Jessenia and Marble Queen Pothos make excellent choices for enhancing indoor spaces with their beautiful foliage and minimal care needs. These two plants’ main distinctions are their visual appeal, growth pace, and versatility.
If a more rapid-growing and adaptable plant is what you’re after, Jessenia Pothos could be an ideal option for you. On the other hand, if a more striking white and green variegation catches your eye and you don’t mind a somewhat slower growth rate, Marble Queen may be the perfect match for your preferences.
There are other essential differences when comparing Jessenia Pothos vs Marble Queen Pothos. Which we’ll go into more detail about below.
Quick Glance: Jessenia Pothos vs Marble Queen Pothos
Jessenia Pothos has gold-green variegation on mid-green leaves, while Marble Queen Pothos features creamy white or pale yellow variegation on dark to mid-green leaves. Marble Queen has bolder variegation, while Jessenia is subtler. Choose based on your personal preference and desired intensity.
Similarities: Jessenia vs Marble Pothos
First, look at the similarities between these two plants, including their taxonomy, origin, and growth habits.
Taxonomy
Both plants belong to the Epipremnum genus. It is a group of climbing or trailing plants. They are the most popular houseplants for their striking foliage and versatility. These plants are part of the Araceae family, which includes a wide range of tropical and subtropical plants.
Some of those are the popular Monstera, Philodendron, and Anthurium species.
Both pothos varieties share the same botanical name, Epipremnum aureum. This indicates they are close relatives, with both varieties originating from the same species.
There are many types of pothos known as houseplants. Common names for them include Golden Pothos (Epipremnum pinnatum or devil’s ivy), Neon Pothos, Cebu Blue Pothos, Baltic Blue Pothos, Silver Satin Pothos, N-joy Pothos, Harlequin Pothos, Marble Queen, Jade Pothos, Manjula Pothos, Jade and Pearls, Global Green Pothos, Glacier Pothos, Snow Queen Pothos.
Origin
Plants are native to Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and parts of the Pacific Islands. In their natural habitat, they grow in the dense understory of tropical rainforests. They often climb or traverse trees and other supports using their aerial roots.
These tropical origins contribute to their need for warm, humid conditions and bright, indirect light.
Although related, the two varieties have developed different leaf patterns and colors.
Growth Habits
They have the capacity to adapt to various indoor settings. Their captivating cascading foliage makes them favorites among indoor gardeners.
Let’s explore the growth habits of these two varieties in more detail.
Natural Habitat and Climbing Behavior
In their native tropical rainforests, both plants grow on trees or other supports. They use their aerial roots to anchor themselves. Aerial roots allow plants to absorb nutrients and water from their surroundings. Their trailing vines reach for sunlight in the dense forest canopy.
Indoor Growth Habits and Display Options
When growing them indoors, you can display two varieties in various ways. Allow them to exhibit their natural climbing and trailing habits while adding a touch of greenery to your home.
Hanging Baskets
Placing pothos in a hanging basket allows the vines to cascade over the edge. Position the basket near a window that provides bright indirect light, this will provide the best foliage color and growth.
Moss Poles and Trellises
Training your pothos cultivar to climb up a moss pole or trellis mimics its natural growth behavior. It provides the plant with the necessary support.
As the plant grows, you can secure its vines to the support structure with plant ties. That way, you encourage upward growth and a fuller, bushier appearance.
Shelf Displays
Position your Epipremnum aureum on a shelf, letting its vines trail down the sides. It will create a vibrant, living accent to your home decor. Ensure that the shelf receives adequate light.
Combination Planters
Combine Jessenia Pothos or Marble Queen with other climbing or trailing plants. Select companion plants with similar care requirements to make maintenance easier.
Factors Affecting Growth Habits
Light
Providing the appropriate light levels is crucial for promoting healthy growth in both varieties. Jessenia Pothos can tolerate lower light conditions but thrives in bright, indirect light. Marble Queen requires bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant variegation.
Temperature
As tropical plants, both varieties prefer warm temperatures. Ideal temperatures are between 65°F and 85°F.
Avoid exposing your pothos plants to drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations. It can stress the plants and impact their growth.
Pruning
Regular pruning helps control the size and shape of your plants and promotes bushier growth. Trim back long vines and remove dead or yellowing leaves. That way, you encourage new growth and maintain a fuller, more attractive appearance.
Care Requirements: Marble Queen Pothos vs Jessenia
Bright, Indirect Sunlight
Both Jessenia and Marble Queen Pothos thrive in bright indirect light. Place them near a window with filtered sunlight or in a room with ample natural light. It will promote healthy growth and maintain their vibrant foliage color.
Both varieties can tolerate lower light conditions. Yet, this may result in slower growth and less pronounced variegation or marbling. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it might cause sunburns.
Well-Draining Soil
Proper soil composition is crucial for both Jessenia Pothos and Marble Queen Pothos. They need well-draining soil to prevent root rot and maintain healthy growth.
Use a good-quality, well-draining potting mix, with perlite or bark. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.
Moderate Watering
Jessenia and Marble Queen have similar watering requirements. They prefer moderate watering, with the soil that can dry out a little between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
It’s essential to track the moisture level in the soil and adjust your watering schedule. A general guideline is to water your pothos when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Drought Tolerance
Both Jessenia and Marble Queen are drought-tolerant. It makes them more forgiving of occasional lapses in watering. It’s not ideal to let your plants go too long without water.
Yet, they are less likely to suffer significant damage if they miss a watering or two. It’s generally better to err on the side of underwatering. These plants can recover faster from drought than from overwatering.
Propagation
You can propagate both plants using stem cuttings. Place a 4-6 inch cutting with at least one or two leaves in water or moist potting soil. Roots should begin to develop within a few weeks.
Once they are well-established, you can transfer the new plant to a larger pot.
Differences: Jessenia Pothos vs Marble Queen Pothos
Foliage & Appearance
Both varieties share many similarities due to their common taxonomy. Their foliage and appearance set them apart. They make each a unique and appealing choice for houseplant enthusiasts.
Jessenia Pothos Foliage
Jessenia has light green, heart-shaped leaves adorned with yellow variegation. This marbling creates eye-catching contrast shades that add an exotic touch to any space.
The golden-yellow marbling is often more pronounced in younger leaves. It may become subtler as the plant matures.
Marble Queen Pothos Foliage
In contrast, Marble Queen Pothos features striking white and dark green leaves. It gives the plant a more elegant and sophisticated appearance. The cream or white variegation can cover up to 50% of the leaf surface.
They create a dramatic and mesmerizing effect. This variegation maintains its distinct look as it grows and matures.
Aesthetic Appeal
The differences in foliage between the two plants impact their appeal.
Jessenia brings a sense of warmth and tropical vibrancy to any space. Its golden-yellow and lighter green marbling draws the eye and adds a splash of color.
Marble Queen exudes refined elegance. Its white and green variegation creates a soothing and calming atmosphere.
Growth Rate and Size
Though both plants are known for their relatively quick growth, some distinctions between them may influence your choice.
Growth Rate
Jessenia is generally known to grow more rapidly than Marble Queen. This disparity in growth speed can be attributed to the higher amount of chlorophyll found in the leaves of Jessenia Pothos.
This increased chlorophyll content enables more efficient photosynthesis ¹, leading to quicker growth.
Size and Growth Habit
In addition to differences in growth rate, Jessenia and Marble Queen also exhibit variations in their growth habits and overall size.
Jessenia tends to have a somewhat more compact growth habit, which may be preferable for those with limited space or who desire a denser appearance.
On the other hand, Marble Queen showcases a more sprawling, trailing growth pattern. This characteristic can be ideal for those who want a plant that cascades beautifully over the edges of containers or climbs up supports, creating a more dramatic visual impact.
Light Requirements
Jessenia is more adaptable to various light conditions. Both varieties prefer bright indirect light.
Yet, Jessenia can tolerate lower light conditions without significant loss of color. Marble Queen may lose its variegation in low light conditions.
Humidity Preferences
Both the Jessenia cultivar and Marble Queen can tolerate a wide range of humidity. Yet, Jessenia tends to be more adaptable to drier indoor environments.
Marble Queen prefers higher humidity levels to maintain its vibrant variegation. This makes it a better choice for spaces like bathrooms or kitchens, where humidity is higher.
Pests Resistance
When it comes to pest resistance, the two varieties exhibit some differences. Let’s explore how their resistance to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids may vary.
Jessenia is generally more resistant to common houseplant pests, thanks to its thicker, more robust leaves. This sturdier foliage provides a certain level of protection against infestations. It makes it less attractive to pests and better equipped to withstand their presence.
In contrast, Marble Queen has more delicate leaves that can be more susceptible to pests. The thinner, more fragile foliage makes it more vulnerable to infestations. It may need diligent monitoring and pest control measures.
Availability & Cost
When it comes to availability and cost, the two varieties show some differences. They may influence your decision when choosing between these two beautiful houseplants.
Let’s explore how their availability and pricing may vary and what this means for you as a buyer.
Availability
Jessenia Pothos is a less common variety in comparison to Marble Queen Pothos. Due to its relative rarity, it can be more challenging for plant collectors to find it in local nurseries or garden centers.
You may have better luck searching for Jessenia at specialty plant shops.
Marble Queen is more available, thanks to its popularity and striking white and green variegation. You’ll likely have an easier time finding Marble Queen Pothos at various plant retailers.
Cost
Since Jessenia is a less common pothos variety, it tends to be more expensive than Marble Queen. The price difference depends on supply and demand, but it is usually minimal. Both plants remain affordable compared to other houseplant varieties.
References
1: Evans, J. R. (2013, June 28). Improving Photosynthesis. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.113.219006
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.