What Makes Pothos So Popular?
Few houseplants combine low-maintenance care with such visual variety. Pothos, the common name for plants in the genera Epipremnum and Scindapsus, thrive in conditions that would test most tropical plants: low light, inconsistent watering, and average household humidity. That resilience makes them a natural starting point for new plant owners, and the sheer number of cultivars keeps experienced collectors interested.
The Golden Pothos is probably the single most recognised houseplant in the world. But the genus runs deep: from the compact, white-splashed N'Joy to the metallic blue-green leaves of Cebu Blue, each cultivar has a distinct personality.
Epipremnum vs Scindapsus: What is the Difference?
Both genera belong to the aroid family (Araceae) and share a similar trailing or climbing habit. The practical difference comes down to leaf texture and colour. Epipremnum cultivars tend to have smoother, glossier leaves with yellow, white, or green variegation. Scindapsus leaves are typically thicker, with a matte or velvety surface and silver patterning.
Compare the satin sheen of Scindapsus pictus 'Argyraeus' with the bold marbling of Epipremnum 'Global Green' and the distinction is clear. Both genera are equally easy to care for, so choose whichever leaf pattern appeals to you.
Best Pothos for Beginners
If you are new to houseplants, three varieties stand out. Golden Pothos tolerates low light, missed waterings, and just about every common mistake. Neon Pothos brings a vivid chartreuse colour to darker corners. And Scindapsus pictus 'Trebie' adds silver variegation without demanding bright conditions.
All three are part of our easy care houseplants collection and make excellent gifts for anyone starting their indoor jungle.
Rare and Unusual Pothos Varieties
Beyond the classics, we grow a rotating selection of harder-to-find cultivars. Epipremnum Snow Leopard features fine white speckles across dark green leaves. Scindapsus treubii 'Moonlight' has elongated, silvery leaves with an almost metallic finish. Stock on these varieties changes regularly, so check back often or sign up for restock notifications on any product page.
How to Care for Pothos Plants
Pothos are not fussy, but getting the basics right makes a real difference to growth rate and leaf size. Place them in bright, indirect light for the best variegation; they will survive in low light but may lose colour contrast. Water when the top 3 to 5 cm of compost feels dry. In winter, that might mean watering every two to three weeks rather than weekly.
Feed every two to four weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. These plants are natural climbers in the wild, so giving them a moss pole or trellis encourages larger, more mature leaves. Left to trail from a shelf or hanging planter, they will produce long, elegant vines instead.
Are Pothos Plants Safe for Pets?
Both Epipremnum and Scindapsus contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Symptoms are usually mild (drooling, mouth irritation) but it is worth keeping these plants out of reach of curious pets. If you need trailing plants that are non-toxic, consider Hoya as an alternative; many Hoya species are considered pet-safe.
Why Buy Pothos from Grow Tropicals?
We propagate and grow the majority of our Pothos collection in-house at our UK nursery. That means healthier, better-established plants that are already acclimatised to UK indoor conditions. Every plant is checked by our horticultural team before dispatch, and we pack using recyclable, plastic-free materials designed to keep your plant safe in transit.
