If you think you know pothos, think again. Beyond the common Golden and Marble Queen, there exists a world of rare pothos varieties that are exceptionally uncommon houseplants. These elusive plants are the hidden gems of the collector’s world, often commanding high prices and long waiting lists.
Their unique colors, patterns, and forms make them highly sought after. For the dedicated plant enthusiast, finding and caring for one of these rarities is a special joy. Let’s look at some of the most extraordinary types you might encounter.
Rarest Pothos – Exceptionally Uncommon Houseplant
This category is for the true unicorns. These plants are rarely available from standard nurseries and often propagate slowly, which keeps their numbers low. Here are a few standout stars.
1. The Elusive Harlequin Pothos
Often considered the holy grail, the Harlequin pothos looks like an extreme version of the Manjula. It features large, bold blocks of pure white and deep green, with very little blending. The key is the high variegation, which covers often more than 80% of the leaf.
- Why it’s rare: The extreme white variegation means it photosynthesizes slowly. It grows at a snail’s pace and can be tricky to keep healthy.
- Identification Tip: Look for stark, clean contrasts between white and green, not creamy yellow or light green streaks.
2. The Mysterious Teruno Shangri-La
This bizarre and wonderful cultivar from Japan’s Teruno series is unlike any other pothos. Its leaves curl inward from the sides, forming a unique “taco” or even a closed funnel shape. The foliage has a lovely textured, almost crinkled appearance.
- Why it’s rare: It’s a very new introduction to the global market. Limited supply and high demand from collectors drive its rarity.
- Care Note: It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its compact, curled form. In low light, the leaves may flatten out some.
3. The Variegated Global Green Pothos
While the solid green Global Green is becoming common, its variegated form is a true prize. It displays stunning, irregular splashes of lime and yellow-green against a darker forest green background. The variegation is often sectoral, meaning it appears in large sections.
Why it’s rare: This is a spontaneous mutation. It cannot be reliably produced, making each plant a lucky find. Propagation is the only way to create more, and it doesn’t always pass the trait on consistently.
4. The Collector’s Jessenia Pothos (High Variegation)
The standard Jessenia is a lovely, chartreuse-variegated plant. However, occasionally, a highly variegated sport appears. These specimens have leaves that are almost entirely a bright, creamy yellow with only tiny specks of green.
- Why it’s rare: Like other high-variegation sports, these are random. They are not a stable, named cultivar yet, so finding one is a matter of chance.
- Important: These high-variegation types need excellent light to survive, as they have very little chlorophyll.
Where to Find These Rare Plants
You won’t find these at your local garden center. Your best bets are specialized online retailers, auctions on plant-focused platforms, and plant swap groups on social media. Be prepared for higher prices and always check seller reviews. Sometimes you can get lucky and find a rare cutting in a community trade.
Caring for Your Rare Pothos
These uncommon plants often need a bit more attention than their hardy cousins. The high variegation in many makes them more sensitive.
Light is Non-Negotiable
Bright, indirect light is absolutely crucial for variegated types. It fuels growth and helps maintain their stunning patterns. A lack of light will cause the plant to revert to green so it can produce more energy. An east or west-facing window is ideal, or a few feet back from a south window.
Watering With Care
Overwatering is the fastest way to lose a rare plant. The rule of thumb is to let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely before watering again. Here’s a simple check:
- Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle.
- If it feels dry, water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole.
- Empty the saucer after 15 minutes so the roots aren’t sitting in water.
Soil and Potting Needs
A well-draining mix is essential. You can use a standard houseplant soil but add extra perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage. This prevents root rot, which these slow-growing plants recover from with difficulty. Repot only when the roots are circling the bottom of the pot, usually every 1-2 years.
Maintaining Variegation
If you notice a new leaf is mostly green, the plant isn’t getting enough light. To encourage variegation:
- Move it to a brighter location immediately.
- You can prune back the fully green stems to encourage new, variegated growth from the base.
- Be patient—the next leaf might show better color.
Propagating Your Treasure
Propagation is how you safe-guard your investment and maybe share with a friend. The water method is simplest:
- Cut a stem section just below a node (the little bump on the stem).
- Ensure you have at least one node and one leaf on your cutting.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water, making sure the node is submerged.
- Put it in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.
- Once roots are 2-3 inches long, pot it in a small container with well-draining soil.
Remember, highly variegated cuttings may root slower due to less chlorophyll.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even experianced growers face issues. Here’s a quick guide:
- Yellow Leaves: Usually a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture routine.
- Brown, Crispy Leaf Edges: Often caused by low humidity. Try a pebble tray or occasional misting.
- Leggy Growth with Small Leaves: The plant needs more light. Relocate it to a brighter spot.
- Loss of Variegation: As mentioned, this is a direct plea for more sunlight.
FAQ
What is the most expensive rare pothos?
The Harlequin pothos is often the most expensive due to its extreme rarity and slow growth. Single cuttings can sell for a significant amount.
Are there any other exceptionally uncommon houseplants like these?
Yes, the world of rare aroids is vast. Look into rare Philodendron or Monstera varieties, like the Monstera Albo, for a similar level of collector passion.
Where can I buy these uncommon pothos plants?
Specialized online shops, Etsy sellers with excellent ratings, and plant auction websites are your best starting points. Always research the seller first.
Why is my rare pothos not growing?
These plants often grow slower, especially in winter. Ensure it has enough light, warmth, and consider a diluted, balanced fertilizer during the spring and summer growing season.
Can a reverted pothos become variegated again?
It’s possible but not guaranteed. Prune back the reverted (all-green) growth to the last variegated node. Providing optimal light gives the best chance for the new shoot to carry the variegation.
Adding one of these rare pothos varieties to your collection is a rewarding challenge. With careful attention to their specific needs, you can enjoy these beautiful, exceptionally uncommon houseplants for years to come. Their unique beauty makes the extra effort truly worth it.