Manjula Pothos Care

It’s hard to get your hands on a Manjula Pothos, also known as Jewel Pothos or Happy Leaf Pothos, but this beauty is worth the effort. The Manjula Pothos is a rare plant that is sought after partly because it is hard to find and because of its lovely variegated foliage and dense growth habit. Like all pothos, the Manjula is low-maintenance and easy to grow. Here is what you need to know about Manjula Pothos care.

Plant Details

The Epipremnum aureum ‘Manjula’ features distinctive marbled variegation in shades of green, white, and cream that sometimes looks like a pale yellow. Leaves may look green with white spots or white with green flecks. Large splashes of green are most often located near the stem and the upper edges of the leaves. The broad heart-shaped leaves are almost round and grow compactly with short spaces between the foliage. The Manjula has a mounded growth habit and develops into more of a vining plant with age.

This plant is often described in appearance as a cross between a Marble Queen Pothos and N’Joy Pothos. This description makes a lot of sense because the Manjula Pothos was developed from a natural mutation in the Marble Queen by the same person who developed the N’Joy. Dr. Ashish Hansoti is a prolific inventor who has created a vast array of plant cultivars.

The variegation makes the Manjula special and unique; in terms of care, this plant is just like any other Pothos.

Manjula Pothos Light Needs

Give the Manjula bright, indirect sunlight to keep it growing and to maintain the variegation. Pothos plants are adaptable and can live in various light levels, making them such easy houseplants to grow. The Manjula can live in low or medium light, but the foliage will appear muted and lose its intensity. Keep this plant out of direct sunlight because it will scorch the leaves.

Rotate the pot every couple of weeks so each side receives sunlight. Failing to spin the pot may cause leaves on the side away from the sunlight to fade or wither.

How Often to Water Manjula Pothos

Water the Manjula when the top few inches of the potting mix are dry. Give the plant even water until moisture drains through the container. This plant likes to dry out mostly, but it is not drought-tolerant. Drooping or curling leaves indicate the Pothos is too dry. Water immediately, and the leaves should recover.

Overwatering is a more likely problem. You know a Pothos is overwatered when the tips of the heart-shaped leaves turn yellow. Fix an overwatered Pothos by giving the plant time so the soil can dry out. Only water when the top layer of soil is dry, and if you’re unsure the soil is dry enough, wait another day or two and check back.

Soil Requirements for Pothos

The only real soil requirement is that the potting mix be well-draining. The Manjula Pothos prefers rich, slightly acidic soil, and most general potting mixes work fine.

Temperature Needs for Pothos

The Manjula is not demanding when it comes to temperature, and most homes are comfortable. Anything between 65° – 85° F is good for this tropical plant. Drafts or chilly air from an air conditioner can be a problem, so consider that when finding a good spot in your home for this beauty.

Manjula Pothos Humidity Needs

This easy-care houseplant can live in average humidity, but give it some extra moisture in the air if you want it to thrive. Naturally humid areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, or a screen porch during the summer, are good spots for the Manjula. An area with 50-70% humidity is ideal. Use a humidifier or a pebble tray with water if you notice dry edges on the leaves, which indicate low humidity.

Manjula Pothos Fertilizer

Fertilizing keeps the plant growing and looking its best and provides excellent Manjula Pothos care. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks during the spring and summer. Water before fertilizing to protect the roots. Hold off on feeding when the plant is dormant.

Pothos Pruning Tips

The Manjula Pothos grows at a slower pace than other Pothos cultivars. The Manjula isn’t a slow-growing plant; it just doesn’t push out new leaves as quickly as other Pothos plants. Pruning is not a big part of caring for this plant, but it’s occasionally necessary. Trim the stems as needed to ensure the Manjula fits your space.

Does Manjula Pothos Bloom?

The Manjula Pothos was developed as a foliage plant. Like all Pothos, it is capable of blooming, but the flowers are not showy, and houseplants seldom bloom.

When to Repot Manjula Pothos

Plan to repot the Manjula every other year. The roots will poke through the drainage holes in the pot, or growth will slow down when it is time to repot. Repot at the start of the growing season and use fresh soil to support new growth.

Manjula Pothos Propagation

Propagate the Manjula via stem cuttings. Trim a stem section measuring several inches long. Remove lower leaves as needed, but keep at least a couple of leaves on the end. Place the cut end, including the nodes, in water. Roots will grow in a week or two. Transplant the cutting to potting mix when the roots are a couple of inches long.

Is Manjula Pothos Pet Safe?

The Manjula Pothos is not pet safe. All Epipremnum aureum contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which are toxic to cats, dogs, and people, for that matter. Chewing or eating any part of a Pothos plant can cause irritation of the mouth, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, and vomiting. As lovely as this plant is, be aware of the risks before bringing a Manjula into your home if you have pets or little ones.

Manjula Pothos Styling Tips

Young Manjula plants have a mounded look, making them better suited to a tabletop. Mature plants will form long vines, so think about moving the plant to a shelf or giving it a hanger or a moss pole. How ever you style the Manjula, it will turn heads because it is a stunner.