Jade Pothos vs Golden Pothos: How to Distinguish, Grow, and Care

Learn which houseplant traits best suit your home’s light and style needs.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 9, 2025

Learn which houseplant traits best suit your home’s light and style needs.

Jade Pothos vs Golden Pothos: An In-Depth Guide

Pothos houseplants are beloved for their resilience, versatility, and striking foliage. Two of the most popular varietiesâJade Pothos and Golden Pothosâare often confused due to their vining nature and similar care requirements. However, each boasts unique features that can delight collectors and casual plant owners alike. This comprehensive guide explores their similarities, differences, identification methods, common issues, and expert care tips, so you can grow thriving, healthy pothos in any indoor space.

Overview: What Are Jade and Golden Pothos?

Both Jade Pothos and Golden Pothos hail from the Epipremnum genus, commonly known as “Devil’s Ivy” due to their indestructible nature. They are native to Southeast Asia and the Solomon Islands, boasting adaptability and quick growth in a variety of home and office environments. Although they share many traits, their differences make each one unique and desirable for distinct reasons.

Main Features of Each Variety

Jade Pothos: Deep green, unvariegated leaves with a waxy texture and classic heart shape.
Golden Pothos: Green leaves marbled or streaked with golden-yellow variegation, also heart-shaped but often more eye-catching due to coloration.

Jade Pothos vs Golden Pothos: Table Comparison

Characteristic	Jade Pothos	Golden Pothos
Leaf Color	Solid, rich green	Green with yellow-gold variegation
Growth Habit	Trailing/vining	Trailing/vining
Ease of Care	Very easy	Very easy
Light Preference	Low to bright indirect	Low to bright indirect
Variegation	None (pure green)	Yes (marbled/yellow)
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets	Toxic to pets

How to Distinguish Jade Pothos from Golden Pothos

Distinguishing these two pothos varieties is straightforward when you know what to look for. Focus on leaf color and variegation pattern as the key differences.

Jade Pothos sports uniformly deep emerald green leaves without any streaks, flecks, or marbled patterns. The green can darken slightly with maturity or lower light conditions.
Golden Pothos showcases vibrant green leaves adorned with splashes and marbling of yellow or gold hues, often concentrated along leaf veins or edges.

When the variegation in Golden Pothos is prominent, the contrast with Jade Pothos is obvious. In lower-light conditions, variegated areas may fade, at times causing a Golden Pothos to partially resemble a Jade, but the residual yellow marks typically persist.

Other Distinguishing Points

Leaf texture: Both varieties share a glossy, leathery texture, so this is often not a reliable distinguishing feature.
Vine length: Both vine and trail in similar fashion. Any difference is more likely due to environment than inherent genetics.

Similarities Between Jade Pothos and Golden Pothos

Despite their visual differences, Jade and Golden Pothos are remarkably similar in terms of growth, care, and adaptability. Their robust nature makes both varieties favorites for beginners and experienced indoor gardeners.

Both are considered among the easiest houseplants to keep alive.
They propagate readily from stem cuttings, thriving in water or soil.
Each is incredibly adaptable to various light conditions, thriving in low to bright indirect light and even under fluorescent office bulbs.
Both varieties can help purify indoor air, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
They share similar watering, soil, temperature, and humidity needs.
All parts of the plant are toxic to pets if ingested.

Key Differences

Leaf Variegation: The single biggest difference is in the color and variegation of leaves. Jade is a deep, pure green, while Golden displays marbled yellow patterns.
Response to Light: Golden Pothos tends to lose its variegation and turn greener in low-light areas, sometimes resembling Jade. Only strong, indirect light will maintain the dramatic coloration of Golden Pothos leaves.
Cultivar Heritage: Both are cultivars of Epipremnum aureum, but Jade is considered the âoriginalâ unvariegated type, while Golden is selected for its variegation.

Care Requirements for Jade and Golden Pothos

Caring for either variety follows the same simple regimen. Their forgiving nature is perfect for beginners and plant experts alike.

Light

Bright, indirect light is optimal for both varieties, especially to keep Goldenâs variegation looking vibrant.
Lower light is tolerated, but Jade and Golden will grow more slowly and may lose variegation (in Golden).
Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch foliage and cause bleaching.

Watering

Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
Water thoroughly until excess drains from the pot but donât allow the roots to sit in waterâoverwatering leads to root rot.
Drooping leaves can signal underwatering or, paradoxically, overwatering due to root suffocation.

Soil

Well-draining potting mix is essential.
Mixes containing peat moss, perlite, or pine bark increase drainage and root aeration.
Avoid compacted soils and always use containers with drainage holes.

Temperature & Humidity

Thrive in temperatures between 65Â°F and 85Â°F (18Â°C â 30Â°C) and grow best above 60Â°F (15Â°C).
Humidity should ideally range from 40-60%, but both tolerate standard indoor humidity. Bathrooms and kitchens are great spots.
Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature drops.

Fertilizing

Pothos are light feeders.
Fertilize during spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 1-2 months. Less is moreâover-fertilizing can cause leaf burn and root issues.
No need to feed during winter dormancy.

Pruning & Grooming

Prune regularly to keep vines bushy and tidy. Snip just below a leaf node for the best results.
Remove yellowing or damaged leaves promptly.
Clean foliage with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep leaves glossy.

Repotting

Repot every 1-2 years, or when roots become crowded or emerge from drainage holes.
Choose a pot 1-2 inches wider than the current one.
Refresh soil with each repotting to provide nutrients and better drainage.

Propagation: Growing New Plants Easily

Pothos propagation is simple and highly rewarding. Both Jade and Golden Pothos can be propagated from stem cuttings in water or soil.

Cut a healthy stem just below a node, ensuring at least 2-4 leaves remain above the cut.
Place the cutting in clean water or directly into moist, well-draining soil.
Roots will develop in 2-4 weeks. Once roots are a couple of inches long, transplant water-rooted cuttings to soil.
Keep new cuttings in bright, indirect light, and maintain moderate moisture for optimal establishment.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Pothos are low-maintenance, but certain issues occasionally arise. Hereâs how to address them:

Yellow Leaves: Overwatering is the leading cause. Ensure soil dries between waterings and pot drains well.
Brown Leaf Tips or Edges: Underwatering, low humidity, or excess fertilizer are typical culprits. Adjust watering and check humidity.
Pale or Bleached Leaves: Too much direct sunlight; move the plant to indirect light.
Droopy Stems: Usually a watering or root issue. Check for root rot or dryness.
Loss of Variegation in Golden Pothos: Insufficient light; relocate to a spot with brighter filtered light.

Health Benefits of Pothos Plants

Air Purification: Jade and Golden Pothos both help remove toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air.
Humidity Control: They help add moisture to dry indoor environments.
Stress Reduction: Their lush greenery can promote a sense of calm and well-being, creating a more relaxed atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can Jade Pothos turn into Golden Pothos (or vice versa)?

A: No. Variegation in Golden Pothos is genetic and cannot develop in Jade. Likewise, a Golden Pothos that loses variegation due to low light may resemble Jade, but will not be a true Jade Pothos.

Q: Why does my Golden Pothos look all green?

A: Golden Pothos can lose their yellow markings if they are not receiving enough bright, indirect light. Move your plant closer to a light source, but out of direct sun, to restore variegation.

Q: Are pothos safe for pets?

A: Both Jade and Golden Pothos are considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep them out of reach of curious pets and children.

Q: How can I make my pothos bushier?

A: Regularly prune long vines just below a node to stimulate branching and fuller growth. You can plant pruned cuttings back in the same pot to increase density.

Q: Can pothos grow in water permanently?

A: Yes, pothos can thrive in water alone if provided with indirect light and the water is changed frequently. Add diluted fertilizer every few weeks to provide nutrients.

Final Thoughts: Jade vs Golden Pothos

Whether youâre drawn to the uniform elegance of Jade Pothos or the variegated charm of Golden Pothos, both varieties offer beauty, ease of care, and significant benefits for indoor spaces. Selecting between the two often comes down to aesthetic preference and lighting conditions in your home. Embrace their forgiving nature and experiment with propagation for maximum enjoyment. Both plants are timeless, resilient additions to any collectionâand with minimal effort, youâll enjoy lush, healthy vines year-round.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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