Pothos N’ Joy shows more white variegation with smaller leaves, while Pearls and Jade features green speckles on its cream-colored patches. If you’re trying to decide between these two stunning trailing plants, you’ve probably noticed they look almost identical at first glance. Let’s break down the key differences so you can pick the right one for your collection.
Both are patented varieties of the classic Epipremnum aureum, but they have distinct personalities. You might even find them labeled incorrectly at your local nursery, which adds to the confusion. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what to look for.
Pothos N Joy Vs Pearls And Jade
This comparison comes down to leaf shape, variegation pattern, and growth habits. While they share the same care requirements, their visual appeal differs significantly. Let’s look at each plant individually before putting them side by side.
Understanding The Pothos N Joy Variety
Pothos N’ Joy is a sport of the Marble Queen pothos. It was discovered as a natural mutation and has since become a favorite for its bright, clean look. The leaves are noticeably smaller than standard pothos, giving it a delicate, compact appearance.
The variegation on N’ Joy is mostly white or creamy white. You’ll see large blocks of white along the leaf edges and sometimes in the center. The green areas are usually a solid, deep green without any speckling or mottling.
Key Traits Of N Joy Pothos
- Smaller, narrower leaves that feel almost succulent-like
- White variegation that can cover up to 70% of the leaf surface
- Clean color separation between white and green sections
- Compact growth habit, perfect for small pots or hanging baskets
- Slower grower compared to standard golden pothos
One thing you’ll notice is that N’ Joy tends to produce more white when given bright, indirect light. In low light, it may revert to mostly green leaves. This is a good indicator of whether your plant is getting enough sunshine.
Getting To Know The Pearls And Jade Pothos
Pearls and Jade is also a mutation of Marble Queen, but it has a completely different look. This variety was developed by the University of Florida and is often confused with N’ Joy. The main giveaway is the speckling pattern on the leaves.
Instead of clean white blocks, Pearls and Jade has green spots and flecks scattered across the cream and white areas. The green itself is often a lighter, more grayish-green tone. This creates a textured, almost pixelated effect on the foliage.
Distinct Features Of Pearls And Jade
- Leaves are slightly rounder and wider than N’ Joy
- Variegation includes gray-green, silver, and cream tones
- Speckles and dots appear throughout the white sections
- Growth is more trailing and vining than N’ Joy
- Can tolerate slightly lower light without losing variegation
If you look closely at a Pearls and Jade leaf, you’ll see that the green areas are never solid. They always have tiny darker or lighter spots. This is the easiest way to tell it apart from N’ Joy, which has uniform green patches.
Side By Side Comparison: Visual Differences
When you place these two plants next to each other, the differences become obvious. Let’s break down the specific visual cues you should look for.
Leaf Shape And Size
N’ Joy has smaller, more elongated leaves that come to a sharper point. Pearls and Jade leaves are a bit broader and have a more rounded tip. If you hold them up side by side, N’ Joy looks sleeker while Pearls and Jade looks fuller.
The overall leaf size is similar, but N’ Joy tends to stay more compact. Pearls and Jade can produce larger leaves if given a moss pole to climb. In a hanging basket, both will stay relatively small.
Variegation Pattern And Color
This is where the real difference lies. N’ Joy has distinct, clean patches of white and green. There is no blending or speckling between the two colors. The white is often a pure, bright white that can look almost silver in certain light.
Pearls and Jade, on the other hand, has a more complex pattern. The cream and white areas are filled with tiny green dots and streaks. The green sections also have lighter flecks, giving the whole leaf a textured appearance. The overall color palette is softer and more muted.
Stem And Vine Coloration
Check the stems if you’re still unsure. N’ Joy typically has greener stems with white streaks. Pearls and Jade stems often have a slightly darker, more mottled look. This is a subtle difference but can help with identification.
Another trick is to look at new growth. N’ Joy new leaves emerge with a strong white presence. Pearls and Jade new leaves often start more green and develop their speckling as they mature.
Care Requirements: Are They The Same?
Both plants are incredibly easy to care for, which makes them great for beginners. They have the same basic needs as other pothos varieties. However, there are a few nuances to keep in mind.
Light Needs For Both Varieties
Both N’ Joy and Pearls and Jade need bright, indirect light to maintain their variegation. Too little light will cause them to produce more green leaves. Too much direct sun can scorch the white areas, which have no chlorophyll.
A north or east-facing window is ideal. If you only have a south or west window, place the plant a few feet back from the glass. You can also use sheer curtains to filter the light.
Watering And Humidity
These pothos prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Stick your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Overwatering is the most common way to kill these plants, so err on the side of caution.
They aren’t fussy about humidity. Average household humidity is fine. If your air is very dry, you can mist them occasionally, but it’s not necessary. They will thrive in the same conditions you find comfortable.
Soil And Fertilizer
Use a well-draining potting mix. A standard indoor potting soil with some perlite added works well. You want to ensure the roots don’t sit in water, which can cause root rot.
Feed your plant once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fertilizing in the winter when growth slows down.
Growth Habits And Maintenance
Understanding how these plants grow will help you decide which one fits your space better. They have slightly different vining tendencies.
Trailing Vs Climbing Behavior
N’ Joy is more of a bushier, compact grower. It tends to stay fuller at the base and produces shorter vines. This makes it excellent for small tabletops or as a trailing plant in a small pot.
Pearls and Jade is more of a vigorous viner. It will send out longer tendrils and is better suited for hanging baskets or training up a trellis. If you want a plant that will cascade down a shelf, this is the better choice.
Pruning And Propagation Tips
Regular pruning will keep both plants looking their best. Pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth. You can root the cuttings in water or directly in soil.
Here’s a simple propagation process:
- Cut a stem with at least 2-3 leaves and a node (the bump where the leaf meets the stem)
- Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged
- Change the water every few days to keep it fresh
- Wait for roots to grow to about 2 inches long
- Plant the rooted cutting in moist potting soil
Both varieties root easily and will reward you with new growth within a few weeks. This is a great way to fill out a pot or share plants with friends.
Which One Should You Choose?
Your choice really comes down to personal preference. If you love a clean, crisp, high-contrast look, go with N’ Joy. If you prefer a more intricate, textured pattern with softer colors, Pearls and Jade is your plant.
Consider your space as well. N’ Joy’s compact size makes it great for desks or small shelves. Pearls and Jade’s longer vines are perfect for filling a vertical space or a hanging planter.
Common Misconceptions And Lookalikes
Many people confuse these two with the Marble Queen pothos. Marble Queen has much larger leaves and more extensive white marbling. It’s also a faster grower than both N’ Joy and Pearls and Jade.
Another lookalike is the Manjula pothos. Manjula has wavy leaf edges and a mix of green, white, and silver. The leaves are also wider and more heart-shaped. If you see wavy edges, it’s not N’ Joy or Pearls and Jade.
There is also a variety called “Glacier” that looks similar. Glacier has smaller leaves and a more silvery appearance. It’s a rarer find and often mislabeled. The speckling on Glacier is finer and more uniform than on Pearls and Jade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about these two beautiful plants.
Is N’ Joy Pothos Rare?
N’ Joy used to be considered rare, but it’s now widely available at garden centers and big box stores. It’s not a rare plant anymore, but it’s still highly sought after for its unique look.
Can I mix N’ Joy and Pearls and Jade in the same pot?
Yes, you absolutely can. They have the same care requirements, so they will thrive together. Mixing them creates a beautiful, textured display with different leaf patterns.
Why is my Pearls and Jade turning all green?
This is usually a sign of insufficient light. The plant produces more chlorophyll to capture more light, which results in greener leaves. Move it to a brighter location to encourage the variegation to return.
Which pothos is easier to care for, N’ Joy or Pearls and Jade?
They are equally easy to care for. Both are forgiving and low-maintenance. The only difference is that N’ Joy might need slightly more light to maintain its white variegation.
How fast do these pothos grow?
Both are considered slow to moderate growers. They will grow faster in bright, indirect light and warmer temperatures. They won’t grow as quickly as a standard golden pothos, but they will still produce steady new growth.
Final Thoughts On Choosing Between Them
You really can’t go wrong with either of these pothos varieties. They are both stunning, easy to care for, and will add a touch of greenery to any room. The decision ultimately comes down to which aesthetic you prefer.
If you’re a collector, you should probably own both. They look fantastic together in a mixed pot or displayed side by side. Their differences are subtle but distinct, making them a fun addition to any plant collection.
Remember to check the leaves carefully when you’re at the nursery. Look for the speckling on Pearls and Jade and the clean white blocks on N’ Joy. Once you know what to look for, you’ll never confuse them again.
Whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a beautiful, resilient plant that will bring you joy for years to come. Happy planting, and enjoy your new green friend.