If you like variegation and Pothos, then the Jessenia is for you. The Jessenia Pothos is one of the newer Pothos varieties available, so it isn’t as easy to find as some of the tried and true cultivars, but it’s worth the search. Jessenia is a slow-growing houseplant that is laid-back and easy to grow. Find out more about the Pothos Jessenia and what this plant needs to thrive.

Get to Know Jessenia

The Epipremnum aureum ‘Jessenia’ has the glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are to be expected from a Pothos. The vines can reach 10 feet long, although this is a slow-growing houseplant, so be prepared to wait if you want to enjoy long vines.

The Jessenia Pothos is often mistaken for the Marble Queen Pothos, and this makes sense because the Jessenia started as a genetic mutation of the Marble Queen. This mutation was propagated and eventually became its own distinct cultivar. These plants have a similar look, but the variegation of the Jessenia can be more subtle than that of the Marble Queen. The Jessenia has predominately medium to dark green leaves with chartreuse variegation. The Marble Queen’s variegation can sometimes appear lime green but is mostly creamy white. The Jessenia does not display any shades of white or cream.

Jessenia Pothos Light Needs

Place the Jessenia Pothos in an east- or west-facing window or a few feet from a south-facing window. This Pothos prefers bright, indirect sunlight and needs higher light levels to maintain its variegation. While Jessenia can live in medium light, the variegation may be less drastic, showy, and may revert to solid green. Growth will be even slower when the plant receives medium sunlight. Spin the container a quarter turn every couple of weeks to keep the plant looking good on all sides.

How Often to Water Jessenia Pothos

Water Jessenia when the top 2 to 3 inches of potting mix are dry to the touch. The soil lower in the container can be damp, but let the upper portion dry. Using your hand to gauge the dampness is the most effective way to reduce the overwatering risk. Give the plant another day or two if you’re unsure because this Pothos is somewhat drought-tolerant and can much more easily bounce back from being too dry than too wet. Plants need less water when dormant, so scale back on water during the fall and winter.

The leaves will wilt and curl if the plant is too dry. Yellow leaf tips indicate the roots are too wet, and you’ll need to let the potting mix dry before watering again. Help dry soil by ensuring the plant receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Periodically rinse the foliage to remove dust buildup.

Jessenia Soil Needs

Use a rich, moist, well-drained, and acidic potting mix. Most ready-made potting mixes work well, as Pothos plants are not fussy.

Jessenia Pothos Temperature

Temperatures between 65° and 75° F are comfortable. Jessenia can handle warmer temperatures if you move the plant outdoors during the summer, but be mindful of how much sunlight it receives because the heat may be too much. Cooler temperatures, especially anything under 55° F, can wilt and damage the plant.

Jessenia Pothos Humidity Needs

Jessenia Pothos care is generally easy, but humidity is where things can be challenging. This tropical plant likes increased humidity in the 50-70% range. Humidity fluctuates throughout a home, so rooms with increased humidity, like a kitchen or bathroom, are often a good fit. 

Dry, curling foliage with brown patches along the edges indicates the air is too dry. Use a pebble tray with water or a humidifier to give the plant the dampness it craves. 

Jessenia Pothos Fertilizer

Fertilize the Jessenia Pothos to keep the plant healthy and growing. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the spring and summer. Dormant plants do not need to be fed.

Does Jessenia Pothos Bloom?

Pothos plants bloom when grown in their native habitats or very similar conditions. Houseplants seldom bloom, but for what it’s worth, Pothos flowers are not showy. The Jessenia is a foliage plant and is not grown for its flowers.

Jessenia Pruning Tips

Jessenia plants only require a little, if any, pruning. Trim the vines to keep them at a manageable size, and make sure to hold onto those cuttings to propagate. Time pruning to the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Use clean, sharp shears when pruning the plant, and make cuts right after a leaf. Only remove up to one-third of a plant at a time because trimming any more could stunt growth.

When to Repot Jessenia Pothos 

Repot the Jessenia Pothos every one to two years. Pothos are often fine being slightly rootbound, but the plant will let you know when it’s ready for a new container. Repot rootbound Pothos plants during the spring or summer.

Jessenia Pothos Propagation

Propagate the Jessenia Pothos via stem cuttings. A cutting should measure several inches long and feature at least two leaves and nodes. The nodes are bumps that naturally occur on the stems. Place the nodes in water or soil. Replace the water weekly or when it turns cloudy. Keep the potting mix damp when propagating in soil. 

Roots will emerge in several weeks. Transition a soil-propagated cutting to regular Pothos care after five to six weeks. Transplant water-propagated cuttings when the roots are several inches long. Keep the water damp for the first week, and then start a regular watering routine.

Is Jessenia Pothos Pet Safe?

The Epipremnum aureum ‘Jessenia’ is not pet-safe. Eating or chewing on the Jessenia can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting. While this is a lovely plant, the dangling foliage may be too enticing for a cat or curious dog. Know the risks before bringing a Pothos into your home.

Jessenia Styling Tips

Give the Jessenia a high perch so the stems can dangle, creating a curtain of foliage. A hanging basket, high shelf, or on top of an armoire are good spots, pending available sunlight. The stems can be trained to climb a moss pole or trellis, so it depends on the look you want to achieve.

Jessenia Pothos Care Tips

It can be hard to find a Jessenia since it is a relatively new cultivar, and they tend to be expensive. Proper plant care is always important, but it’s all the more vital when caring for a rare houseplant. Fortunately, the most challenging thing about Jessenia is finding one. Jessenia Pothos care is easy. Ensure this looker receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, and it will be fine.