Glacier Pothos: 23 Fantastic Care Tips You Should Know

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Glacier Pothos is a tropical plant with unique features that make an excellent addition to any plant lover’s collection.

In this post, we’ll go through the dos, don’ts, and everything you need to know to keep your Glacier Pothos happy.

If you are interested in purchasing one for yourself, we will explore numerous alternatives for you to consider. Read on about the unique characteristics that make this plant special.

What Is Glacier Pothos?

Glacier Pothos is a well-known perennial today because of its attractive variegation.

Its scientific name is Epipremnum Aureum Glacier, but it is commonly known as Old Man Njoy, Pothos Glacier, and E. Aureum Glacier; it has heart-shaped leaves with olive green-gray foliage with bright white and silvery gray flecks, which make it a beautiful décor for your home.

Pothos plants have a few nicknames, including Money Plant, Devil’s Vine, Silver Vine, Marble Queen, Taro Vine, Silver Satin Pothos, Hunter’s Robe, Golden Pothos, and Devil’s Ivy.

Because their variations are similar, Glacier Pothos is sometimes mistaken with NJoy Pothos.

When you put them side by side, though, you’ll notice a few differences. The Glacier Pothos has smaller leaves, which are the easiest to recognize, and the Glacier is one of the more unusual pothos varieties because it has fewer leaves.

Njoy Pothos and Glacier are also set apart by their variegations. The main difference is that the white parts of the Glacier Pothos seem more like streaks, while Njoy has patches of white on their primarily green leaves.

Glacier Pothos can be put near an east- or west-facing window when cultivated indoors. To survive when grown outdoors, it must be in hardiness zones 10 to 11.

Origin And Family

From the Epipremnum genus in the Araceae family, the Old Man Njoy is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. 

Aureum plants were discovered for the first time in 1880 and were incorrectly labeled as Epipremnum Pinnatum, its relative. It was eventually placed in the genus Epipremnum Aureum after several years and several reclassifications.

Where To Buy

For gardeners who want Glacier Pothos packed securely and delivered straight to their homes, Etsy offers a wide variety of options and deals on houseplants.

Purchasing a Glacier Pothos is usually very affordable, with prices that range between $10 for small cuttings and $25 for larger or more mature plants.

Glacier Pothos Plant Size

The Old Man Njoy is an indoor Epipremnum plant that grows to 6 to 8 feet. It flourishes near an east or west-facing window due to its capacity for growth, light requirements, and high humidity requirements.

Glacier Pothos Care Needs

If you take proper care of your Glacier Pothos, its gorgeous variegation will flourish. This plant prefers humidity and slightly moist soil year-round.

Your Epipremnum should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Ensure a thorough soaking by letting water flow down the bottom of the pot. This plant requires bright indirect light for optimal growth.

Look at the specific growing guidelines listed below to keep your Glacier Pothos thriving!

Care Difficulty

In terms of care difficulty, the Pothos Glacier is typically easy-to-care-for. The primary growing considerations are the amount of light and the well-draining soil this plant has.

My glacier pothos arrived 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/5Jt2V3Z71t

— ༄ NAVIGATRIX ༄ (they/them/e) (@tetiaborau) December 18, 2021

Growth Rate

The E. Aureum Glacier plant grows between 6 and 8 feet tall when cultivated indoors. The warmth of spring and summer induces a growth spurt in this plant.

Epipremnum species grow at a slow-to-moderate speed, including the GlacierGlacier.

Potting

In terms of potting container size, we recommend using a medium container. Most materials, including plastic, terracotta, or clay, will work perfectly.

Old Man Njoy is susceptible to root rot. Make sure to use enough drainage holes in its pot.

Repotting

As your plant grows and expands, you might consider upgrading from your current pot to a more giant vessel on an as-needed basis. Typically, the need to repot occurs every 1-2 years because this plant is one of the slower grower pothos types.

When repotting, you can use a new batch of standard commercial potting soil which is the ideal growing medium for your Glacier Pothos.

Soil

This beautiful plant is an easy-to-care-for plant that needs standard commercial potting soil to stay healthy. If you plan to prepare your own soil mix, we recommend adding some perlite, peat, or compost.

Your Epipremnum will benefit from a consistently moist soil environment that cannot handle a wet environment. However, drainage and aeration are essential requirements for all types of soil.

Here are some recommended potting soils:

pH

For this E. Aureum Glacier, alkaline to neutral soil pH of approximately 5.0-7.5 is required. If you are concerned about soil pH, you can order a simple pH meter for soil testing online.

If the pH of your soil is excessively high, you can improve acidity by adding sulfur or aluminum sulfate.

If the pH is too low, you can amend the soil with baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash.

Water

When watering Old Man Njoy, you should attempt to maintain somewhat moist soil. To measure soil moisture, insert your finger into the pot or purchase a soil moisture meter. When the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry, it is time to water your Epipremnum.

Overwatering is one of the leading causes of indoor plant death. Remember that it is safer to submerge the Old Man Njoy than to overwater him when in doubt. Also, use soil drains quickly and a container with drainage holes to prevent excessive water accumulation.

Light

This easy-to-care-for houseplant prefers bright indirect light for approximately 6-10 hours daily. If there is too much sunlight, its leaves may turn brown and burn. It can tolerate low light conditions, but if there’s a lack of light for a very long time, it will get leggy and weaken.

If your Glacier Pothos isn’t getting enough light, you can move it closer to a window or consider investing in LED grow lights. Here are recommended products for you to choose from:

Avoid putting your Glacier Pothos in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Fertilizer

Here’s a common mistake by several indoor growers, they forget to fertilize. They think that water and bright indirect light are good sources of nourishment. But the truth is that the soil’s nutrients are just as vital in your plant’s overall health.

During spring and summer, fertilize your plant monthly. The finest fertilizer for your Pothos Glacier will be water-soluble. If you are using a more potent fertilizer, it may be necessary to dilute it beforehand.

In the colder months, you don’t need to fertilize at all.

Propagating Glacier Pothos

Perhaps you’re impatient to see your Glacier Pothos sprout new leaves. One planting technique is to prune back the stem to encourage new growing points. Usually, the cuttings you’ve pruned back can propagate, so you can develop a new baby plant!

Check out these various propagation methods for you to choose from.

I’m sorry for talking about house plants so much, but they are providing my seratonin right now.

Please vote below if you know about plants.

Is this cutting I got from a mystery box last fall an N’Joy Pothos or Glacier Pothos? pic.twitter.com/wKzR9wmijL

— Erica Wilkinson (@EverywhereErica) July 21, 2021

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Most plant enthusiasts agreed that the easiest method to propagate an Old Man Njoy is directly planting stem cuttings into soil. This plant’s growing season is from the spring to summer, so it’s best to take cuttings during this time.

1. Cut. Cut a portion of the stem with new leaves and at least one node attached. Without a node, your cutting won’t be able to sprout fresh leaves.

2. Disinfect. If you have cinnamon or rooting powder, dip the cutting to disinfect the wound and encourage faster rooting.

3. Plant. Stick the disinfected cutting into your potting mix. Pro tip: Make sure that the nodes are buried.

4. Water. Water the soil and always keep it moist (but not soggy).

5. Maintain. The Glacier Pothos roots grow within 2-3 weeks. We recommend placing your new plant in a bright, shaded area with good airflow.

Stem Cuttings In Water

A Pothos Glacier can be propagated in water with six simple steps.

1. Cut. Cut a section from the stem with new growth and at least one node.

2. Submerge. You can place the cutting in a transparent container or a glass of water to monitor root growth.

3. Maintain. Next is to store the cutting in a bright, shaded area with good airflow.

4. Refill. Replace the water every 3-5 days to avoid bacterial infection.

5. Transplant. After two weeks, check for progress; then plant the cutting into a sterile potting mix if the roots are about an inch or longer.

6. Wait. Your new plant may look wilted at first, but this is normal because the roots need to adjust to the soil. At this point, avoid applying fertilizer or any treatments until your plant has gotten the chance to stabilize.

Humidity And Aeration

High humidity (between 50%-70%) is best for your Glacier Pothos.

Lack of humidity in houseplants is often characterized by crispy leaves and browning edges. Consider getting a humidifier, or place your plant in well-lit, naturally higher humidity spaces (such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms).

Temperature

Your E. Aureum Glacier plant prefers warmer temperatures in general. This might range between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

The most crucial factor for this plant is consistency. Temperature fluctuations can cause severe damage to the E. Aureum Glacier. In cold weather, shield your plant from cold drafts by closing windows and caulking all openings. Keep it away from heat vents, which might dry up the plant’s leaves.

Toxic

You should be responsible when handling this plant if you have small children or pets. Toxic to humans and animals alike, the Pothos Glacier is potentially dangerous if consumed. The following are possible side effects if eaten: irritation and swelling of lips and tongue, vomiting, or diarrhea. In most cases, this plant is considered non-life-threatening.

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Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

I would argue that the Glacier Pothos is resistant to diseases and pests. Here are some quick remedies for common ailments, as well as basic guidelines for maintaining the health of this plant.

Spider Mites

Insect pests can occasionally be brought into a household by houseplants, and the spider mite is one example of such a pest. Larvae are not visible. However, adult mites can be observed scurrying around when disturbed.

Spraying your plant’s leaves with diluted neem oil will help eliminate spider mites in their larval stage. There are also excellent organic Pyrethrin sprays for killing adult mites. When applying pesticides indoors, select compounds that are non-hazardous for human inhalation.

Fungus Gnats

These could be fungus gnat infestation symptoms if you see abrupt wilting, yellowing, or poor growth in your Old Man Njoy.

Gnats have transparent wings, slender bodies, and long antennae. They like damp, organic soil and will swarm your plants.

The emergence of fungus gnats will be more common if you overwater your Old Man Njoy. Instead of watering, when the top 1-2 inches of the soil are dry, delay your watering 3 days further to let the soil dry out. This should kill some of the larvae at the top of the dirt.

We placed yellow sticky cards nearby when these gnats appeared in our hydroponics systems. These traps are efficient for capturing adults. Pour 1 cup of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and 4 cups water onto the soil to eradicate the larvae.

Scale Insects

Adult scales are stationary and covered in a waxy covering, but they give birth to incredibly tiny crawling insects.

You can scrape off armored scales, but you must do so carefully using an old ID card or your fingertips. Avoid ripping the leaves of Glacier Pothos.

Scale insects can be suffocated with insecticide soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil. Treat it with a broad pesticide when you observe active crawlers on a plant. After a week, administer a second application. We propose the following products:

Plants I bought today instead of rocks. Birkin and a glacier pothos pic.twitter.com/KlVSdvWS3X

— 🔮𝙱𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙼𝙾𝙼𝙼𝚈🔮 (@BarghestBlack) October 24, 2021

Mealybugs

Your E. Aureum Glacier may contain mealy bugs. These tiny parasites sap the sap from your plant, thereby weakening it. The honeydew that they secrete can also promote the growth of fungi.

Mealybugs are oval-shaped insects that appear as cottony lumps on all plant sections. They will either remain still or slowly creep.

To combat a mealybug infestation, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and brush it over the plant’s heart-shaped leaves and other damaged places. I also suggest using a mixture of neem oil and water as a preventative spray.

Brown Leaf Tips

Many causes can cause the edges of your Old Man Njoy’s leaves to brown. Lack of humidity, excessive exposure to intense light, salt and mineral buildup from chemically treated tap water, and fertilizer burn are potential causes.

Drooping Leaves

This little pothos type may develop drooping leaves due to uneven watering, improper lighting, or a lack of humidity. It may also be beneficial to clean the leaves of your plant with simple water and a microfiber cloth to eliminate the dust coating that can inhibit photosynthesis.

Yellow Leaves

The yellowing of Pothos Glacier’s leaves can be caused by various events. Lack of light can deplete your plant of nutrients and cause its leaves to become yellow. Alternately, there could be a problem with underwatering, overwatering, or a generally uneven watering schedule.

Remove leaves that have turned yellow so the plant may concentrate its efforts on developing new, green leaves.

Root Rot

Overwatering, inadequate drainage, or fungal spores on the soil can cause root rot in plants. Root rot is difficult to treat, so it is best to take precautions.

The best way to prevent rot in E. Aureum Glacier is to ensure that the root system is not consistently exposed to wet conditions. Always check for soil moisture before watering your plant. Use a chunky soil mix to allow airflow in the roots. Most importantly, use a porous pot that has drainage holes.

Similar Plants

Enjoy Old Man Njoy? Here are some additional related plant ideas to consider:

Marble Queen Pothos: – The Marble Queen Pothos is a versatile houseplant that thrives in various environments. When planted indoors, the light green leaves with creamy white variegation provide a touch of elegance.  

Manjula Pothos: – This plant’s distinct appearance and feel are all you need to liven up your day, whether you use it as a centerpiece or place it in a hanging planter. Its enticing foliage is such a delight to see.   

Satin Pothos— This tropical, low-maintenance plant’s heart-shaped, matte leaves provide an unrivaled appeal. It looks great as a centerpiece or in a hanging basket. You’ll be a winner for caring for this plant no matter how you show it.
Neon Pothos: – The bright green foliage of Neon Pothos makes it one of the most beautiful types of pothos. Neon Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to maintain due to its adaptability to various lighting and irrigation conditions.

Conclusion

The Glacier Pothos, with its attractive variegation, is the perfect addition to any plant lover’s collection.

Whether you’re a novice indoor gardener or a seasoned hobbyist who wants to learn more about this particular plant, we hope you’ve acquired some helpful suggestions for cultivating your Glacier Pothos!

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