Perhaps you’ve seen a jade pothos plant in someone’s home and been curious about how to take care of one yourself.
Jade pothos plants are popular houseplants because they are easy to care for and thrive in a variety of conditions. There are a few things to keep in mind if you want your jade pothos plant to thrive.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about taking care of an indoor jade pothos plant from watering and fertilizing to pruning and pests.
Table of Contents
Jade Pothos Plant Overview
The jade pothos plant is a member of the Araceae family, which includes philodendrons and anthuriums. The jade pothos plant is native to the islands of French Polynesia, and can now be found in many other parts of the world.
The jade pothos plant is an evergreen vine that can grow to be up to 20 feet long. It has glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are green or variegated with shades of yellow and white. It’s a fast-growing plant and can quickly become overgrown if not pruned regularly.
The jade pothos plant is also known by a few other names, including money plant and devil’s ivy.
These plants are often grown in hanging baskets or as tabletop plants. They can also be trained to grow up a trellis or stake.
Watering and Fertilizing
The jade pothos plant is tolerant of a wide range of watering conditions. However, it is best to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering.
It’s best not to use tap water to water your jade pothos plant as it may contain chemicals that can harm the plant. Use filtered or distilled water instead.
The jade pothos plant does not need a lot of fertilizer and can be damaged by too much of it. Fertilize your jade pothos plant every 1 to 2 months during the growing season with a half-strength, water-soluble fertilizer.
Light
The jade pothos does best in bright, indirect light. However, it can also tolerate low light conditions. If you are growing your plant in a hanging basket, make sure to rotate the basket occasionally so that all sides of the plant get an equal amount of light.
Temperature and Humidity
The jade pothos plant is tolerant of a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions. It can be grown in temperatures as low as 50°F (10 °C) and as high as 85 °F (29°C).
This plant prefers high humidity but will also tolerate low humidity levels. If the air in your home is particularly dry, you can increase the humidity around your plant by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles and water or by using a humidifier.
Soil requirements
The jade pothos plant prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic soil. You can use a commercial potting mix or make your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand.
Propagation
The jade pothos can be propagated from stem cuttings. To do this, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone
and plant it in a pot of moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
If propagating in water, place the cutting in a jar or vase of water and place it in a sunny spot. Change the water every week and after a few weeks, roots should begin to form. Once roots have formed, plant the cutting in a pot of moistened potting mix.
Pruning
As previously mentioned, this is a fast-growing plant and can quickly become overgrown if not pruned regularly. So, prune your jade pothos to keep it the size and shape you want. You can also prune your plant to remove any damaged or dead leaves.
To prune your plant, use a sharp pair of gardening shears or scissors. Make sure to sterilize the blades with rubbing alcohol before and after pruning.
Pests
A healthy jade pothos is relatively resistant to pests, however, mealybugs and spider mites can occasionally be a problem.
Mealybugs are small, white, fuzzy insects that suck the sap out of plants. Spider mites are tiny spiders that live on the undersides of leaves and spin webs.
If you see any pests on your jade pothos plant, treat it with an insecticidal soap or oil.
Is jade pothos the same as golden pothos?
NNo, the jade pothos and golden pothos are two different plants. Jade pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a fast-growing vine with heart-shaped leaves that can be either green or variegated. Golden pothos (Scindapsus aures) is a slower-growing vine with heart-shaped leaves that are variegated with yellow or white. Both plants are easy to care for and make great houseplants.
Is jade pothos toxic?
The jade pothos plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect your pet has ingested jade pothos, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.
How do I know if my jade pothos needs more light?
If your jade pothos is not getting enough light, the leaves will start to turn yellow. Alternatively, if your plant is getting too much light, the leaves will start to turn brown and crispy.
My jade pothos plant is losing leaves. What should I do?
There are a few possible reasons why your jade pothos plant is losing leaves. It could be due to too much or too little water, too much or too little light, or a nutrient deficiency.
If your plant is not getting enough water, increase the frequency of watering. However, if your plant is getting too much water, let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings.
If you see that your plant is not getting enough light, move it to a brighter location. On the other hand, if your plant is getting too much light, move it to a shadier spot.
Perhaps your plant is losing leaves due to a nutrient deficiency. If this is the case, fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer.
Summary
The jade pothos plant is a popular houseplant that is easy to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate a wide range of light conditions. Keep the soil moist but not soggy and water more frequently during the summer months.
So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about taking care of an indoor jade pothos plant. By following these simple tips, your plant will be healthy and thriving in no time.