Marble Pothos vs. Golden Pothos: Which is Right for You?

Discover the differences between Marble Pothos and Golden Pothos to find out which one suits your home and lifestyle best. Learn about their care requirements, growth habits and unique features.

Are you thinking about adding a new plant to your home? Pothos might be just what you’re looking for! These easy-to-grow plants are perfect for both new and experienced plant owners. But when it comes to choosing between Marble Pothos and Golden Pothos, which one should you pick? Let’s dive into the world of these beautiful vines and help you make the best choice for your space.

What Are Pothos Plants?

Here’s an information chart for the Marble Pothos, scientifically known as Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’:

Attribute	Details	Details
Botanical Name	Epipremnum aureum	Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’
Common Name	Golden Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Money Plant	Marble Pothos, Marble Queen Pothos
Plant Family	Araceae	Araceae
Hardiness Zone	USDA zones 10-12	USDA zones 10-12
Sun Exposure	Indirect light, low light tolerance	Indirect light, low light tolerance
Soil Type	Well-draining potting mix	Well-draining potting mix
Watering	Moderate; allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings	Moderate; allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings
Growth Habit	Trailing or climbing vine	Trailing or climbing vine
Height/Spread	Vines can reach up to 10 feet or more indoors	Vines can reach up to 10 feet or more indoors
Special Features	Variegated leaves with golden streaks, air-purifying, easy to care for, suitable for hanging baskets and trellises	Variegated leaves, air-purifying, easy to care for, suitable for hanging baskets and trellises

Before we compare Marble and Golden Pothos, let’s talk about pothos plants in general. Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, are vining plants that belong to the Araceae family. They’re famous for their heart-shaped leaves and long, trailing stems. According to the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension, these plants are super popular because they’re:

1. Easy to care for
2. Great at cleaning indoor air
3. Able to grow in various conditions
4. Beautiful to look at

Pothos plants come from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific. They’ve become beloved houseplants all over the world because they’re so adaptable and low-maintenance. You can find them in homes, offices, and even shopping malls!

Now, let’s get to know our two star players: Marble Pothos and Golden Pothos.

Marble Pothos: The Elegant Beauty

Marble Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’) is a stunning variety of pothos known for its unique leaf pattern. Here’s what makes it special:

1. Appearance: Marble Pothos leaves are mainly white or cream-colored with green flecks. This gives them a marbled look, hence the name. The leaves are heart-shaped and can grow quite large, especially in ideal conditions.
2. Growth Habit: This plant is a slower grower compared to other pothos varieties. It likes to climb or trail, making it perfect for hanging baskets or training up a trellis.
3. Light Needs: Marble Pothos prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves, while too little light can cause the white parts to turn green.
4. Care Requirements: Like most pothos, it’s pretty easy to care for. It needs well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry.
5. Unique Feature: The high amount of white variegation on its leaves makes it stand out from other pothos varieties.

For more detailed care instructions, check out this guide from the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Golden Pothos: The Classic Choice

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is probably the most common type of pothos you’ll find. Here’s what you need to know about this classic beauty:

1. Appearance: Golden Pothos has heart-shaped leaves that are mainly green with yellow or golden streaks. The amount of yellow can vary, giving each plant a unique look.
2. Growth Habit: This plant is a fast grower and can quickly fill out a pot or climb up a support.
3. Light Needs: Golden Pothos is very adaptable when it comes to light. It can tolerate low light conditions, but it grows best in bright, indirect light.
4. Care Requirements: It’s one of the easiest plants to care for. It can handle a bit of neglect and doesn’t need frequent watering.
5. Unique Feature: Its ability to thrive in various light conditions makes it perfect for almost any spot in your home.

The North Carolina State University Extension provides excellent information on Golden Pothos care and characteristics.

Comparing Marble and Golden Pothos

Here’s a comparison chart for Marble Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’) and Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):

Feature	Marble Pothos	Golden Pothos
Leaf Color	Variegated with white and green	Variegated with yellow and green
Leaf Shape	Heart-shaped	Heart-shaped
Growth Habit	Trailing	Trailing
Light Needs	Bright, indirect light	Low to moderate light
Watering Needs	Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings	Allow soil to dry partially between waterings
Maintenance	Pruning encourages bushiness	Regular pruning helps maintain shape
Size	Typically smaller leaves than Golden Pothos	Can grow larger leaves under optimal conditions
Air Purifying Ability	Effective in removing indoor air pollutants	Effective in removing indoor air pollutants
Toxicity	Toxic if ingested	Toxic if ingested
Ideal Use	Hanging baskets, shelves	Hanging baskets, shelves

For a scientific perspective on the air-purifying abilities of pothos, check out this study published in the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between Marble Pothos and Golden Pothos really depends on your personal preferences and the conditions in your home. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Light Conditions: If your home doesn’t get a lot of bright light, Golden Pothos might be a better choice. It’s more tolerant of low light conditions. But if you have a bright spot away from direct sunlight, Marble Pothos could thrive there.
2. Growth Rate: If you want a plant that will fill out quickly, go for Golden Pothos. If you prefer a slower-growing plant that won’t need frequent pruning, Marble Pothos might be better.
3. Aesthetic Preference: Do you prefer the striking white and green marbled look, or the classic green and gold variegation? This could be the deciding factor for many plant lovers.
4. Care Level: Both are relatively easy to care for, but Golden Pothos is slightly more forgiving if you sometimes forget to water or if light conditions aren’t ideal.
5. Air Purifying Needs: While both are great at cleaning indoor air, Golden Pothos might be slightly more effective due to its faster growth rate.

Caring for Your Pothos

Whether you choose Marble or Golden Pothos, here are some tips to keep your plant healthy and happy:

1. Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Both plants are drought-tolerant, so it’s better to underwater than overwater.
2. Light: Provide bright, indirect light for best growth. Golden Pothos can tolerate lower light, but Marble Pothos needs brighter light to maintain its variegation.
3. Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. You can add perlite to regular potting soil to improve drainage.
4. Fertilizer: Feed your pothos with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
5. Pruning: Trim your pothos regularly to keep it looking full and bushy. You can easily propagate the cuttings in water to make new plants!
6. Repotting: Repot your pothos every 1-2 years or when it outgrows its current pot.
7. Pests: Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. If you spot any, treat them promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

For more detailed care instructions, the Clemson Cooperative Extension offers a comprehensive guide to pothos care.

Propagating Your Pothos

One of the great things about pothos plants is how easy they are to propagate. Here’s a simple method:

1. Cut a stem with 2-3 leaves just below a node (where a leaf attaches to the stem).
2. Remove the bottom leaf, leaving the node exposed.
3. Place the cutting in a glass of water, making sure the node is submerged.
4. Change the water every few days.
5. After 2-3 weeks, you should see roots growing.
6. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can plant the cutting in soil.

This method works for both Marble and Golden Pothos, allowing you to easily expand your plant collection or share with friends. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension provides additional information on pothos propagation and care.

Pothos and Pet Safety

It’s important to note that both Marble and Golden Pothos are toxic to pets if ingested. The plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth and digestive tract. If you have cats, dogs, or other pets that might be tempted to chew on plants, it’s best to keep your pothos out of reach or consider pet-safe alternatives.

For more information on toxic plants, you can check out the ASPCA’s toxic plants list.

Environmental Benefits of Pothos

Besides being beautiful and easy to care for, pothos plants offer some great environmental benefits:

1. Air Purification: NASA’s Clean Air Study found that pothos are excellent at removing indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene and benzene. This can help improve the air quality in your home or office.
2. Increased Humidity: Like many plants, pothos release water vapor through their leaves, which can help increase humidity in dry indoor environments.
3. Reduced Stress: Studies have shown that indoor plants can help reduce stress and improve mood. The presence of plants like pothos in your living or working space can create a more relaxing atmosphere.
4. Energy Conservation: By improving indoor air quality, pothos can potentially reduce the need for artificial air purifiers, saving energy.

For more information on the air-purifying qualities of houseplants, you can check out this study from the University of Georgia.

Both Marble Pothos and Golden Pothos are fantastic choices for indoor plants. They’re beautiful, easy to care for, and offer numerous benefits. The choice between the two really comes down to your personal preferences and the conditions in your home.

If you have a bright spot and love the striking look of white and green leaves, go for Marble Pothos. If you want a fast-growing, adaptable plant that can thrive in various light conditions, Golden Pothos might be your best bet.

Remember, the most important thing is to choose a plant that you love and that fits well with your lifestyle. Both of these pothos varieties can bring a touch of nature and beauty to your indoor space, purify your air, and provide you with the joy of watching something grow.

So, which will it be? The elegant, slow-growing Marble Pothos with its stunning variegation, or the classic, fast-growing Golden Pothos with its adaptable nature? Whichever you choose, you’re sure to enjoy your new green friend for years to come!

For even more information on pothos varieties and care, check out this comprehensive guide from the University of Florida’s IFAS Extension.