How to Grow Pearls and Jade Pothos

Wikimedia Commons

Pearls and Jade Pothos

Epipremnum aureum 'Pearls and Jade'

vine

Pearls and Jade is a variegated cultivar of pothos featuring heart-shaped leaves with cream, white, and silvery-gray variegation on a green base. This tropical vining houseplant is prized for its compact growth habit and striking foliage. It is exceptionally easy to grow and tolerates a wide range of indoor conditions, making it perfect for beginners.

When should you plant Pearls and Jade Pothos in your zone?

Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.

Get my Pearls and Jade Pothos timeline →

Example Pearls and Jade Pothos timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Pearls and Jade Pothos

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Pearls and Jade Pothos

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pearls and Jade Pothos dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright, indirect light; 10-12 hours daily. Tolerates low to moderate light but variegation is brightest in brighter conditions.
💧
Water: Water when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Overwatering is the primary killer; allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter. Prefers humidity of 50-60%.
📏
Spacing: Not applicable for vining houseplant; provide support structure such as moss pole, trellis, or hanging basket inches
📅
Days to maturity: Actively growing year-round indoors; reaches mature size in 1-2 years
🌱
Planting depth: Plant stem cuttings 1 inch deep in soil, or root in water and transfer when roots are 1-2 inches long

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting soil mix with perlite or orchid bark
pH: 6.1-6.5
Amendments:
Perlite or pumice for drainage Sphagnum moss for moisture retention Orchid bark for air circulation

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 11-13; grown as a houseplant year-round in cooler climates

11 12 13

Sign up free to see if Pearls and Jade Pothos grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.

Get my Pearls and Jade Pothos timeline →

Growth Stages

1

Rooting/Establishment

1-3 weeks

New cuttings develop roots and establish in soil or water; minimal leaf growth

Keep soil moist but not waterlogged; maintain warmth (70-80°F); bright indirect light promotes faster rooting

2

Vegetative Growth

Ongoing throughout growing season (spring-summer)

Plant produces new leaves and vine growth; variegation becomes apparent as foliage matures

Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; provide sturdy support structure; rotate plant weekly for even growth

3

Mature Trailing/Climbing

Maintenance phase, indefinite

Vine extends 3-6 feet or more; leaves reach full size with prominent variegation; plant fills designated space

Prune regularly to control size and encourage bushier growth; pinch tips to promote branching; wipe leaves monthly with soft damp cloth

4

Winter Dormancy/Slow Growth

October-March

Growth slows significantly; leaf production decreases; plant appears static

Reduce watering frequency; hold fertilizer applications; maintain minimum temperatures of 60°F; light requirements same as summer

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring dry conditions (succulents, cacti) Plants sensitive to humidity fluctuations

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity to 60%+ and mist foliage; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days; isolate infected plant

  • Dab directly with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with neem oil; repeat weekly until clear

  • Remove manually with rubbing alcohol; apply horticultural oil spray every 7 days; isolate plant

  • Allow soil to dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; replace top 2 inches of soil if infestation is severe

Uses

🏠

Air Purification

Household

Pothos plants, including Pearls and Jade, are documented by NASA as effective at removing toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air. They work passively as part of room decor while improving air quality. [source]

🏠

Low-Maintenance Décor

Household

The variegated foliage of Pearls and Jade makes it an attractive trailing or climbing specimen for desks, shelves, hanging baskets, or trained up moss poles. Its ability to tolerate neglect and low light makes it ideal for offices and hard-to-light spaces. [source]

🏠

Easy Propagation & Gifting

Household

Pearls and Jade propagates trivially from stem cuttings, making it simple to grow new plants for sharing or expanding your collection. A single cutting can root in water in days and be gifted as a living present. [source]

🦋

Pet Toxicity Awareness

Wildlife

Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, containing calcium oxalates that cause mouth and digestive irritation. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets and position higher on shelves or hanging baskets. [source]

Harvest Tips

Not a harvested plant. Instead, propagate by taking 4-6 inch stem cuttings with 2-3 leaves; root in water or moist soil medium. Harvest cuttings year-round, though spring and summer rooting is fastest.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Pearls and Jade is a mutation of the Golden Pothos and was commercially introduced as a more compact, refined cultivar with superior variegation.
  • 🌱 Pothos vines can live for decades indoors and will continue growing indefinitely if provided support; some specimens in collections are over 20 years old.
  • 🌱 The plant is nearly impossible to kill and has earned the nickname 'Devil's Ivy' because it is so hardy—it thrives in virtually any light condition and bounces back from neglect.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.

Get your personalized Pearls and Jade Pothos planting timeline

Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Pearls and Jade Pothos seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.

Get my Pearls and Jade Pothos timeline →