Pothos "Ricotta"

Sold as Epipremnum aureum “Ricotta”, this variegated pothos appeals to collectors who enjoy comparing the subtle patterns and palettes of different pothos selections. Its cream-and-green foliage recalls ‘Marble Queen’, with some plants displaying additional yellow tones.

Light: Bright, gentle light supports healthy growth and shows off the pale variegation. An east-facing window or filtered light near a south- or west-facing window works well. It can tolerate medium light, but avoid treating a heavily variegated plant as a low-light choice.

Water: Allow the upper portion of the potting mix to dry before watering thoroughly. Let excess water drain completely, and empty any water collected in the cachepot. Check the soil rather than following a fixed weekly schedule.

Humidity: Typical household humidity is usually sufficient. Homes in San Francisco, Daly City, and Half Moon Bay generally do not need extra humidity for pothos. In especially dry Oakland or San Jose homes, a humidifier may help, but is usually optional.

Soil: Use a well-draining indoor potting mix amended with perlite or pumice; a little fine orchid bark can provide additional aeration. Choose a pot with drainage and avoid oversized containers that remain wet for too long.

Temperature: Comfortable indoor temperatures are ideal. Protect from cold drafts and chilly windows. In San Francisco, outdoor growing is best limited to a sheltered spot in bright shade during warm weather; bring indoors for cool nights and winter.

Growth Habit: A trailing or climbing evergreen vine. Let it cascade from a shelf or provide a support for upward growth and potentially larger leaves. Prune to maintain fullness, and propagate stem cuttings that include at least one node. Growth may slow in winter, but it does not require a dry dormancy.

Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, balanced houseplant fertilizer every four to six weeks during active growth, following the product’s instructions. Reduce or pause feeding when growth slows.

Flowers: Flowering is exceptionally uncommon in indoor cultivation. This plant is grown for its foliage, and the absence of flowers is normal.

Pest Care: Inspect stems, leaf undersides, and new growth for mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and thrips. Wipe leaves gently to remove dust and check new plants before placing them beside the rest of your collection.

Pet Safety: Not pet safe. Epipremnum aureum contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or eaten, potentially causing mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.