10 Facts About Pothos Plants You Did Not Know

1. Pothos Come in Many Color Patterns

Although their wide, heart-shaped leaves are always green, pothos are known for beautiful color variations. These vines are available in several unique styles:

• Golden Pothos: Originating from French Polynesia, this is one of the most iconic types with golden-yellow streaks.

• Glacier Pothos: Known for irregular white and silvery accents.

• Jade Pothos: Features rich, solid green leaves.

• Joy Pothos: Has smaller leaves with white veins.

• Satin Pothos: Displays silvery patterns on dark green foliage.

Whether you're working with real or artificial vines, these color differences can add texture and contrast to any space—especially when you mix a few varieties together.

2. Pothos Has Several Nicknames

Here’s one of the more fun pothos facts: this plant has a ton of nicknames. It's also known as arum ivy, hunter’s plant, and taro vine. But its most well-known alias? Devil’s Ivy—because it’s almost impossible to kill, even when neglected.

3. Some Believe It Brings Good Luck

Among the many golden pothos facts is the belief that it brings good fortune. In countries like China, Taiwan, and Thailand, pothos is often called a “money plant.” It’s believed to bring prosperity and good chi, making it a popular choice in homes and businesses alike.

4. It’s the Most Common Houseplant

Pothos is one of the most popular faux plants and real house plants around—and for good reason. Its flowing vines and classic shape make it an easy pick for decorators and students alike. Whether you're hanging it from a basket or letting it trail from a shelf, it works in nearly every environment.

5. It’s Used for Altars and Shrines in the Philippines

In the Philippines, pothos has long held cultural and spiritual significance. It’s commonly used in cemeteries, altars, and shrines, as well as in schools and public buildings, to symbolize remembrance and peace.

6. It’s Featured in Japanese Flower Arrangements

The art of Ikebana, or Japanese flower arrangement, values simplicity, asymmetry, and nature. In the Ikenobo school of Ikebana, pothos is appreciated for its graceful, flowing form and ability to add lush greenery to floral compositions.

7. NASA Included It in Air-Purifying Studies

One of the most fascinating pothos fun facts? NASA included it in studies during the 1980s on houseplants and indoor air quality. Pothos was shown to reduce harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene—making it both stylish and functional.

8. They’re Often Mistaken for Philodendrons

Pothos leaves look very similar to philodendron leaves, which is why people often confuse the two. The upside? You can mix them in arrangements, real or faux, without disrupting your aesthetic—perfect for creating full, lush looks in dorms or apartments.

9. Pothos Symbolize Perseverance

Pothos grow in almost any condition, making them a symbol of resilience and determination. In many cultures, they’re given as gifts to celebrate new beginnings—ideal for students starting their college journey or anyone entering a new life chapter.

10. Pothos Like to Climb

In the wild, pothos grow up trees and reach toward the light. Indoors, they’ll happily climb moss poles or trellises, or trail down from hanging baskets. With the right setup and bright indirect light, your pothos can thrive and add vertical greenery to your space.

Bonus: Easy to Propagate, But Watch for Root Rot

Pothos are super easy to propagate—just snip a stem with a node and place it in water or moist soil. That makes them a great starter plant for beginners. However, one thing to watch for with live plants is root rot, which usually happens from overwatering. Faux pothos, of course, comes worry-free—no soil, no water, no wilt.

From good luck to low-maintenance beauty, pothos are more than just decorative plants—they’re steeped in culture, symbolism, and surprising utility. Whether you’re going real or faux, you can count on this classic vine to liven up your space.