If you’re looking at two stunning variegated pothos plants, telling them apart can be tricky. Understanding the pothos n joy vs pearls and jade differences comes down to their unique leaf patterns and growth habits.
Both are beautiful, easy-care members of the Epipremnum aureum family, but they have distinct signatures. Once you know what to look for, you’ll be able to identify them with just a glance. This guide will walk you through every detail, from leaf color to growth speed, so you can choose the perfect one for your space or finally label that mystery plant correctly.
Pothos N Joy vs Pearls and Jade
Let’s start with the big picture. ‘N’ Joy’ and ‘Pearls and Jade’ are often confused because they both have green and white variegation. However, they were developed from different genetic lines and have clear visual differences. ‘Pearls and Jade’ is a sport (a genetic mutation) of the ‘Marble Queen’ pothos, created by the University of Florida. ‘N’ Joy’ is also a sport, but it originated from the ‘Marble Queen’ via another popular cultivar called ‘Glacier’. This different heritage is what gives each plant its special look.
Key Visual Differences at a Glance
Before we get into the deep details, here’s a quick reference list:
* Leaf Size & Shape: ‘N’ Joy’ has smaller, more rigid leaves with a slightly wavy surface. ‘Pearls and Jade’ has slightly larger leaves that are flatter.
* Variegation Pattern: ‘N’ Joy’ features bold blocks of solid white and solid green. ‘Pearls and Jade’ has a speckled, watercolor-like blend where green and white mix together.
* Color Separation: On ‘N’ Joy’, the green and white areas are sharply divided. On ‘Pearls and Jade’, the colors blend into one another with speckles.
* Edge Variegation: Both often have white edges, but the texture of that edge differs.
The Detailed Breakdown of Pothos ‘N’ Joy’
The ‘N’ Joy’ pothos is known for its crisp, clean appearance. It looks almost like an artist painted bold sections of color onto each leaf.
Leaf Coloration and Pattern
The most defining trait of ‘N’ Joy’ is its high-contrast variegation. You will see large, solid sections of creamy white right next to large, solid sections of medium green. There is very little mixing or speckling between these two colors. The white is often a pure, bright cream, and the green is a consistent forest green. The variegation typically appears in large patches, sometimes covering half the leaf or more in solid white.
Leaf Structure and Growth
‘N’ Joy’ tends to have smaller leaves than many other pothos varieties, especially when grown indoors. The leaves are also somewhat thicker and more rigid, with a subtle bumpy or waffled texture. The stems are a vibrant green and are often heavily streaked with white, matching the leaf pattern. This cultivar generally grows a bit slower than a classic Golden Pothos, partly because the high white variegation means less chlorophyll for energy production.
Typical Growth Habit
It’s a compact, trailing plant. It won’t usually produce giant leaves unless it’s given perfect conditons and something tall to climb. It’s excellent for hanging baskets where its neat, variegated trails can be shown off. Because of its slower growth, it can maintain a tidy appearance for longer without needing a trim.
The Detailed Breakdown of Pothos ‘Pearls and Jade’
The ‘Pearls and Jade’ pothos has a softer, more detailed beauty. It’s all about the intricate speckling and gentle color gradients.
Leaf Coloration and Pattern
This is where ‘Pearls and Jade’ stands out. Instead of solid blocks of color, its variegation is a intricate mix. You’ll see a soft gray-green or celadon green as the base, swirled and marbled with white and creamy tones. The key identifier is the tiny speckles of dark green and silver-gray that appear within the white sections. This speckling is its signature. The green and white areas blend into each other softly, creating a watercolor effect rather than a sharp line.
Leaf Structure and Growth
‘Pearls and Jade’ leaves are generally a bit larger and flatter than ‘N’ Joy’ leaves, with a smoother texture. The leaf shape is also more ovate (egg-shaped). The stems are usually a solid green without the heavy white streaking seen in ‘N’ Joy’. This variety tends to grow at a moderate pace, a bit faster than ‘N’ Joy’ due to having more green chlorophyll on each leaf, even in the variegated parts.
Typical Growth Habit
It’s a versatile trailer that can fill out a pot nicely. It’s leaves have a gentle, cascading habit. It’s a fantastic choice for a shelf or tabletop where you can appreciate the intricate patterns on the leaves up close. It can also be trained to climb if you prefer a more vertical look.
Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
| Feature | Pothos ‘N’ Joy’ | Pothos ‘Pearls and Jade’ |
| :— | :— | :— |
| Primary Pattern | Bold, solid blocks of white and green. | Speckled, marbled blend of green, white, and gray. |
| Color Mixing | Sharp separation; little to no speckling. | Soft blending; distinctive dark green speckles in white areas. |
| Leaf Size | Generally smaller. | Generally slightly larger. |
| Leaf Texture | Thicker, more rigid, slightly waffled. | Thinner, flatter, smoother. |
| Stem Color | Often streaked with white. | Usually solid green. |
| Growth Speed | Slower, due to high white variegation. | Moderate, a bit faster than ‘N’ Joy’. |
How to Care for Both Varieties
The good news is that both plants share almost identical care requirements. Their main needs differ only because of their variegation levels.
Light Requirements
Both need bright, indirect light to maintain their beautiful patterns and support healthy growth.
* Ideal: An east-facing window or a few feet back from a south/west window.
* Low Light Caution: In low light, both plants will revert to more green leaves. ‘N’ Joy’ is especially prone to losing its white patches, as it needs light to sustain them. Too much direct sun, however, will scorch the delicate white parts of the leaves.
* Tip: Rotate your plant regularly so all sides get even light and the variegation stays balanced.
Watering Needs
This is where many people go wrong. Overwatering is the main enemy.
* Golden Rule: Water only when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel completely dry to the touch.
* Method: Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes, then let the pot drain completely. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water.
* Signs of Trouble: Yellow leaves often mean overwatering. Wilting or crispy brown edges often mean underwatering or low humidity.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining potting mix is non-negotiable.
* Simple Mix: A standard houseplant potting mix with about 20-30% perlite or pumice added for aeration.
* Pot Choice: Always use a pot with drainage holes. Terracotta pots are great because they wick away extra moisture.
* Repotting: Repot in spring every 1-2 years, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot. Only go up one pot size (1-2 inches larger in diameter).
Fertilizing for Optimal Variegation
Feed your plants during their active growing season (spring and summer).
* What to Use: A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20).
* How Often: Dilute to half the recommended strength and apply every 4-6 weeks.
* Important: Do not fertilize in fall and winter when growth slows. The extra salts can damage the roots.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even easy-care plants can have issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
1. Leaves Turning Mostly Green
This is called reverting. It happens when the plant isn’t getting enough light and needs to produce more chlorophyll to survive.
* Fix: Gradually move the plant to a brighter location. You can also prune back the all-green stems to encourage new, variegated growth.
2. Brown Tips or Spots on Leaves
* Crispy Brown Tips: Usually caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or humidifier.
* Soft Brown Spots: Often a sign of overwatering and potential root rot. Check the soil moisture and roots.
3. Leggy Growth with Small Leaves
The plant is stretching for more light.
* Fix: Provide brighter indirect light. You can also prune the long stems to encourage bushier growth from the base.
4. Pests
Watch for common houseplant pests like mealybugs (look like tiny cotton balls) and spider mites (fine webbing, stippled leaves).
* Fix: Isolate the affected plant. Wipe leaves with a cloth dipped in a mix of water and a little mild soap or neem oil. Treat consistently for a few weeks.
Propagation: How to Make More Plants
The best part about pothos is how easy they are to share. You use the same method for both ‘N’ Joy’ and ‘Pearls and Jade’.
Step-by-Step Water Propagation
1. Using clean scissors, cut a stem piece that has at least 3-4 leaves and 2-3 nodes (those little brown bumps on the stem).
2. Remove the leaf that is closest to the cut end, exposing the node.
3. Place the cutting in a jar of room-temperature water, ensuring the node is submerged but the leaves are not.
4. Put the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light.
5. Change the water once a week to keep it fresh.
6. In 2-6 weeks, you should see roots sprouting from the node. Wait until the roots are a few inches long.
7. Pot the rooted cutting in a small pot with fresh, moist potting mix. Keep the soil slightly moist for the first few weeks as it adjusts to soil.
Tip for Bushier Plants: Instead of one long cutting, take several shorter cuttings and plant them all together in one pot. This will give you a fuller, lusher plant from the start.
Styling and Placement in Your Home
Their variegation makes them incredibly versatile for decor.
* Hanging Baskets: Both are perfect for this, allowing their trails to cascade down. ‘N’ Joy’ offers a graphic pop, while ‘Pearls and Jade’ adds intricate texture.
* High Shelves or Bookcases: Let them trail along a shelf for a beautiful, living accent.
* Terrariums & Fairy Gardens: The smaller leaves of ‘N’ Joy’ make it a particularly good candidate for closed terrariums with high humidity.
* Desktop or Tabletop: Use a small pot to brighten up a workspace. The gentle variegation is calming and can help purify the air.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which is more rare, N Joy or Pearls and Jade pothos?
A: Neither is particularly rare anymore. Both are widely available at garden centers and online plant shops. Sometimes one might be more common than the other depending on the season and your local suppliers.
Q: Can N Joy and Pearls and Jade grow together in the same pot?
A: Yes, absolutely! They have the same care needs. Planting them together can create a beautiful contrast between the bold ‘N’ Joy’ and the speckled ‘Pearls and Jade’. Just ensure the pot has good drainage.
Q: Why is my pearls and jade pothos not very speckled?
A: Insufficient light is the most common reason. Move it to a brighter spot to encourage more of its characteristic speckling. Also, ensure you’re not over-fertilizing, as this can sometimes promote more green growth.
Q: Is Glacier pothos the same as N Joy or Pearls and Jade?
A: No, Glacier pothos is a third, separate cultivar. It has smaller leaves with a silvery-green and white variegation that can look similar, but it’s distinct from both ‘N’ Joy’ and ‘Pearls and Jade’. It’s often even harder to find than the other two.
Q: How do I make my pothos more variegated?
A: The single biggest factor is light. Provide plenty of bright, indirect light. Pruning back any stems that have reverted to all-green leaves will also direct the plant’s energy to the more variegated parts.
Choosing between these two fantastic plants ultimately depends on your personal aesthetic. Do you love bold, graphic contrasts? Then Pothos ‘N’ Joy’ is your plant. Do you prefer subtle, intricate details and soft blends? Then Pothos ‘Pearls and Jade’ will capture your heart. The best part is, you really can’t go wrong. Both will reward your minimal care with maximum beauty, cleaning your air and adding a touch of natural art to your home for years to come. With the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to care for them perfectly and even share new plants with your freinds.