If you’re looking for a stunning and easy-care houseplant, the pearls and jade pothos is a fantastic choice. This rare variegated houseplant offers beautiful foliage without being too demanding, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned plant lovers.
Its leaves are a work of art, featuring a mix of green, white, and soft grey-green speckles. The compact growth habit means it looks great on a shelf or desk, trailing gently over the edges of its pot. Let’s learn how to keep yours thriving.
Pearls and Jade Pothos – Rare Variegated Houseplant
This particular pothos is a cultivar developed by the University of Florida. It’s closely related to the ‘Marble Queen’ pothos but has distinct, smaller leaves with more defined variegation. The white and green sections aren’t just blocks of color; they’re often intricately marbled and dotted, giving each leaf a unique appearance.
How to Identify a True Pearls and Jade
With so many pothos types, it can get confusing. Here’s how to spot a genuine pearls and jade:
- Leaf Size: Leaves are typically smaller than other pothos, usually 2-3 inches long when mature.
- Variegation Pattern: Look for creamy white edges and centers, with grey-green and dark green speckles and streaks in the white areas.
- Growth Habit: It tends to grow slower and in a more compact, bushy manner compared to the vigorous Golden Pothos.
Ideal Light Conditions for Vibrant Color
Light is key for maintaining that stunning variegation. Too little light, and the plant will revert to more green leaves. Too much direct sun, and the delicate leaves can scorch.
- Best Spot: Bright, indirect light is perfect. An east-facing window or a few feet back from a south/west window is ideal.
- Signs of Too Little Light: New leaves become mostly green, and growth slows down significantly.
- Signs of Too Much Light: Leaves may develop brown, crispy patches or look faded and washed out.
Can It Tolerate Low Light?
Yes, it will survive in lower light, but don’t expect optimal growth or color. The beautiful variegation will become less pronounced. If you only have a low-light space, consider supplementing with a simple grow light for a few hours a day.
Watering Your Plant Correctly
Overwatering is the most common mistake with pothos. They like to dry out a bit between drinks.
- Check the Soil: Stick your finger about an inch into the potting mix. If it feels dry, it’s time to water.
- Water Thoroughly: Water slowly until you see it drain freely from the bottom of the pot.
- Let it Drain: Always empty the cache pot or saucer after 15 minutes so the roots aren’t sitting in water.
- Adjust for Season: Water less frequently in the winter when growth is slower and the soil takes longer to dry.
The Right Soil and Potting Needs
A well-draining potting mix is non-negotiable. A standard houseplant mix is a good start, but you can improve drainage by adding perlite or orchid bark. Aim for about a 3:1 ratio of potting mix to perlite.
Choose a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are excellent because they allow the soil to dry more evenly. Repot every 1-2 years in spring, only moving up one pot size (1-2 inches larger in diameter) to prevent excess wet soil around the roots.
Fertilizing for Healthy Growth
Feed your plant during its active growing season (spring and summer). A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month is plenty. In fall and winter, you can stop fertilizing altogether. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots and cause brown leaf tips, so less is more.
Easy Propagation Techniques
One of the joys of pothos is how easy they are to propagate. You can create new plants from cuttings.
- Take a stem cutting with at least 3-4 leaves and a few nodes (the little brown bumps on the stem).
- Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Leaves should be above the water.
- Put it in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.
- In a few weeks, you’ll see roots develop. Wait until they are a couple inches long before potting in soil.
You can also propagate directly in moist soil, though water propagation lets you see the progress, which is fun.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
- Yellow Leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Check your watering schedule and ensure the pot drains well.
- Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges: Often due to low humidity, underwatering, or fertilizer burn. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or occasional misting.
- Leggy Vines with Small Leaves: This indicates the plant needs more light. Move it to a brighter location.
- Pests: Watch for mealybugs or spider mites. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap if needed. Regular cleaning of the leaves helps prevent pests.
Is It Pet Friendly?
No. Like all pothos varieties, the pearls and jade contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It can cause oral irritation and vomiting. Keep this plant in a place where your pets cannot reach it.
FAQ Section
How is pearls and jade pothos different from N’Joy or Marble Queen?
The pearls and jade pothos has more speckled variegation and smaller leaves than the Marble Queen. Compared to N’Joy, its variegation is less blocky and more marbled, with grey-green colors mixed in with the white.
Why is my rare variegated pothos losing its white color?
This is usually due to insufficient light. The plant produces more green chlorophyll to compensate in low light. Move it to a brighter spot to encourage the white and grey variegation to return on new growth.
How fast does a pearls and jade grow?
It’s generally a slower grower compared to other pothos. With good light and proper care, you might see a few inches of new growth per month during the spring and summer. Patience is key with this one.
Should I mist my variegated houseplant?
Misting provides a temporary boost in humidity but isn’t a complete solution. For consistent humidity, group plants together or use a humidifier, especially in dry, heated homes during winter.
Caring for a pearls and jade pothos is a rewarding experience. Its unique foliage adds a touch of elegance to any room, and its easy-going nature means you can enjoy its beauty without constant fuss. Pay attention to light and water, and this rare variegated houseplant will be a happy part of your home for years to come. Remember, the occasional leaf drop or slow growth period is normal; just adjust your care slightly and watch it thrive.