With so many varieties of Pothos, it can be hard to pick a favorite, but the Pothos N Joy is a contender. This beauty has lovely white and green variegation, stunning vines, and it’s easy to grow and propagate. Here is everything you need to know about Pothos N Joy care.
Origins
The Pothos N Joy goes by the botanical name Epipremnum aureum ‘N’Joy.’ Like the Pearls and Jade Pothos, the N Joy is a mutation of the Marble Queen. The N Joy was first identified in India in 2002; it was later cloned and established as a new cultivar.
Plant Details
The N Joy is a vining plant with small, thin foliage. Leaves measure about 2 inches long and 1.5 inches wide and are oval or heart-shaped. The leaves have a slightly rounded tip that is not as pronounced of a point as other Pothos varieties. The variegation of the N Joy is distinct. The leaves are mostly green through the center and may feature shades of green that almost resembles watercolors. A creamy white hue fills in along the edges. The variegation is more blocky with larger sections, unlike the Marble Queen and Pearls and Jade which features marbling and tiny specs of green.
The N Joy has a compact growth habit with leaves naturally spaced close together — this is known as having short internodes in botanical terms. This plant can reach up to 10 feet long with proper Pothos N Joy care, although that will take time. The N Joy is slow-growing by Pothos standards.
Pothos N Joy Light Requirements
Bright indirect light is best for proper Pothos N Joy care. Plenty of sunlight is necessary to maintain the vivid variegation. Plants that receive lower light levels will feature muted foliage and may feature larger spaces between leaves. Non-variegated Pothos, like the Jade or Neon, can live in medium sunlight, but variegated varieties need that extra boost of sunlight to look their best.
How Often to Water Pothos N Joy
Feel the soil to gauge the dryness and water the Pothos N Joy when the top couple of inches of soil are dry. Overly wet conditions are bad news, so don’t water unless necessary. When you do water, drench the soil until excess moisture drains.
Overwatered plants display dying leaf tips. Underwatered plants will droop, or the leaves will curl. Try to avoid creating circumstances that are stressful to the plant, but if you’re not sure it’s time to water, wait another day and check back.
Best Soil for Pothos
Moist, well-drained soil that is rich and acidic is ideal for Pothos N Joy care. Drainage is the most crucial element of the soil because soggy conditions damage the roots. Most ready-made potting mixes work well.
Temperature for Pothos
Pothos are tropical plants, so warm temperatures are best. Most homes are well within the temperature range these vining plants require. Anything between 65° to 85° F will keep Pothos plants happy and growing. Temperatures south of 65° F are damaging, so monitor the weather if you move your plant to an outdoor space during the summer.
Pothos N Joy Humidity Needs
The N Joy likes humidity between 50-70%. Average humidity is fine, but increased humidity is better. Low humidity is trouble, so look out for dry patches along the edges of the foliage. Help the plant out by moving it to a naturally humid area — kitchens and bathrooms usually have increased dampness in the air. Group several plants to slightly bump the humidity, or use a pebble tray with water or a humidifier to seriously increase the moisture.
Pothos N Joy Fertilizer Tips
Apply balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks during the spring and summer to encourage new growth. Water-soluble plant food is easy to apply during a regular watering session. Take care to water before fertilizing to avoid damaging the roots. Hold off on fertilizing during the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.
Pothos Pruning Basics
The Pothos N Joy does not typically require much pruning. Trim damaged growth as necessary to create a tidy appearance. Prune long vines to keep the plant manageable or to ensure it fits your space as needed. Be mindful when trimming because the N Joy does not grow quickly, although it is easy to propagate, so hold on to the cuttings.
Do Pothos Bloom?
It’s rare for Pothos plants to bloom, even under the best conditions. Pothos bloom so infrequently that when the N Joy mutation was first discovered, it had to be cloned because it was unlikely researchers would be able to collect seeds. These plants feature a spadix surrounded by a spathe when they set flowers but don’t hold your breath while waiting for it to bloom.
When to Repot N Joy
Repot Pothos N Joy annually or every other year. These plants do not grow quickly, but they don’t like being rootbound. Time repotting to the spring, at the beginning of the growing season. Always give the plant fresh soil and select a container that has drainage.
Pothos N Joy Propagation
Create more N Joy plants with stem cuttings. Trim a stem section with some nodes or aerial roots and a couple of leaves. Place the cut end and nodes in water or soil and wait. Soil-propagated Pothos need damp conditions while waiting for the roots to grow. Scale back to only giving the plant water when the top couple inches of soil are dry after a few weeks.
Transplant water-propagated cuttings to soil after the new roots measure about one inch long. Keep the soil damp for the first week or two to ease the transition and switch to a normal watering routine.
Are Pothos Pet Safe?
All varieties of Pothos, including the N Joy, are unsafe for pets. Eating or chewing on the foliage and stems can cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal distress. The N Joy is a lovely plant, but it’s not worth the risk if you have cats or dogs, especially if they are prone to nibbling houseplants.
Pothos N Joy Styling Tips
Like other Pothos varieties, the N Joy is a climber, but it needs help in the form of a trellis or moss pole, and you’ll need to secure the vines to start. Giving the plant a trellis is a great way to display the variegated foliage. This method also creates a vertical display and can be a great way to decorate a tall, narrow space.
Pothos also look lovely trailing, so give this plant a hanger or high shelf and let it does what it does best. There is no wrong way to style a Pothos N Joy, so do what works best for your space and preference.
Pothos N Joy Care Tips
The N Joy is a must-have if you collect Pothos or just like variegated plants. The vining stems are densely packed with foliage, and the balance between the white and green hues is eye-catching and lovely. Pothos N Joy care is easy, and this plant is worth adding to your collection.