How to Grow and Care for Jade Pothos
A guide to the essential practices for a healthy Jade Pothos. Learn how to foster its vibrant foliage and ensure your plant thrives for years to come.
The Jade Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’, is a popular houseplant recognized for its solid, deep green, heart-shaped leaves. Its reputation as a hardy and low-maintenance plant makes it a common choice for both new and experienced plant owners. The plant’s trailing vines add a touch of lush greenery to any indoor space, whether placed on a shelf, in a hanging basket, or trained to climb.
Caring for Your Jade Pothos
Light
Jade Pothos thrive in medium to bright, indirect light. While they are adaptable and can tolerate low-light conditions, their growth may slow, and the leaves might be smaller. Direct, harsh sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
Water
Jade Pothos are drought-tolerant and susceptible to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water the plant when the top 50% of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water until it flows through the drainage hole, then discard any excess from the saucer. Drooping leaves can be a sign of both underwatering and overwatering, so checking the soil moisture is the most reliable way to determine if it’s time to water.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix is necessary for a healthy Jade Pothos. Standard indoor potting soil amended with perlite or orchid bark can improve drainage and aeration, which helps prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged.
Temperature and Humidity
Jade Pothos prefers temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They are sensitive to cold and should be kept away from drafts and sudden temperature drops below 50°F. While they can acclimate to typical household humidity levels, these tropical plants appreciate a more humid environment. Placing the plant in a naturally humid room like a bathroom or kitchen, or using a humidifier, can be beneficial.
Fertilizer
During the growing season of spring and summer, a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer can be used to support growth. Feeding every one to two months is sufficient. Dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the roots. Always water the plant before fertilizing to ensure the soil is damp.
Propagating Jade Pothos
Propagating Jade Pothos is a straightforward process using stem cuttings. Select a healthy vine and use sterile scissors to take a cutting with at least a few leaves and nodes. Nodes are the small bumps on the stem where new roots will sprout.
The most common method is water propagation. Remove the lowest leaf and submerge at least one node in water. Place the glass in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days. Roots should begin to appear within a few weeks.
Once the roots are a few inches long, transfer the cutting to soil. Plant the cutting in a small pot with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist for the first few weeks to help the plant establish itself. Multiple cuttings can be planted in the same pot for a fuller plant.
Common Jade Pothos Problems
Jade Pothos can encounter a few common issues. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering. If this occurs, check the soil’s moisture and allow it to dry more between waterings. Brown leaf tips can suggest dry air or underwatering.
Leggy growth, characterized by long stems with sparse leaves, occurs when the plant is not receiving enough light. Moving it to a brighter location can encourage more compact growth. Pests are not frequent, but spider mites and mealybugs can appear. These can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using an insecticidal soap.
Jade Pothos Benefits and Safety
Jade Pothos is known for its air-purifying capabilities. It can help remove common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, contributing to a healthier home environment.
The plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, swelling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed or eaten. For the safety of children and pets, it is best to place the plant in a location that is out of their reach, such as on a high shelf or in a hanging basket.