Snow Queen vs. Marble Queen Pothos: A Complete Comparison

Discover the art of Pothos plant care and unravel the differences between Snow Queen vs. Marble Queen Pothos in this comprehensive guide. Explore their unique traits, care needs, and ideal environments for these popular houseplants.

Pothos are one of the most popular houseplants that there is. That's because they are lush, easy to care for, and easy to propagate.

Another thing that I and many houseplant lovers enjoy about pothos is collection the many varieties.

Two popular varieties of pothos are Snow Queen pothos and Marble Queen pothos.

Wondering if Snow Queen and Marble Queen pothos are the same? In reality, they are cultivars of the same species (Epipremnum aureum). They are incredibly similar - but slightly different in color and growing shape.

Let's dive into the specific differences between these two popular plants!

Snow Queen Pothos

Snow Queen Pothos has a stunning array of variegated leaves, boasting a blend of lush green hues interwoven with delicate streaks and patches of pure white. The variegation creates an elegant and subtle contrast, giving each leaf a refined and sophisticated look.

Snow Queen's leaves showcase a gentle and intricate variegation pattern. The white streaks subtly overlay the vibrant green, offering a delicate and harmonious balance. Some leaves may exhibit more pronounced variegation, while others feature a softer interplay of colors.

This plant tends to have a more compact growth habit compared to its relatives. Snow Queen usually grows more bushy than trailing, making it an excellent choice for smaller indoor spaces.

It remains relatively modest in size, perfect for tabletops, shelves, or hanging baskets without overwhelming the area. In optimal conditions, it can develop into a lush and compact display of its variegated foliage.

Marble Queen Pothos

Marble Queen Pothos showcases an eye-catching display of mottled leaves, characterized by vivid green splashes adorned with bold patches of creamy-white hues. The marbled effect creates an intricate and striking visual pattern, making each leaf a unique work of art.

The leaves of Marble Queen Pothos exhibit distinct marbling, with varying degrees of white intermingling with shades of green. Some leaves have a more pronounced marbled effect, while others display a finer mix.

This plant tends to exhibit a trailing growth habit, producing long, cascading vines that elegantly drape over containers or hang gracefully. When provided with ample space, Marble Queen can grow several feet long, showcasing its vibrant marbled leaves as it extends its vines.

In indoor settings, its growth rate may vary, but with proper care, it can develop into an impressive and visually striking display.

Snow Queen vs Marble Queen Pothos

These two types of pothos are very, very similar. Let's dive into the minute differences between them!

Leaf Patterns and Variegation

The Snow Queen and Marble Queen's leaf patterns and variegation are similar, but slightly different.

Snow Queen Pothos exhibits a lovely blend of green and white on its leaves, characterized by delicate and subtle streaks of white against a backdrop of vibrant green.

In contrast, Marble Queen Pothos showcases a striking marbled effect on its leaves, with bold patches of creamy-white intricately woven through rich green tones.

Overall, Snow queen is a whiter variegation and has more white overall. Marble Queen cab be a bit creamier, with variegation that's slightly yellowed, and generally, there is more green.

Essentially, Snow Queen is just a new name for very variegated Marble Queen.

Because variegation can increase and decrease depending on how much light a plant gets, the lines can get very blurred between these two plants!

Be sure to check out our guide on how to care for variegated plants!

Growth Habit and Size

Snow Queen Pothos tends to have a more compact growth habit compared to its cousin, the Marble Queen. Its growth tends to be bushier and more contained, making it an excellent choice for smaller indoor spaces.

The plant retains a neat and manageable size, making it suitable for tabletops, shelves, or hanging baskets without overpowering the space.

When pruned, Snow Queen tends to develop fuller growth from the cut nodes, resulting in a bushier appearance. Pruning helps maintain its compact form, encouraging denser foliage closer to the soil.

On the other hand, Marble Queen Pothos exhibits a trailing growth pattern, producing longer vines that elegantly cascade over containers or hang gracefully from higher spots.

Due to its more extensive and trailing nature, Marble Queen requires more room to sprawl, making it a better fit for larger indoor spaces.

After pruning, Marble Queen exhibits a tendency to produce long, trailing vines with abundant new growth. Regular pruning encourages its characteristic cascading appearance, making it an excellent choice for hanging displays.

Care Differences

These two types of pothos plants have very similar care needs. Here's what to keep in mind!

Light Requirements

Snow Queen Pothos: Snow Queen typically thrives in moderate to bright indirect light. It prefers spaces with ample natural light but can adapt to slightly lower light conditions, albeit with slower growth.

Marble Queen Pothos: Marble Queen, like its cousin Snow Queen, enjoys moderate to bright indirect light. It appreciates well-lit spaces but can adapt to a variety of light conditions, including slightly lower light areas.

Know that the less light that these plants receive, the greener their leaves will turn. Snow Queen in particular can change to look like a Marble Queen in low light situations.

Propagation

Snow Queen is relatively quick to root when propagated in water or soil, often displaying new growth within a few weeks. Its cuttings are sturdy and root readily, making propagation an efficient method for expanding your Snow Queen collection.

Marble Queen cuttings also root readily, but it tends to take a bit longer compared to Snow Queen. However, once established, Marble Queen develops strong roots, allowing for healthy growth when transplanted.

Watering and Humidity

In terms of watering, both of these plants prefer their soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as this may lead to root rot.

Pothos also appreciates average indoor humidity but benefits from occasional misting.

Soil and Potting Needs

For all types of pothos, a well-draining potting mix works best. It thrives in a mix that retains some moisture but doesn't become waterlogged. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.

Which pothos is right for you?

These plants are super similar, but there are a few factors to consider when choosing which to buy.

Availability and Price

• Snow Queen Pothos: Not super rare, but harder to find and often priced at a premium accordingly.
• Marble Queen Pothos: Widely available and inexpensive.

I suggest shopping for Snow Queen pothos on Etsy!

Aesthetics

• Snow Queen Pothos: Ideal for spaces seeking elegance and a softer touch. It complements minimalist or Scandinavian-themed interiors, adding a subtle pop of green that blends seamlessly.
• Marble Queen Pothos: Perfect for bold and vibrant interior styles. It stands out in eclectic or modern settings, serving as a striking focal point with its dramatic marbled leaves.

Space and Environment

• Snow Queen Pothos: Fits well in compact spaces, suited for smaller apartments or office desks. Its compact growth makes it suitable for shelves, tabletops, or hanging baskets without overpowering the area.
• Marble Queen Pothos: Flourishes in larger areas due to its trailing nature. It's fantastic for filling corners or adding lush greenery to bigger rooms, like living areas or open spaces that could benefit from a cascading plant.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice between Snow Queen and Marble Queen Pothos is about personal preference. Consider what appeals to your eye and fits your lifestyle!

Thanks for reading!