Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’)
Botanical Classification:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Monocots
- Order: Alismatales
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Epipremnum
- Species: Epipremnum aureum
- Cultivar: ‘Jade’
Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’ is a cultivar of Epipremnum aureum, a member of the Araceae family, which is known for its variety of foliage plants prized for their decorative leaves.
The ‘Jade’ cultivar was selected for its uniform, dark green foliage, contrasting with the variegated forms of Epipremnum aureum. It’s bred to offer a more consistent look, appealing to those who prefer solid colors or wish to mix with variegated plants for contrast. The specific history of its development isn’t extensively documented, but it’s part of a broader trend in horticulture to cater to diverse aesthetic preferences.
Jade Pothos has gained popularity for its lush, green foliage without variegation, offering a classic, tropical look that fits well in both traditional and modern interior designs. Its simplicity and robustness make it a favorite for both beginners and seasoned plant enthusiasts.
Like other Epipremnum aureum cultivars, Jade Pothos has spread globally through the houseplant trade, appreciated for its ease of care and aesthetic appeal in homes, offices, and public spaces.
Jade Pothos, like other cultivars of Epipremnum aureum, is not suited for outdoor cultivation in most USDA Hardiness Zones due to its tropical origin. It’s hardy in Zones 10-11 where frost is rare, allowing for outdoor growth in very warm climates. In zones cooler than 10, Jade Pothos is cultivated indoors, thriving in a variety of indoor environments across all USDA zones due to its adaptability to light conditions.
The species Epipremnum aureum is native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, where it grows as an understory plant in tropical rainforests. ‘Jade’ does not occur in the wild but shares the same environmental preferences as its parent species in cultivation. Jade Pothos enjoys a worldwide cultivated range, found in nearly all countries where indoor plants are popular. Its dark green foliage makes it a versatile choice for adding greenery to any room.
While less likely to revert to a variegated form like some other cultivars, caution is still advised when cultivating in tropical or subtropical climates where it might escape and become invasive. However, its uniform green color might make it less likely to spread as aggressively as variegated forms in natural settings. Its ability to grow in a range of light conditions, from low to bright indirect light, combined with its tolerance for occasional neglect in watering, makes it highly adaptable for indoor gardening. It’s particularly appreciated for its ability to thrive where other plants might struggle due to low light.
Characteristics
- Foliage: Jade Pothos is distinguished by its deep, uniform green leaves, lacking the variegation seen in other Epipremnum aureum cultivars. The leaves are heart-shaped, glossy, and provide a rich, solid color that contrasts well with variegated plants or stands alone as a lush green accent.
- Growth Habit: Like other Pothos varieties, it grows either as a climber or a trailer. It uses aerial roots to climb if support is provided or can trail elegantly from hanging baskets or shelves. Its growth rate is somewhat faster than variegated types due to its full chlorophyll content.
- Size: Leaves can grow to about 4 inches (10 cm) wide, and the plant itself can extend several meters if not pruned, offering a dense, verdant look when allowed to spread.
- Flowers: Flowering is rare in indoor conditions, but when it does occur, it produces a small spadix and spathe, typical of the Araceae family.
Cultivation
- Light: Jade Pothos is adaptable to a range of light conditions but thrives best in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light but will grow more slowly and might not be as lush. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf burn.
- Soil: Prefers a well-draining potting mix. A combination of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark or a commercial houseplant mix ensures good drainage, reducing the risk of root rot.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It’s relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture, especially in brighter light. Overwatering should be avoided, particularly in low-light conditions.
- Humidity: While it can adapt to average household humidity, higher levels reminiscent of its tropical origins will support healthier growth. Misting or using a pebble tray with water can help increase humidity.
- Temperature: Ideal growth occurs between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It’s sensitive to cold, with growth slowing below 50°F (10°C), and it can be damaged by frost.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). Over-fertilization isn’t necessary due to its vigorous growth, but a light feeding promotes health. Reduce or stop in fall and winter.
- Pruning: Prune to manage size, encourage bushier growth, or remove any yellow or dead leaves. Pruning also provides material for propagation.
Propagation
- Stem Cuttings: The primary method for propagation:
- Cut a piece of stem with at least one node (where leaves attach).
- Water Method: Place the cutting in water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change water weekly to keep it fresh. Roots will typically form within weeks, after which you can pot the cutting.
- Soil Method: Plant the cutting directly in moist soil, covering the node. Keep the soil damp until roots develop, which might take a few weeks.
- Layering: For natural propagation, lay a stem horizontally on soil, ensuring nodes touch the soil. These nodes will root, and once established, you can separate and pot the new plant.
- Division: When repotting or if the plant has multiple stems, you can divide the root ball, ensuring each division has roots and shoots, then pot each piece separately.