Snow Queen Pothos is a cultivar of the Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), a tropical climbing plant native to Southeast Asia. What makes this variety stand out is its variegated foliage: the heart-shaped leaves are almost white, with a few green stripes and speckles.
The Snow Queen Pothos is rarer and a bit more expensive than other pothos varieties but definitely worth adding to your houseplant collection. It will thrive in any room with bright indirect light and can be kept as a trailing plant, in a hanging basket, or on a moss pole. Also, it’s very easy to propagate from stem cuttings.
Care Guide
The Snow Queen Pothos is a low-maintenance indoor plant. The main things you’ll want to pay attention to are water and light.
Given the fact that it’s a variegated plant, it will need a bit more light than other cultivars. Also, the fact that it has a slower growth rate means that you’ll need to water, fertilize, prune and repot less frequently.
Let’s start with the basics of your Snow Queen Pothos care:
Light
Place your Snow Queen Pothos in a room with bright, indirect light. Unlike other pothos varieties, which can tolerate lower light conditions, Snow Queen will not thrive in a dark room. Its leaves will gradually lose their variegation and revert to green, as the plant starts producing more chlorophyll to stay alive.
An east-facing window is ideal for your Snow Queen Pothos. The plant will tolerate a few hours of direct sun in the morning and will reward you with lush variegation and faster growth.
However, avoid exposing your pothos to the intense mid-day sun, which will scorch the leaves.
Soil
Snow Queen Pothos grows best in an aerated, well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix. The mix needs to provide a balanced mix of drainage and moisture retention. If the soil is too compacted, it will become waterlogged and can lead to root rot.
Although, if the soil drains too fast, the plant won’t have access to enough water and nutrients and will begin to wilt.
The best soil mix for pothos plants is made out of equal parts universal potting mix, orchid bark, and perlite or pumice.
You can also replace potting soil with coco coir, which is less susceptible to fungi and harmful bacteria. Alternatively, you can plant your Snow Queen in a pre-made aroid potting mix.
Water
Don’t let it go thirsty for too long though, as this can damage the roots and foliage and make the plant more vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Always use the soak and drain method to water your Snow Queen Pothos. Check the soil with your finger, and when the top inch feels dry to the touch, give it a good soak, until you see water drip through the drainage holes.
Your Snow Queen Pothos will need regular watering during its growing season, or if you’re keeping it in a hot, dry room. In winter, you can reduce your watering schedule, but remember to check the soil, and never let it dry out completely.
Temperature and Humidity
The ideal temperature range for growing Snow Queen Pothos is between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). This tropical plant will struggle to grow in temperatures below 65°F.
If your pothos is exposed to temperatures below 59°F (15°C) for long periods, it can suffer permanent root damage and may never recover.
Snow Queen Pothos is not too fussy about humidity but, like all rainforest plants, it will grow best in a humidity averaging around 60%. In winter, or if the humidity in your home is below 40%, the leaves of your pothos may develop brown, crispy edges.
Keeping it on a pebble tray with water, grouping it with other plants, and regular watering are the easiest ways to increase humidity without buying a humidifier.
Fertilizer
Feed once a month from early spring until mid-fall, during its active growth stage. A balanced, organic fertilizer will work nicely. You can stop fertilizing your pothos in winter when it enters a brief period of dormancy.
Keep in mind that this plant has a natural slow growth rate, and giving it too much fertilizer won’t make it grow faster. If anything, this will lead to fertilizer burn, which will damage its roots and foliage.
Pruning and Maintenance
The Snow Queen Pothos doesn’t need much pruning. Unlike Marble Queen and Golden Pothos, which are vigorous growers, the Snow Queen has a more compact growth habit and will take a longer time to produce trailing vines. If your pothos is getting too long, you can trim some of the stems in spring, and use them to propagate it.
Once a week, use a soft, damp cloth to wipe off the dust of the leaves. This is also a great opportunity to check for pests, and trim any sick, wilted, or damaged leaves.
Regularly wiping the leaves with a neem oil solution will also prevent serious pest infestations.
Repotting Snow Queen Pothos
On average, you will need to repot your Snow Queen Pothos once every 2 years. The easiest way to tell that the plant needs a bigger pot is by checking the underside of the container. If you can see roots coming out of the drainage hole, repot your pothos in a pot that’s 2 inches (5 cm) wider, or one size larger.
To repot, simply take the plant out of its container, gently remove some of the old soil and untangle the roots. Transplant it in a new pot, in a well-draining soil mix, and water it well.
The best time to repot is in spring when the plant is actively growing. After repotting, monitor the plant for 2 – 3 weeks for any signs of transplant shock. Avoid giving the plant fertilizer for at least six weeks after repotting to avoid burning the roots.
Propagation Guide
The Snow Queen Pothos is easy to propagate by rooting stem cuttings in water or sphagnum moss.
You can use this method in spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Propagation is a great way to get more of this rare plant, but it can also help you fix a pothos that is too leggy.
Water Propagation
- Take a sharp pair of scissors and disinfect the blades with rubbing alcohol.
- Pick a long pothos vine, and cut the stem into a single-node section. The node is the point where the leaf petiole joins the stem, and it has a small aerial root coming out of it.
- Take 3 – 4 cuttings from each stem, but avoid cutting more than ⅔ of a single vine.
- Fill a glass jar or cup with room-temperature water, put your cuttings in it, and keep the jar in a room with bright, indirect light.
- Change the water once every 5 – 7 days.
- When the roots on each cutting are at least 2 inches (5 cm) long, you can pot them in a well-draining soil mix.
Sphagnum Moss Propagation
- Take a wide, clear plastic container with a lid. The container should be at least 4 inches (10 cm) deep.
- Drill a few holes in the lid of the container, to facilitate airflow. You don’t need to drill drainage holes.
- Take some sphagnum moss, soak it in water until it’s fully hydrated, then squeeze out the excess water.
- Half-fill the container with moss, then take your pothos cuttings and put them in the moss. Make sure that the node is in the moss, and that the leaves are facing up.
- Put the lid on the container, and keep your propagation tray in a bright location, but away from intense light.
- Check the moss regularly, and use a spray pump to keep it moist.
- Wait until the roots are at least 2 inches (5 cm) long, then transplant the cuttings into a well-draining potting mix.
Want to learn more about how to propagate your pothos? Check out our pothos propagation guide.
Common Pests and Diseases
Snow Queen Pothos is susceptible to common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, scale, thrips, and fungus gnats.
For spider mites and mealybugs, mix 4 parts water and 1 part 70% isopropyl alcohol. Use this solution to wipe the leaves and stems once 5 to 7 days, for a month.
For scale, dip a cotton bud in the alcohol solution, and use it to dislodge the pests from the leaves. Then, use the solution to wipe the leaves and stems once a week, for a month.
If your pothos has thrips, isolate the plant, cut the infested leaves, and use a systemic pesticide to get rid of the adults and larvae.
To get rid of fungus gnats in your pothos soil, simply use beneficial nematodes. A single application will keep your plants safe for months.
The most common disease for the Snow Queen Pothos is root rot. To prevent it, always use a well-draining soil mix, and allow the soil to dry to a depth of at least an inch before you water it again.
Common Problems
Here are the most common problems you’ll encounter when growing the Snow Queen Pothos.
Yellowing Leaves
Many factors cause yellowing leaves on Snow Queen Pothos. They could be a result of overwatering, underwatering, pests and diseases, not enough light, or a nutrient deficiency.
Read our in-depth guide to why pothos leaves are turning yellow and find out how to fix them.
Browning Leaves
Your Snow Queen Pothos will develop brown, crispy edges if the humidity in your home is too low, if it’s underwatered, or if the leaves are scorched by intense sunlight. However, if the leaves have soft, brown spots, this is a sign of a bacterial infection or root rot.
Curling Leaves
The leaves on your Snow Queen Pothos will start to curl when the plant is thirsty. Use the soak and drain method to water your plant, and never let the soil dry to a depth of more than 2 inches (5 cm).
Drooping Vines
If your Snow Queen Pothos has drooping stems, it could mean that it’s thirsty, or that it’s been exposed to sudden changes in temperature. Water it regularly, keep it away from hot or cold drafts, and avoid keeping it in temperatures below 59°F (15°C).
Losing Variegation
Snow Queen Pothos will gradually lose its variegation if it’s not receiving enough light. To maintain its coloring, keep it in a part of your house where it can receive bright indirect light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Snow Queen Pothos Toxic?
Snow Queen Pothos is toxic to both cats and dogs. The leaves and stems contain toxic calcium oxalate crystals. If ingested, they can cause drooling, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
If you have sensitive skin, the sap from the plant can also cause mild burns and skin irritation. Always keep Snow Queen Pothos away from pets and small children.
What Is the Difference Between Snow Queen and Marble Queen Pothos?
The main difference between a Snow Queen and a Marble Queen Pothos is variegation. Snow Queen leaves have higher variegation, with up to 80% of the leaf being white, and only 20% green. Meanwhile, Marble Queen is less variegated, with a 50% – 50% green to white ratio.
Does Snow Queen Pothos Grow Slowly?
Snow Queen Pothos has a slower growth rate than other pothos varieties. This is because the leaves contain less chlorophyll, which means that the plant can’t expend as much energy on new growth.
It’s not as bad as the N’Joy, which is the slowest growing pothos, but not as fast as a Neon or Golden Pothos. If you want fast-growing variegated pothos, try growing Marble Queen instead.
How Do You Make the Snow Queen Pothos More White?
The trick to keeping Snow Queen Pothos white and increasing variegation is giving the plant plenty of bright indirect light.
If you have a room with eastern exposure, you can also keep the plant in the window for a couple of hours in the morning. Direct sun early in the day is not as intense as the mid-day sun, and it will make the pothos whiter without burning the leaves.
Can You Plant Snow Queen Pothos in an Outdoor Garden if You Live in a Cold Climate?
Snow Queen Pothos is not frost hardy, and can only grow as a year-round outdoor plant in USDA hardiness zones 10 and higher. In cooler regions, you can keep the plant in a pot and take it outside during summer, but remember to bring it inside during the colder months.
Final Thoughts
In the world of pothos, the Snow Queen takes the crown for the most beautiful cultivar. This rare plant needs a bit more care while growing, especially if you want to preserve the white coloring on the leaves. But if you’re looking for a beginner-friendly variegated plant, the Snow Queen Pothos is by far your best choice.
References + Resources
Growing Indoor Plants with Success – The University of Georgia – Link
Pothos, Epipremmum aureum – University of Wisconsin-Madison – Link
POTHOS (EPIPREMNUM AUREUM) DISEASES: IDENTIFICATION AND CONTROL IN COMMERCIAL GREENHOUSE PRODUCTION – University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences – Link
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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.