Pothos are awesome, but sometimes they need a little help to look their best. Through lots of experiments in my home, I’ve found some easy ways to make their leaves more colorful.
Let me show you how!
Choosing the Right Pothos Varieties
Before we dive into the tricks, let’s talk about picking the right pothos varieties. Trust me, this can make all the difference!
Variegated Pothos Types
If you’re after those eye-catching patterns, you’ll want to look for naturally variegated pothos varieties. Some of my favorites include:
- Marble Queen pothos
- Golden pothos
- Manjula pothos
- Snow Queen pothos
These beauties come with built-in variegation, giving you a head start on achieving that stunning, multicolored look.
Non-Variegated Pothos Types
Now, don’t get me wrong – solid-colored pothos are beautiful too! Varieties like the Satin pothos (also known as “Scindapsus pictus” or “Sabu blue pothos”) and Neon pothos have their own unique charm. They’re perfect if you prefer a more uniform look or want to mix things up in your plant collection.
5 Tricks to Increase Coloration and Variegation in Pothos
Trick 1: Provide Adequate Light
Remember when I first brought home my variegated pothos? I thought it could thrive in that dark corner of my living room. Boy, was I wrong!
Sunlight is crucial for photosynthesis, which fuels your plant’s coloration. Without enough light, those beautiful variegated areas can’t effectively absorb light, leading to less vibrant foliage.
My top tip? Make sure your pothos gets indirect light throughout the day. This has made a world of difference for my plants’ coloration.
Trick 2: Propagate with Variegated Cuttings
Want to expand your pothos family? Here’s a little secret I’ve learned: use cuttings from your most variegated specimens.
By propagating these cuttings, you’re ensuring that the new plants inherit the same striking coloration. It’s like cloning your favorite variegated pothos!
Trick 3: Use Phosphorus-Rich Fertilizers
While pothos aren’t known for their flowers, I’ve found that phosphorus-rich fertilizers can really enhance their color development.
Try incorporating bone meal into the soil, or opt for liquid formulations high in phosphorus. Your pothos will thank you with vibrant, colorful foliage!
Trick 4: Manage Dust on Leaves
This might sound silly, but trust me – dust management is key! Those big, beautiful pothos leaves are perfect for light absorption, which is crucial for photosynthesis and vibrant foliage.
I make it a habit to regularly clean my pothos leaves with a damp cloth. It’s like giving them a mini spa day!
Here’s a little trick I picked up: mix water and milk to clean the leaves. Not only does this add a beautiful shine, but it also helps protect against fungal infections like powdery mildew. Talk about a win-win!
Trick 5: Grow Naturally Variegated Varieties
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. If you want guaranteed variegation, choose pothos types that are inherently variegated.
I started my collection with a Marble Queen pothos, and its stunning variegation never fails to impress visitors. It’s like having a living piece of art in your home!