If you think a pothos is just a green vine in a office corner, you’re in for a surprise. The world of Epipremnum and Scindapsus holds some truly spectacular treasures for collectors, and we’re going to look at the rarest pothos – exceptionally uncommon varieties that are the holy grail for houseplant enthusiasts.
These aren’t your everyday golden pothos. They are rare due to unstable variegation, slow growth, or simply being new and not widely propagated. Finding one can feel like winning the lottery, and caring for them requires a bit more know-how. Let’s get to know these special plants.
Rarest Pothos – Exceptionally Uncommon Varieties
This list includes both true pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and plants commonly called pothos, like Scindapsus. Their rarity often comes from their stunning, unpredictable appearance.
1. Epipremnum aureum ‘Harlequin’
This is arguably the rarest of them all. It looks like a highly variegated Manjula pothos, but it takes it much further. The leaves are a dramatic mix of deep green, light green, and crisp white, with some leaves being almost entirely white.
- Why it’s rare: The extreme variegation means it has very little chlorophyll. This makes it grow painfully slow and difficult to propagate successfully. Cuttings often fail or revert.
- Key Care Tip: It needs very bright, indirect light to support its white leaves. Be prepared for extremely slow growth even in perfect conditions.
2. Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’ (Sterling Silver)
While becoming more known, the true ‘Moonlight’ remains uncommon. Its leaves are a uniform, cool satin-silver color on a pale green base, appearing almost metallic. It’s often confused with the darker ‘Exotica’.
- Why it’s rare: It is a notoriously slow grower. A single vine might only produce a few leaves per year, making large, full plants hard to come by and expensive.
- Key Care Tip: Patience is key. Use a well-draining aroid mix and let it dry out more than other pothos. It thrives on neglectful watering.
3. Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Cebu Blue’ (Mature Form)
The juvenile Cebu Blue is common, but the mature form is not. When allowed to climb and age, it undergoes a stunning transformation called “fenestration,” where the leaves split and develop windows, like a Monstera.
- Why it’s rare: Most people don’t have the space or patience to grow it for the years required to reach maturity. Mature cuttings are seldom sold.
- Key Care Tip: To encourage maturity, you must let it climb a moss pole or board. It will not fenestrate as a trailing plant.
4. Epipremnum aureum ‘Teruno Shangri-La’
This variety is bizarre and wonderful. Instead of laying flat, the leaves curl in on themselves, creating a unique, textured look. It can appear almost like a head of lettuce.
- Why it’s rare: It’s a patented Japanese cultivar that has only recently entered the global market. Supply is still very limited outside of Asia.
- Key Care Tip: It seems to enjoy consistent moisture and humidity more than other pothos. Don’t let it get bone dry.
5. Scindapsus pictus ‘Silver Hero’
This Scindapsus is a showstopper. It has the highest silver coverage of any cultivar, with some leaves appearing almost entirely silver with just the finest green margins.
- Why it’s rare: Like other high-variegation plants, its growth is slow. It is also a newer cultivar that hasn’t been mass-produced yet.
- Key Care Tip: Bright light is essential to maintain its stunning silver sheen and prevent it from reverting to greener growth.
How to Find and Acquire These Rare Plants
You won’t find these at your local garden center. Here’s where to look:
- Specialized Online Sellers: Check reputable shops on Etsy or dedicated rare plant websites. Always read reviews.
- Plant Auctions & Groups: Facebook groups and online auction sites are hotspots for rare plant sales and trades.
- Local Plant Swaps: Sometimes you get lucky. Networking with other collectors is your best bet.
Remember, with rarity comes cost. Be prepared for higher prices and always inspect photos carefully before buying.
Caring for Your Rare Pothos: A Specialized Guide
These varieties need extra attention to thrive. Follow these steps to keep them healthy.
Step 1: Perfecting the Light
Most rare pothos have high variegation (white or silver). These light-colored areas cannot produce chlorophyll.
- Provide bright, indirect light for at least 6-8 hours a day. An east or west-facing window is ideal.
- Direct sun will scorch the leaves, but low light will cause leggy growth and loss of variegation.
- Consider a grow light if your home is naturally dim, especially in winter.
Step 2: Mastering Water and Humidity
Overwatering is the fastest way to lose a rare plant. Their slower growth means they use less water.
- Use a pot with drainage holes. This is non-negotiable.
- Stick your finger 2 inches into the soil. Water only when it feels dry at that depth.
- Use room-temperature water and water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes.
- Most enjoy humidity above 50%. A pebble tray or humidifier nearby can help, especially for Scindapsus varieties.
Step 3: Soil and Fertilizer Fundamentals
They need air around their roots. A standard potting soil holds to much moisture.
- Make your own mix: Combine 2 parts regular potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part orchid bark.
- Fertilize sparingly. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength, only during the active growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in fall and winter.
Step 4: Propagation with Caution
Propagating these plants is how you safe-guard your investment. But it must be done correctly.
- Take a cutting with at least one node (the brown bump on the stem) and one or two leaves.
- Place the cutting in water or moist sphagnum moss. Ensure the node is submerged or buried, but not the leaf.
- Place in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly if using that method.
- Wait for roots that are at least 2-3 inches long before potting in soil. This can take many weeks for slow growers.
Be aware that highly variegated cuttings, like from a Harlequin, have a higher chance of failure or of producing less-variegated new growth.
Common Problems and Their Solutions
- Yellowing Leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture routine and ensure the pot drains well.
- Brown Crispy Edges: Often due to low humidity or underwatering. Increase ambient moisture and check if the soil is drying out to fast.
- Loss of Variegation (Reverting): The plant is not getting enough light. It’s producing more green leaves to survive. Gradually move it to a brighter location.
- Leggy Growth with Small Leaves: This is a plea for more light. Move the plant closer to a light source or supplement with a grow light.
FAQ: Your Rare Pothos Questions Answered
Q: What is the most expensive rare pothos?
A: Currently, the Epipremnum ‘Harlequin’ often commands the highest price due to its extreme rarity and difficulty in propagation. Prices can fluctuate based on demand and availability.
Q: Are these rare pothos harder to care for?
A: They can be more demanding than a standard golden pothos. Their main requirements are brighter light and more careful watering due to slower growth. They are not for absolute beginners.
Q: Where can I buy these uncommon pothos varieties?
A: As mentioned, online specialty retailers, auction sites, and plant enthusiast groups are the primary sources. Local nurseries rarely stock them.
Q: My rare pothos came in the mail and looks sad. What should I do?
A> This is common. Give it time to acclimate. Place it in good light, don’t overwater it, and avoid repotting immediately unless the soil is poor. It may drop a leaf or two but should recover in a few weeks.
Q: Can a rare pothos revert to a common one?
A: It can revert to a less-variegated form if kept in low light. The plant does this to survive. To keep the unique coloring, consistent bright indirect light is crucial. If you see a solid green stem and leaf, prune it off to encourage the variegated growth.
Collecting these rare pothos varieties is a rewarding journey that tests your plant care skills. It teaches patience and observation. Each new leaf on a slow-growing Scindapsus ‘Moonlight’ or a beautifully sectioned mature Cebu Blue is a real event. Start with one that suits your environment, master its care, and enjoy the unique beauty these exceptional plants bring into your home.