Epipremnum Snow Queen - The Frosty Beauty
There's a reason they call her a queen. The Epipremnum Snow Queen is quite possibly the most striking of all the pothos varieties, with leaves so heavily splashed in pure white they seem almost luminous. If you've ever admired a Marble Queen and thought "I wish there was even more white", then the Snow Queen is the plant you've been waiting for.
This gorgeous cultivar of Epipremnum aureum takes the classic pothos formula and dials up the variegation to impressive levels. Where a Marble Queen might show roughly equal parts cream and green, the Snow Queen tips the balance dramatically in favour of white, with approximately 80% of each leaf covered in brilliant white and only 20% in green. The effect is quite breathtaking.
Despite her royal appearance, the Snow Queen retains the famously easy-going nature of the pothos family. She's forgiving of occasional neglect, adapts well to various conditions, and rewards even beginner plant parents with cascading vines of stunning variegated foliage.
The Variegation
Each heart-shaped leaf is a unique work of art. The variegation appears as bold patches, streaks, and speckles of pure white against sections of deep green. Some leaves are almost entirely white with just flecks of green, while others show more balance. The overall impression is bright, fresh, and undeniably elegant.
Unlike the Marble Queen, whose variegation tends towards cream or pale yellow, the Snow Queen's white is noticeably brighter and cleaner. This distinction becomes quite clear when you see the two side by side, though there is some natural variation and overlap between them, as they're technically the same species selected for different levels of variegation.
New leaves often emerge with a slightly creamy or pale yellow tint that lightens to pure white as they mature, particularly in bright light conditions. This is completely normal and part of what makes watching new growth so exciting.
Light Requirements
Light is the key to maintaining that spectacular white variegation. Bright, indirect light is essential. Without adequate light, the Snow Queen will gradually produce more green in new leaves as the plant compensates for reduced chlorophyll, and the beautiful white variegation can fade to cream or yellow.
Position near a window where it receives plenty of bright light without harsh direct sun, which can scorch the delicate white portions of the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning light. A spot near but not directly in front of a brighter window also works well.
Interestingly, the Snow Queen can tolerate lower light conditions, but it won't maintain its stunning variegation. If you notice new growth coming in greener than expected, it's a sign your plant wants more light.
Watering
Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry out between waterings. The Snow Queen, like all pothos, is susceptible to root rot if left in waterlogged soil. Water thoroughly when needed, allowing excess to drain completely, then wait until the soil has dried appropriately before watering again.
The plant will tell you when it's thirsty. Leaves that look a bit limp or less perky are usually a sign it's time to water. After a good drink, they'll perk back up within a day. This makes the Snow Queen quite forgiving of occasional forgotten waterings.
Humidity and Temperature
Average household humidity is generally sufficient for the Snow Queen, making it an adaptable houseplant for most Australian homes. However, like most aroids, it appreciates moderate humidity when available. Brown leaf edges can indicate the air is too dry, in which case grouping with other plants, misting, or using a humidifier can help.
Temperature-wise, the Snow Queen prefers warmth. Keep it in the range of 15-30°C and protect from cold drafts. Avoid positioning near air conditioning vents or draughty windows.
Potting and Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix. Standard indoor potting mix amended with extra perlite or orchid bark works well. The goal is soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Repot when the plant becomes rootbound, typically every 1-2 years. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.
Trailing or Climbing
The Snow Queen looks stunning in a hanging basket where her vines can cascade gracefully, or trailing from a high shelf or mantle. She can also be trained to climb a moss pole or trellis, which encourages slightly larger leaves as the plant matures.
If growing as a climber, our Grow Vertical Propsticks provide excellent support. Keep the pole moist to encourage aerial roots to attach.
Feeding
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through autumn) with Growth Technology Foliage Focus at 3-5ml per litre for soil, or 5-7ml per litre for semi-hydro setups. The complete nutrient profile supports healthy growth without causing fertiliser burn. Reduce or stop feeding in winter.
Because the Snow Queen has less chlorophyll than fully green plants, it naturally grows more slowly and doesn't require heavy feeding. A light, regular approach works better than infrequent heavy doses.
Propagation
Propagating the Snow Queen is straightforward. Take stem cuttings with at least one node, and root them in water or directly in moist soil. Use Clonex Rooting Gel to encourage strong root development. Cuttings typically root within 2-4 weeks.
When propagating, select cuttings with good variegation to ensure the new plants maintain the signature white colouring.
Snow Queen vs Marble Queen
The Snow Queen and Marble Queen are both cultivars of Epipremnum aureum, selected for different levels of variegation. The main differences are:
- Snow Queen: Approximately 80% white, 20% green. Whiter, brighter variegation.
- Marble Queen: Approximately 50% cream/white, 50% green. Creamier, more balanced variegation.
Care requirements are identical for both. The Snow Queen grows slightly slower due to having less chlorophyll, and needs brighter light to maintain its variegation. Some growers consider them the same plant at different variegation levels, as light conditions can influence how white or green the foliage appears.
Air-Purifying Qualities
Like other pothos varieties, the Snow Queen is known for its air-purifying capabilities. Studies have shown pothos plants can help remove common indoor toxins including benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene from the air, making them a beautiful and functional addition to your home.
Pet Safety
The Snow Queen contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Symptoms include oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep this plant out of reach of curious pets, or choose a pet-safe alternative if you have determined nibblers in your household.
Perfect For
- Bright windowsills and well-lit rooms
- Hanging baskets and trailing displays
- Climbing on moss poles or supports
- Collectors of variegated plants
- Plant parents who love white variegation
- Offices with good natural light
- Beginners wanting something special
- Air-purifying plant collections
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Snow Queen turning green?
Insufficient light is the most common cause. The plant compensates for reduced chlorophyll by producing more green in new leaves. Move your Snow Queen to a brighter location with good indirect light to encourage whiter variegation in new growth. You can prune back greener sections to encourage more variegated growth.
Is it the same as Marble Queen?
They're the same species (Epipremnum aureum) but different cultivars selected for different levels of variegation. Snow Queen has significantly more white variegation than Marble Queen. Care requirements are identical, but Snow Queen needs brighter light to maintain its white colouring.
Why are my white leaves turning brown?
The heavily white portions of leaves are more delicate because they lack chlorophyll. Brown patches on white areas can indicate too much direct sun (scorching), low humidity, or simply the natural shorter lifespan of very white leaves. Some browning on highly variegated leaves is normal and expected.
Why is my Snow Queen growing slowly?
Highly variegated plants naturally grow slower because they have less chlorophyll for photosynthesis. This is completely normal for the Snow Queen. Providing bright light and consistent care will encourage the best possible growth rate.
Is it safe for pets?
No. Snow Queen contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets.
Please Keep in Mind
Epipremnum Snow Queen is a highly variegated pothos cultivar featuring stunning white and green heart-shaped leaves. Approximately 80% white and 20% green, this plant needs bright indirect light to maintain its spectacular variegation. Low light will cause new growth to revert to greener colouring. Care is straightforward: allow soil to dry between waterings, provide good drainage, and feed with Growth Technology Foliage Focus during the growing season. Grows slower than green pothos due to reduced chlorophyll. Toxic to cats and dogs.
If you are from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase this plant, we recommend using Paradise Distributors concierge service. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing: info@rareplants.net.au
Shipping & Greenhouse Collection
Let's Talk About How Your Plants Get to You!
Alright, so here's the deal with shipping - we try our best to send all our plants potted and ready to go, but sometimes due to larger orders or when we're moving through some big changes, we'll send some plants semi-bare rooted. If you haven't come across this before, it basically means we carefully remove a bunch of the soil before packing them up. I know that might sound a bit scary if you've never ordered plants online before, but trust me, this is actually a really smart way to do it! The main reason we do this is because it creates so much more room in the box, which means we can fit way more plants in one shipment for you. More plants in one box = more green goodness arriving at your door at once! The plants honestly handle the journey better without all that heavy, wet soil sloshing around too. Just make sure you've got some fresh potting mix ready to go when your green babies arrive, because they'll want to get tucked into their new home pretty quickly!
Now, let's chat about what actually fits in our boxes. We can safely fit about 4-6 plants in one box, or if you're stocking up on supplies, one box can hold 3 bags of medium plus 1L of Growth Technology. We really don't recommend adding heavy items with your plants though - it just puts extra stress on your precious plants during transit and limits how many we can fit. If your order ends up being heavier than our standard box can handle, we'll reach out to you about additional postage fees. We're always transparent about costs, no sneaky surprises!
When Does Everything Ship Out?
Here's how our timeline works - we process and ship orders the week after you place them. So if you order on a Tuesday, your plants will get packed and sent out sometime the following week. We ship Monday through Friday (because let's be real, we all need weekends to recharge!), and we're aiming to get your order out within 4-6 business days of processing. Sometimes things take a tiny bit longer because we're a small but mighty team, and we take absolute care in making sure every single plant is packed perfectly. Like, we're talking individual attention for each plant here. We don't rush this stuff!
Once your order ships, you'll get an email with your tracking number. If you haven't received that tracking email, it just means we're still working on your order - it hasn't left us yet. Please be patient with us! We promise we're working as fast as we can while still making sure everything is done right. We pack orders in chronological order to keep things fair for everyone, so no one's getting special treatment or jumping the queue. First come, first served, that's how we roll!
The Journey to Your Doorstep
All our orders ship with Australia Post, and here's something cool - they operate 24/7! That means even if your order gets sent out on a Friday afternoon, it's still making its way to you over the weekend. The postal system doesn't sleep, and honestly, that's pretty amazing for getting plants to you quickly. You can generally expect your plants to arrive within 2-7 days after we ship them, depending on where you are in Australia. Metro areas tend to be quicker, regional spots might take the full week, but either way, your tracking number will keep you in the loop the whole time.
And here's the thing that always blows people's minds - our plants are absolute troopers. We've tested this extensively, and they can genuinely survive in their boxes for up to three weeks if needed. Obviously we don't want them sitting around that long, but life happens, mail gets delayed sometimes, and we want you to know that your plants are prepped and ready to handle whatever the postal system throws at them. While we do our best to avoid delays, occasional unforeseen circumstances may slightly impact delivery times, but rest assured, your plants are packed with extra care and are tougher than you think!
Quarantine States (WA, NT, TAS)
We currently only ship directly to non-quarantine states. Unfortunately, biosecurity restrictions make it pretty complicated to send plants to Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Tasmania. But don't worry, we've got a solution for you! If you're from a quarantine restricted state and would like to purchase plants from us, we recommend using Paradise Distributors' concierge service. They're absolute legends and can handle all the biosecurity paperwork and requirements for you. Make sure to contact them prior to purchasing so they can give you all the details and help you out: info@rareplants.net.au
Come Visit the Greenhouse! (Rockdale)
If you're local or just love the idea of picking up your order in person, we've got you covered! Greenhouse collection from our Rockdale location is available the same week you make your purchase. Our opening hours are always changing, so make sure to check booking availability on our 'Visit the Greenhouse' page before purchasing. After you've paid for your order, just head over and book a time slot that works for you. You'll get to pick up your plants AND have a wander through the greenhouse while you're here, which honestly is such a vibe. Just please wear a mask if you're feeling unwell - it's a small space and we want to keep everyone safe and healthy!
Catch Us at Markets!
We do regular markets around Sydney and would love to meet you in person! If you'd prefer to skip shipping altogether and grab your order at one of our market stalls, just email us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com and we can arrange collection at an upcoming market. It's a great way to chat plants face-to-face, see what else we've got on the day, and save on postage!
Questions? We're Here for You!
If you've got any questions about shipping, tracking, or literally anything else, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@growinggroundsaustralia.com. We love chatting with you guys and we're always happy to help troubleshoot, answer questions, or just talk plants!
Much love from the GG's Team 🌱
