Common Name: Jade Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum 'Jade'
The graceful and forgiving Jade Pothos is an indoor hanging plant that can climb, transforming into a lush cascade of greenery. The Jade Pothos is a solid choice for your home or office because it is beautiful AND easy to keep healthy. All this easy-care plant needs is water and bright indirect light to look its best! It can tolerate low light for long periods but is periodically exposed to at least 4 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
Light
Although you should give your Jade Pothos medium to bright indirect light, this plant can also handle lower light conditions. However, the leaves will become smaller, and the vine will become leggy if the light is not bright enough. If your space is light-challenged, try using LED (light-emitting diode) lights as a supplement light source. Avoid setting this plant in the sun's direct rays, as its leaves will burn! Soft morning sunlight is alright, but only for a few hours.
Water
Water the soil of your Jade Pothos plant thoroughly after the soil is almost completely dry. When the leaves start wilting, it is the best time to water them. Water more often in the growing season and reduce the frequency during winter. If the soil becomes compacted, soak the entire root system (root ball) in a bucket of water for 10 minutes to help loosen up the soil. A great way to test the soil for dryness is to pick up the plant; if it feels very light, it is most likely time to water it!
Soil
Jade Pothos loves loose, nutrient-rich potting soil. Use a soil medium that can retain moisture but allows for draining excess water to avoid root rot. Most pre-mixed soils will suffice. Make sure there is plenty of organic matter, like coco-coir, peat moss, or shredded leaves, and avoid soil containing moisture-retaining crystals. If your soil drains too quickly, we recommend re-potting your plant into a compost-rich soil mixture with fewer drainage materials.
Temperature
For your Jade Pothos, most average household temperatures will be adequate for this indoor plant. However, if it remains in temperatures under 55℉, the cold air will stunt the plant's growth. Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can be fatal to this tropical indoor plant. Ideally, this plant thrives most in temperatures between 65-80°F. The warmer the temperature, the quicker the soil will dry out, so keep this in mind. It is also a good idea to ensure good air circulation, as stagnant air can cause fungal problems and invite pests to make a home on your Jade Pothos.
Humidity
Like most tropical indoor plants, Jade Pothos will benefit from higher humidity but also do fine in average household air. Aim for a humidity level of around 40% to 60%. To increase the humidity levels for your plant, you can group plants, provide them with a pebble tray, mist the leaves regularly, and, if possible, place your plant in a room such as a bathroom or a kitchen. These are all great ways to increase the humidity levels for your plant!
Fertilizer
The Jade Pothos is a relatively low-maintenance houseplant. Fertilize your plant about once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). You can reduce or even skip fertilizing it in the fall and winter! When you fertilize your Jade Pothos, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. A balance with an equal nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio is best, such as 20-20-20 or 10-10-10. If you want to take the more "organic" approach, use compost tea or diluted fish emulsion as a natural fertilizer.
Growth Rate
Jade Pothos is known to be a fast-growing plant compared to other houseplants. If you provide your plant with the proper care, you can expect it to grow several inches, like 3 to 6 inches (or more) in length per month! This growth would occur most likely during the growing season. This plant's growth rate will usually slow down in the colder months. Regarding Jade Potho's mature height, it can reach a mature height of 6 to 10 feet (or even more – over time). Please remember that you have control over this plant's height!
Pet Friend or Foe
The Jade Pothos is considered to be mildly toxic to pets! Foe!
Pro Tips
- To control your Jade Pothos shape and size, regularly trim and prune it! To do this, pinch back the growing tips (to encourage branching), resulting in a fuller and bushier appearance for your plant!
- Always watch for common household pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. If you see any pests, isolate the affected plant and treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil. This will help to get rid of the pests!
- If you want to propagate your Jade Pothos, you can take stem cuttings with at least two leaves and put them in water or directly into the moist soil. Do this until they root!