Pothos N'Joy vs Pearls And Jade: Which Pothos Variety Is Right for You?

You can never go wrong with sprucing up your space with a pothos plant. Compact, cute, and easy to care for, these plants have a distinct charm that you simply can't resist.

Among the many different species of the pothos, including the beloved Golden Pothos, there are two distinct cultivars that draw green thumbs in: The N'Joy and Pearls and Jade. Both propagated from the Marble Queen Pothos, these plants are often confused with one another, but they're different in their own way.

Now, the big question is: which one should you bring home? We'll help you make the decision with this comparison of these two popular pothos varieties.

Overview of Pothos N'Joy vs Pearls and Jade

Belonging to the Araceae family and originating from the South Pacific islands, pothos plants are loved for their delightful blend of green, white, cream, or yellow variegated foliage. Thanks to their hardiness and ease of care, pothos are perfect for budding indoor gardeners.

In this case, we have the N'Joy and the Pearls and Jade. At first glance, these two may seem like the same plant, but they're actually quite different.

Both N'Joy and Pearls and Jade pothos come from the Marble Queen Pothos. Developed through a carefully planned breeding program, both inherit the best qualities of their parent, with lively leaf patterns and shapes.

N'Joy pothos plants feature a delicate blend of lighter green variegation against a background of pure white. In contrast, Pearls and Jade have patches of green, white, and cream.

While they share the same family (Epipremnum aureum), these two cultivars have their own distinct characteristics. So let's dive into them!

Pothos N'Joy

The N'Joy pothos is a relatively new member of the pothos cultivars. Originating from a genetic mutation of the popular Marble Queen variety, this unique plant was discovered in India in 2002 and later patented in the US in 2007.

With its easy care needs, attractive leaves, and health benefits, the N'Joy is a great pick for homes.

Appearance and Variegation

The N'Joy variety is a charmer with its heart-shaped leaves featuring vibrant shades of green, complemented by dashes of yellow and cream variegation. These contrasting colors capture the attention of plant enthusiasts who love a pop of color and uniqueness.

Notably, the N'Joy's smaller leaves set it apart from typical pothos plants. The degree of variegation depends on light exposure; dimmer spots result in a gentle green, while brighter settings showcase bolder patterns.

Growth and Size

The N'Joy is a relatively unhurried grower, leisurely unfurling new leaves and stems, and maturing to around 4 feet in length. Its vines elegantly trail or climb, making it ideal for shelves, hanging baskets, or trellises.

In its natural habitat, the N'Joy pothos can climb trees up to 50 feet tall, but it stays quite compact indoors. Yearly, it adds a modest 6-12 inches to its length.

Light Requirements

The pothos N'Joy loves bright, indirect sunlight - its sweet spot for flourishing. While they can tolerate low light, you may have slower growth and less vibrant variegation.

Be cautious of direct sunlight; harsh sun rays can cause leaf scorching, yellowing leaves, and fading variegated leaves. Remember, the N'Joy hails from tropical regions and dislikes temperatures below 55°F (13°C).

Watering and Soil

Like other pothos varieties, the pothos N'Joy appreciates soil that's not too wet and not too dry. Think well-draining soil that holds onto moisture but doesn't get soggy.

Water when the top inch (2.5 cm) feels dry to the touch. However, be cautious with the watering can – too much can spell trouble, like root rot.

When it comes to soil, all pothos plants, N'Joy included, have a preference for loose, rich, and well-draining soil. You can create your own potting mix and add perlite for drainage, peat moss for moisture, coco coir for extra drainage, and orchid bark for aeration.

Pearls and Jade

The Pearls and Jade pothos plant gets its name from its captivating green and white patterns. It's a special kind of pothos that was developed by the University of Florida in 2009.

In its early days, this pothos variety was incredibly rare, demanding with it a high price tag. Thankfully, it's now easier than ever to find and buy, making it a great choice for plant enthusiasts looking to jazz up their collection.

Appearance and Variegation

Pearls and Jade pothos boasts a unique allure with its distinctive variegation - much more subtle compared to the pothos N'Joy, but equally stunning. Its leaves display a captivating blend of cream and light and dark green shades. The variegation adorns the leaves in a blotchy fashion, sometimes accompanied by delicate green speckles.

In a world where most pothos cultivars share resemblances, Pearls and Jade stands out. It differs in its leaf shape, texture, and colors. Smaller than the standard Golden Pothos, its leaves feature a subtle ruffled texture, similar to the N’ Joy variety.

Growth and Size

This pothos isn't just attractive, it's also quite the climber. On average, it can achieve a mature length of about 3 feet when given optimal conditions.

When it's not using its aerial roots for support, this plant cascades beautifully as a trailing vine, making it a perfect choice for hanging baskets.

Compared to most pothos, this variety grows at a slower pace, but it makes up for its leisurely growth with splendid variegation and a relatively long lifespan.

Light Requirements

Just like N'Joy, Pearls and Jade pothos thrive in indirect bright light. However, it's pretty adaptable and can handle lower light conditions, making it a good fit for those little nooks in your space.

You want to avoid direct sunlight with this variety too as it can lead to leaf burn. An ideal spot for this beauty is directly in front of a north or east-facing window, or a few feet away from a west or south-facing window.

Watering and Soil

Another trait the N'Joy and Pearls and Jade share is their watering and soil needs. Choose a soil blend that's rich, airy, and allows for good drainage. These plants prefer moist conditions, but beware of soggy soil to avoid root rot. A mix of equal parts potting soil, perlite, and peat moss does wonders.

Watering is simple as this variety can handle a bit of a dry spell. Before watering, test the soil's moisture with your finger or a meter – if the top 1-2 inches of the soil is dry, that's your plant's cue for a sip.

Key Takeaways

Now for the burning question, which pothos variety is the one for you? Let's take a look at a quick summary of these two beautiful pothos plants to help with the answer:

• Beautiful variegation: Both variations of the stunning Marble Queen Pothos, the N'Joy and Pearls and Jade, offer captivating variegation. Their lush green leaves are adorned with cream, yellow, and white patterns that bring an elegant and unique touch to any setting.

• Easy care: You can't go wrong with either in terms of care! Both have a forgiving nature and adaptability to their care requirements, making them ideal choices for hassle-free indoor gardening.

• Aesthetic appeal: Although these two plants look similar at first glance, their structure, leaf size, and variegation colors set them apart. This means that the choice will come down to your aesthetic preferences. If it's dramatic foliage and wonderfully waxy leaves you want, the N'Joy is your pick. However, if you'd like a more petite look, the smaller and shorter Pearls and Jade is for you.

Either way, both these vining plants promise to look fabulous in your home and will suit plant lovers of all levels!

FAQs

Are Pothos N'Joy and Pearls and Jade suitable for beginners?

Good news first-time plant parents! Both the N'Joy and Pearls and Jade pothos make fantastic beginner-friendly plants. These varieties are known to be forgiving and can handle a range of growing situations. Their low-maintenance nature makes them great for even the most unskilled green thumbs.

Can Pothos N'Joy and Pearls and Jade be propagated?

You can propagate both the N'Joy and Pearls and Jade through stem cuttings. Simply take a healthy vine and snip it below a node, pop it in water or damp soil, and voila! Watch as the roots sprout, and once they're strong enough, transplant the cutting into a new pot. Learn more about how to trim a pothos to ensure you do this correctly.

How often should I water Pothos N'Joy and Pearls and Jade?

There is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to watering a Pothos. The watering routine will vary based on humidity, temperature, and light. As a general rule, give either variety a drink when the top 1-2 inches of the soil dries out. Steer clear of overwatering - a no-go that can trigger root and stem rot, and even pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and diseases.

Can Pothos N'Joy and Pearls and Jade tolerate low light conditions?

The great thing about both varieties is their ability to handle various light conditions, except for direct light. For them to truly shine and show off their vibrant variegation, bright and indirect light is best.

Can Pothos N'Joy and Pearls and Jade be grown outdoors?

While pothos are indoor darlings, they can make fabulous outdoor plants in certain regions. If you do decide to plant a pothos outdoors, shield them from too much sun and harsh weather conditions. They're indoor plants at heart so they prefer a more controlled environment.