If you’re a plant enthusiast, you may have come across the term “White Sport” in the world of Pothos plants. Interestingly, White Sport is not a distinct cultivar of Pothos but rather a result of a partial mutation that leads to white variegation on the leaves.

The most common type is the “White Sport Golden Pothos,” but this sport can occur in any Pothos variety that usually does not have white on its leaves.

These plants can be crossbred with other types of Pothos if done correctly. First, you’ll need a cutting with at least one leaf with white variegation. Then, with proper care and attention, you should be able to nurture this cutting into a complete White Sport Pothos plant.

Care Guide for White Sport Golden Pothos Plants

This plant care guide provides tips on how to care for a white sport Golden Pothos. Covering topics such as lighting needs, watering needs, temperature and humidity requirements, potting soil, fertilizing, pruning, propagation, and how to prevent pests and diseases.

Following these care tips can help your plant reach its full potential and add some vibrant greenery to your living space.

Lighting

Golden Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum), is a popular plant that can thrive in various lighting conditions, making it a versatile choice for indoor gardens. It can tolerate low light, but it may grow slower or produce fewer leaves.

To ensure that your sport variegated Golden pothos grows strong and healthy, placing it in an area with bright, indirect light is best. Doing so can help your plant reach its full potential and add some vibrant greenery to your living space.

Watering

Keeping your pothos properly hydrated is crucial for its health and happiness. Which applies to any pothos variety.

To prevent overwatering, it’s best to water the plant only when the top inch of the soil is dry. You can determine if it’s time to water by pushing your finger into the soil up to one inch deep. If the potting soil feels dry, it’s time to water; if it’s still moist, you don’t need water.

When watering your plant, use room temperature or lukewarm water instead of cold or hot water. Extreme temperatures can shock the plant’s roots and damage them over time. It’s also important not to pour too much water at once, as this can cause pooling in the potting mix, preventing proper drainage and leading to root rot.

Ensuring that all parts of the root system get watered evenly without becoming oversaturated is crucial. Next, look at how temperature and humidity impact its growth.

Potting Soil

To ensure optimal growth, it’s essential to use well-draining soil that is light in texture and contains peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and composted bark or coconut coir. Mixing equal amounts of these ingredients and ensuring they are thoroughly mixed before use is recommended.

Fertilizer should be applied moderately, once a month, during active growth periods, and avoid using chemical fertilizers. Also, ensure that the plant is not overwatered; it prefers moist but well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet feet well.

Potting & Repotting

To pot and repot your white sport Golden pothos, it is essential to use the right pot size and good-quality soil. A container slightly larger than the current one is recommended, and the soil should be well-draining and light in texture.

When repotting, be gentle when transferring the plant into its new home and avoid disturbing the delicate roots too much.

Water thoroughly and let it sit overnight before adding decorative elements. Repotting is not necessary every year but every couple of years, depending on how quickly the plant outgrows its container.

Fertilizing

Fertilizing pothos sport every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength during the growing season is essential for optimal growth.

Choose a fertilizer designed explicitly for houseplants and follow instructions on the package to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to yellowing leaves and nutrient burn.

Apply smaller amounts more frequently and only use half of the recommended amount during winter months, if needed.

Pruning & Propagation

Pruning your white sport pothos is vital for its health and appearance. Use sharp scissors to cut off dead leaves or too-long vines. This is also an excellent time to make cuttings to propagate your Pothos plant. To do this, cut a 4-6 inch stem and remove all but two leaves at the top.

Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder (optional) and plant it in a mix of perlite and peat moss. Keep it warm and out of direct sunlight until roots form in 2-4 weeks. Once established, transplant it into a pot with regular soil. Remember to look out for pests and diseases that can harm your plant.

Pests & Diseases

Pothos plants can be vulnerable to pests and diseases like mealybugs, spider mites, root rot, and aphids, but they are generally resistant to them.

Spider mites cause yellowing or bronzing of leaves and webbing, and insecticidal soap or neem oil can treat them.

Mealybugs leave behind a sticky residue and can be eliminated with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil solution, followed by wiping with rubbing alcohol.

Aphids create yellow spots on leaves, but introducing ladybeetles (if growing your pothos outside) or using insecticidal soap can keep them under control.

Proper care and attention can help avoid these issues.

Toxicity

Golden pothos “white sport” is toxic to humans and animals due to insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested (ASPCA Link).

Ingestion of the plant should be avoided by pets and humans alike, and if ingested, it’s essential to contact a veterinarian or medical professional immediately.

Additionally, the sap from the plant can cause skin irritation, so wearing gloves while handling the plant and washing your hands thoroughly afterward is advisable.

When pruning or repotting your pothos plant, it’s essential not to splash the sap into your eyes or mucous membranes.

White Sport Golden Pothos: What It Is & Complete Care Guide