up during the process.
In addition to pruning, it is important to remember to give your variegated pothos a repot now and then. Every time your pothos is looking too large for its current pot, it’s time to give it a bigger home. Ensure to use a pot that has good drainage and fill it with wet soil. Carefully push your pothos down into the soil and cover all the roots with the soil.
Overall, pruning and repotting are two vital steps when caring for variegated pothos. Pruning helps to control the size and shape of the plant while repotting gives your pothos the room it needs to grow. By following these two steps carefully and regularly, your variegated pothos will thrive and stay healthy!
Propagation of Glacier Pothos plant
Propagation through soil
Propagating the Glacier Pothos Plant Through Soil
The Pothos, also known as variegated pothos, is an evergreen, trailing plant that is easy to care for. Propagation is relatively straightforward and can be done either through water or soil.
When propagating through the soil, select a healthy branch of approximately 6-8 inches long with a leaf node from a mature plant. Take several small pots and fill them with moist soil. Plant the branch 1-2 inches deep and ensure that the top of the leaf node is visible. Place the pots in a bright area with indirect light, water lightly, and adjust the baby plant to its new home for a few days.
Clay Pebbles
Hydroton Clay Pebbles are an increasingly popular gardening media used mainly in hydroponic and aquaponic systems. They are made from small clay pellets that are heated in a kiln to temperatures up to 1200°C. The intense heat causes the clay to expand, creating tiny air pockets throughout the clay ball. This structure gives hydroton clay pebbles many advantages over other kinds of media, making them a popular choice among experienced gardeners and hydroponic enthusiasts.
Properties of Hydroton clay pebbles
Hydroton clay pebbles are a lightweight, reusable medium that can be used for more than just hydroponics. Their versatility makes them ideal for variegated pothos, a beautiful cascading houseplant that is easy to care for. The unique structure of the hydroton clay pebbles air pockets can help absorb and store water and nutrients for your pothos, which means you don’t have to water as frequently.
Likewise, the rounded shape of hydroton pebbles makes them an attractive option for many different kinds of garden containers and landscaping projects. They beautifully reflect light and look great when used with other kinds of inert materials in a pot or garden bed.
With regular watering, the branch should start to germinate with new shoots within a few weeks. When the baby plant is ready, transfer it to a bigger pot to ensure it continues to flourish. Begin caring for the plant with regular feeding and watering just as you would a mature plant.
Propagation through soil is an easy and straightforward way to Propagate Pothos. With minimal effort and resources, you can grow a delightful evergreen vining plant for use in the home or garden.
Propagation through water
When it comes to propagating a plant, few methods are easier than propagating pothos through the water. Pothos, otherwise known as variegated pothos, is one of the most low-maintenance plants you could grow. It’s often used as an office plant, making it one of the easiest plants to add a touch of greenery to your work desk. If you’re looking to quickly propagate a pothos plant and add a little more greenery to your life, follow this step-by-step guide to propagating pothos through the water.
Variegated Pothos Common Problem
Variegated pothos plants can suffer from several common problems such as yellowing leaves, brown edges, wilting, and stunted growth. These symptoms can be caused by overwatering or underwatering, or not enough light or fertilizer.
Sparse vines with leaves far apart
If you planted a Variegated Pothos, and the vines are sparse with leaves far apart, there are a few things you can do. First, check the location where it is planted and make sure it is getting enough light. If that’s not the issue, you can try fertilizing the plant with a water-soluble fertilizer.
Drooping leaves
Drooping or yellowing leaves could indicate that the plant is not getting enough water. Periodically water the Pothos to keep it hydrated, making sure to avoid over-watering.
Browning tips or leaves
If the tips or leaves of your plant are browning, it could mean that the plant is receiving direct, intense sunlight or that it is not growing in an environment with enough humidity. You can try increasing the humidity by misting it, or by placing it near other indoor plants.
Stunted growth
Finally, if your plant is not getting enough fertilizer, its growth may be stunted and its leaves may become yellow. Give your plant a balanced fertilizer every few months to keep it healthy and growing.
Curling leaves
Curling leaves indicate that the plant may not be getting enough humidity in its surrounding. To combat this, make sure you are misting the leaves with water regularly. If the leaves continue to curl, you can place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
Pests & Diseases of Variegated Pothos
Pests
Spider mites: These tiny pests are spider-like in appearance and can be found on the undersides of leaves. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die.
Mealybugs: These pests are small, white, and cottony in appearance. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die.
Scale insects: These pests are small, round, and hard-shelled. They suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die.
Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually die.
Diseases
Variegated pothos is susceptible to both diseases and pests. Common disease problems include root rot, bacterial blight, and powdery mildew. Other pest problems include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.
To prevent pests and diseases, it’s important to keep the plant in a suitable environment, with proper light and humidity levels. Regularly inspecting the plant and removing any affected leaves and using a suitable pesticide/fungicide is also important.
- Leaf spot: This is a fungal disease that causes small, brown, or black spots to form on the leaves. It can be caused by too much humidity or by watering the leaves instead of the soil.
- Root rot: This is a fungal disease that can occur when the soil is too wet or poorly drained. It causes the roots to rot, and the plant will wilt and eventually die.
- Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powdery coating to form on the leaves, it can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases.
- Bacterial blight and powdery mildew can be caused by too little airflow. Move your plant to a spot with better airflow.
Conclusion
In conclusion, variegated pothos is easy to care for and maintain with regular pruning and propagating. Common problems such as yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth can be prevented by proper watering, light, and fertilizer. Keep in mind that the variegated pothos is toxic if ingested and should be kept away from children and pets.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Variegated Pothos Toxic?
The variegated pothos is toxic if ingested, so it is important to keep them away from children, pets, and other animals. The plant contains calcium oxalates which cause irritation and burning if ingested. Symptoms of ingestion include drooling, difficulty swallowing, swelling of the mouth, and vomiting. If you think your pet has ingested the plant, consult a veterinarian right away.
How does variegation form in leaves?
Mutations in the cells of a Pothos plant may inhibit chlorophyll production, resulting in patches of lighter or brighter pigments. As a result, a variegated Pothos needs more bright, indirect light than its regular counterpart.
When should I prune my Variegated Pothos plant?
Pruning helps to maintain the desired size and shape of the variegated pothos and helps it to stay vigorous. Pruning also allows the foliage to receive adequate air, sunlight, and water. Without it, the foliage can become stems, get too dense or overgrown, or one side of the foliage would overtake the other.
If you notice any dead or yellowed leaves, they should be pruned off. Prune off any stems that have twisted and no longer look alive, or became too dense. Remember to leave stem tip two sets of healthy leaves on each stem before pruning
