Epipremnum aureum 'Pearls and Jade'

Development of the cultivar

'Pearls and Jade' was developed at the University of Florida from 'Marble Queen' through mutation breeding using cobalt-60 radiation. Breeders later selected one distinctive branch and propagated it to establish the cultivar.

It stood out for its small green, white and grey-green leaves, lightly rippled surface and compact growth.

Care for 'Pearls and Jade'

• Water: Let the upper part of the mix dry slightly before watering again, and do not leave the roots sitting wet.
• Light: Give plenty of bright indirect light to keep the white pattern clear and the growth compact.
• Substrate: Use an airy, freely draining mix that still holds some moisture between waterings.
• Humidity: Average indoor humidity works; more consistent humidity can help prevent dry edges on leaves with large pale areas.
• Temperature: Keep it in a warm position away from cold draughts.
• Pruning: Cut back long vines to keep the plant full, or root the trimmings and return them to the pot.
• Feeding, repotting and propagation: Use a light feed during active growth and pause if winter growth slows. Avoid oversized pots; repot when roots fill the current container and propagate from variegated node cuttings.

Common problems with 'Pearls and Jade'

• White margins crisping: Check for hot direct light and inconsistent watering, correct the cause, then trim damaged tissue if needed.
• New leaves lose the pale and grey-green flecking on one vine: Watch the next few leaves rather than reacting to one greener blade. If the detailed Pearls and Jade pattern does not return, cut the vine back to the last section that still shows the usual white, green and grey-green markings.
• Leaves yellowing from the base while the mix stays moist: Improve drainage and inspect for root rot if more leaves continue to yellow.
• Distorted leaves with silvery feeding marks: Inspect for thrips, isolate the plant if confirmed and use a product labelled for thrips on ornamental houseplants. Repeat only at the interval stated on the label.

Epipremnum aureum ‘Pearls and Jade’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Epipremnum aureum: name and publication history

Epipremnum combines Greek epi, meaning upon, with premnon, meaning tree trunk, referring to the way the vine attaches to a support.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Epipremnum in 1857 in Bonplandia (Hannover), volume 5, page 45.

Jean Jules Linden and Édouard-François André first described it as Pothos aureus in 1880 in L’Illustration Horticole, volume 27, page 69. George Sydney Bunting later placed it in Epipremnum as Epipremnum aureum in 1964 in Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, volume 50, page 28.