It might be quite difficult to tell the difference between Snow Queen and Marble Queen pothos. Although they come from the same family, there’s a couple of differences between these two plants.
Leaf color is the main difference between Snow Queen and Marble Queen pothos. The color on Marble Queen is creamy, rather than white. On the other hand, snow queen has leaves with pure white variegation with a lot less green.
In addition, Snow Queen develops at a little slower rate than Marble Queen, which is the last distinction between the two. Marble Queen pothos necessitates trimming due to their rapid growth, but Snow Queen pothos retains their compactness for an extended period of time.
Here is a handy chart to help simplify things:
| Snow Queen Pothos | Marble Queen Pothos | |
| Leaf Color | More White | Equal Green And White |
| Temperature | 65– 85°F (18-30°C) | 65– 85°F (18-30°C) |
| Mature height (Indoors) | 3.2 ft. (1.0 m) | 5 ft. (1.5 m) |
| Mature Leaves (Indoors) | 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) | Up to 3 feet long |
| Shape | vine | vine |
| Growth rate | Medium | Slower than Snow Queen |
| Leaves Variegation | variegated, white 80%, green 20% | variegated, white 50%, green 50% |
| Light Requirement | Indirect or Low Light | Medium indirect |
| Soil | Good drainage capacity | Good drainage capacity |
| Soil pH | 6.0-6.5 | 6.0-6.5 |
| Diseases | Leaf spot, Root rot | Leaf spot, Root rot |
| Pests | Mealybugs, Spider mites, Scale, or Thrips. | Mealybugs, Spider mites, Scale, or Thrips. |
At the first glance, these two variations of pothos plants might look the same. I will go into detail about the main differences, as well as similarities, between these two plants.
Contents
Leaf Types Are Different
Interestingly, the leaves of each of these plants are roughly the same size. If you grow them in containers will be smaller in size than plants grown in the ground in their natural habitats.
The form of the leaf is also not much changed. Both have heart-shaped leaves with pointed ends, which distinguishes them from one another. Snow Queen has somewhat more pointed points than Marble Queen, which is a nice contrast.
The true difference in the leaves, however, is the amount of variegation present. When the leaves initially begin to unfold in both kinds, they are green during the time of unfurling. As they grow older, they develop variegation to various intensities.
Snow Queen has a significantly greater amount of chlorophyll-free tissue than marble queen pothos. As a result, about 80 percent of the leaf is white, with the remaining 20 percent being green.
The green hue appears in tiny areas on the leaf, rather than all over it. Additionally, it has a mild green hue to it, and the white is more visible. At times, the leaf appears to be translucent to some extent.
Leaf Textures Are Same
A healthy Marble Queen and snow queen have beautiful leather-like leaves with a glossy sheen. Both Snow Queen and Marble queen have leaves with a slightly waxy feel to them. If you gently run your fingers across the leaf, you can feel that the texture is a bit raised. But you can differentiate them with the color of mature leaves.
As the leaves grow, their shape changes, too. When they are small and just starting to grow, they might seem deformed.
That shouldn’t worry you. Once they are in their full form, you will notice that they have grown into that beautiful heart shape you love.
Marble Queens’ Growth is More Robust
Marble Queen pothos’ leaves contain more chlorophyll than its snow queen, that is the reason it looks greener.
Marble queen develops more quickly than snow queen. This might be viewed as a benefit or a drawback. If you’re searching for a hardy plant, the Marble Queen is a great option to consider.
These two plants have the potential to grow feet in length if given the right conditions. During its natural life, it may grow to over six feet in length.
The Snow Queen is almost the same size as the Snow Queen in terms of overall height. In this case, the difference is that it will take a longer amount of time to reach that size. Additionally, if you enjoy plants that are compact in size, this one may be for you.
Both are good climbers. That is why they look great on your balcony if you plant them in hanging pots. However, when hung from low support, they look to be the most natural.
As the marble queen grows faster it needs more nutrients and water supply than the snow queen. Also, make sure you are selecting a next-size pot for marble queen than snow queen.
Now, If you want your marble queen to be bushy or compact then you should select a smaller pot. Besides, you have to trim off the roots and top leaves periodically to give them a bushy appearance.
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Aerial Roots
For those who are unfamiliar with the term, aerial roots are roots that grow out of the vine. They allow the plant to climb as they attach themselves to the surroundings.
Both Snow Queen and Marble Queen pothos have aerial roots. Because of that, they are able to climb, grow, and adapt to any surroundings. Get creative and give your pothos plants a fun place to grow!
Sheath
What is interesting about pothos plants is that their leaves don’t grow out of sheaths. Leaves on both Marble Queen and Snow Queen pothos simply unfurl from the vine.
If your plant has small sheaths, you might be dealing with a philodendron. Some other plants similar to pothos might confuse you, as well. Keep in mind that neither Marble Queen nor Snow Queen pothos grows leaves out of the sheaths.
Petioles
The part of the plant which connects the leaf with the vine is called a petiole. Petioles on pothos plants are quite round, with a bit of indentation.
There is no difference in the shape and texture of petioles on Marble Queen and Snow Queen pothos.
However, as we know already, Snow Queen pothos are much whiter than Marble Queen.
In comparison between these two plants, you will often see that the petioles on Snow Queen are whiter, as well.
Depending on the plant, sometimes the petioles on Snow Queen may be completely white.
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Growth Habit
Compared to Snow Queen pothos, Marble Queen grows faster. Since they come from the same family of plants, their growth habits are pretty much the same.
As indoor plants, they can grow anywhere from 1.5 to 2.0 meters (5 to 6.5 ft) in height or length. Both of these plants are extremely adaptable and vigorous.
They can hang from a basket, or grow all over your room. However, since snow Queen is a slow grower, it would be easier for you to keep a bushy appearance.
New Leaves
As they grow, leaves on Marble Queen and Snow Queen pothos will open up over time. It is like opening up a birthday gift, you never know what you will get with these plants. I feel like that is the fun of it all.
New leaves on both Marble and Snow Queen pothos can start completely green.
That should not worry you, however, because they will turn white over time.
On Snow Queen pothos, it is often the case that the new leaves are almost completely white rather than green.
This can also be the case with your Marble Queen, but less intense. Overall, the variegation of these two plants and the color of the new leaves depend on how much light they are getting.
There are no strict rules when it comes to new growth with these plants. They do their own thing and even the shape changes as the leaves grow.
The baby leaves might look like they have been chewed on, but it is completely fine.
Over time, they will grow to 91 cm (3 ft) in length and into the beautiful heart shape we all know and love.
Taxonomy
Pothos plants are usually placed in the species called Epipremnum aureum. Sometimes, they are also referred to as Epipremnum pinnatum, Rhaphidophora aurea, or Scindapsus aureus.
Under either one of those names, there are many different variations of pothos. Some of the most popular ones are Marble Queen, Golden pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Snow Queen, Silver Vine, etc.
Because they are a part of the same family, knowing the taxonomy will not be of great help when trying to understand the differences between Snow Queen and Marble Queen pothos.
Botanists simply call them Epipremnum aureum. Different variegation of pothos plays no part in naming them.
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Growing Requirements
Growing requirements for both Marble Queen and Snow Queen pothos are pretty similar. To help you recognize the type of the plant, I will go into detail about all the requirements, one by one.
Soil
Snow Queen pothos is not a demanding plant and it is very easy to take care of. The best kind of soil for your Snow Queen would be the one that is fast draining, so you can avoid root rot.
To make the soil fast-draining, you could add small pebbles at the bottom of the pot. A potting mix for cactus plants will do just fine if you have no time to make your own.
When it comes to Marble Queen soil requirements, they are pretty much the same. They need nutrient-rich and well-draining soil.
Be careful not to make your soil too light, however. Marble Queen needs soil that holds moisture. The best kind of soil would be the one made equally of perlite, peat moss, and regular houseplant soil.
Container
For both Marble Queen and Snow Queen pothos, a container with enough drainage holes is a must. It is crucial that the water drains out, leaving the soil moist.
If you want to make your Marble Queen or Snow Queen pothos climb, rather than hang, you could use a pole. This is where you can get creative. These plants can climb and grow around just about anything.
If you want to grow them as hanging plants, you can plant them in large containers or hanging baskets. Options are endless and your Queen pothos plants will adapt to almost anything.
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Light
Light is the main factor that contributes to the variegation of the Snow and Marble Queen pothos. The color of the leaves mostly depends on the amount of light the plant is getting.
Every variegated type of pothos plant has the same light requirements. They thrive in partial light areas or the area with indirect sunlight.
If you place your Marble Queen or Snow Queen pothos in direct sunlight, it could lead to fading of color.
Temperature
Just like all their pothos family members, both Snow Queen and Marble Queen prefer indoor temperatures. The main thing you have to remember is to avoid sudden changes in temperature.
Overall, Snow Queen and Marble Queen pothos will thrive in average room temperatures. Keeping an even temperature between 18°C to 23°C (65°F – 75°F) would be perfect for the Queens.
Watering
Marble Queen and Snow Queen pothos like moisture, but drainage is very important. Because of that, it is important not to over-water these plants.
You should water your Marble Queen once a week. To make sure that your Marble is ready for watering, check if the first 2.5 to 5 cm (1” – 2”) of the soil is dry. Then, it is safe for you to water your Marble Queen.
The same goes for Snow Queen pothos. They prefer their soil to be on the drier side. If the soil is completely dry, your Snow Queen is ready for watering.
A universal rule for all pothos plants is that you should water them more during summer. During winter, frequent watering is not necessary.
Fertilizer
Marble and Snow Queen pothos need barely any fertilizer. According to some, they can live just fine without you ever using any additives.
However, if you choose to fertilize them, there are a couple of options. For Marble Queen pothos, it is best to fertilize it monthly during the growing season.
Since their growth is a bit slower, fertilizing them during the season would give them a boost. Using a regular diluted houseplant fertilizer would be just enough for them.
For Snow Queen, a slow-release option would be a good one. Organic fertilizers such as worm castings or seaweed solutions would be a great additive for these plants.
Overall, you shouldn’t worry too much about fertilizers. Both Snow Queen and Marble Queen are a great option for people who don’t have a lot of time to spend on plant care.
Pruning
Snow Queen and Marble Queen both respond well to pruning. Since they are wild and vigorous, pruning them helps you keep them under control.
Since Marble Queen is growing a bit slower than Snow Queen, I prefer to keep them bushy. Trimming the longer stems in spring will help you achieve that.
If there are dead and damaged leaves on your plant, you don’t need to wait for spring to trim them. Any time of the year would be just fine. If you want to make your plant bushier, trimming new growth will eventually lead to a fuller plant.
Not much is different when it comes to Snow Queen pothos. Trim the yellowing and dying leaves regularly. If you want your Snow Queen to be bushy as well, prune the vines before your plant becomes too leggy.
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Final Words
Overall, rules for one pothos plant usually apply to most of the other varieties in the family. The main difference between them is a different type of variegation.
Snow Queen pothos, as the name suggests it, grows leaves that are more white than green. That is the main difference between Snow and Marble Queen. It is also the easiest way to differentiate between these two plants.