Manjula Pothos, or Epipremnum Areum Manjula, brightens up any space with its lively green leaves with splashes of white on them. The plant is usually not readily available and can be difficult to source.
Read all about its growth and care requirements from our comprehensive care guide below.
Contents
What Is Manjula Pothos?
Manjula Pothos plant is a Pothos variety native to India that is loved for its marbled and splashed leaves with white variegation. It is quite new and was introduced to the houseplant world only in 2010. It looks like a mix of the Marble Queen and N-Joy Pothos.
It is also commonly called Epipremnum aureum Manjula, the Happy Leaf Pothos, and Devil’s Ivy. This plant is usually confused with the Pearls and Jade Pothos, which is a variety that is a patented cultivar developed by the University of Florida.
– Size and Growth
Unlike the other Pothos varieties, Manjula Pothos growth rate is slow to moderate. While the other Pothos varieties take over the entire pot and space in a few months, it can take many months for the Manjula Pothos to reach that stage. Their slow growth rate also makes these plants perfect for terrarium and tray settings.
With proper care, the Manjula Pothos can reach a height of six feet or even more if planted in the ground. It is a semi-vining plant, which means you can grow it with the support of a moss pole as a vine or maintain it as a shrub by pruning it regularly.
Manjula Pothos grows both horizontally and vertically and is less likely to get leggy when young. It is a much fuller plant compared to other Pothos varieties. Apart from growing it upwards using a moss pole, it also grows well in hanging baskets.
Manjula Pothos is toxic to both humans and pets, so keep it out of the reach of both. If ingested, it can cause mild to severe irritation in the throat.
– Leaves
Manjula Pothos leaves are green and large and fused with splashes and swirls of white. These white splashes are caused by the lack of chlorophyll in the leaves. The mixture of dark and light green with white variegations gives these large, heart-shaped leaves a great and unique appearance.
– Roots
Manjula Pothos is a slow-grower, so it will take time for its roots to grow wild. It also grows aerial roots when kept in high humidity. The aerial roots help in the absorption of moisture and nutrients and help the plant to grow while clinging to its support.
Quick Overview
Here is a handy table of this plant’s requirements.
| Requirements | Manjula Pothos |
| Light | Thrives well under bright, indirect light |
| Water | Water the plant moderately, keeping the soil evenly moist |
| Soil | Loose, well-draining and moisture-retaining |
| Humidity | High humidity levels between 60 to 90 percent |
| Temperature | Temperatures ranging from 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Fertilizer | Apply a well-balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during spring and summer |
Manjula Pothos Care
Just like most Pothos, the Manjula Pothos plant is also an easy plant to grow and care for, with minimal care requirements. Continue reading to find out all about its light, water, soil, temperature, humidity and fertilizer requirements.
– Light Requirements
Manjula Pothos is not too fussy about its location and lighting. It can survive easily in most light conditions except direct sunlight. Like other Pothos varieties, it also needs bright, indirect light to grow like a vine. Keep it away from the harsh sunlight of noon.
Because of the white variegation on the leaves, the plant needs more light than other Pothos plants for the process of photosynthesis. So your goal should be to keep it in a brightly lit space that receives indirect light throughout the day. A couple of hours of morning and evening sun is fine.
Do not keep your plant in very low light. Dim or low light makes the plant lose the variegation and lose its white or cream color. It also makes the plant prone to the risks associated with overwatering.
– Watering Requirements
Watering Manjula Pothos should be regular so that the soil is moist during the summer, but allow the soil to dry out a bit in between waterings. Water the plant moderately, keeping the soil evenly moist. Moist but not soggy soil should be the goal. Watering once a week works well but this frequency changes depending on other factors.
Make sure that your pot has enough drainage holes at the bottom. This helps in getting rid of the excess water if the plant is overwatered by mistake. Also always check the soil using the finger-knuckle test to see if your plant needs water or not.
Insert a finger in the soil and if it comes out dry, water your plant. Otherwise, hold back on watering for a few days and check again. This is a foolproof method to prevent overwatering and ensuring that your plant is happy.
– Is This Plant Drought-tolerant?
This plant is not drought-tolerant, so be careful to avoid underwatering. Do not keep the soil dry for too long. Otherwise, the leaf edges start to get brown and crisp. Over time, the plant will die because of a lack of sufficient moisture.
– Terrarium
If you have a Manjula Pothos in a terrarium setting, make sure that the plant does not rot. Keep a layer of charcoal to keep the mixture draining in a terrarium.
– Soil Mix Requirements
Manjula Pothos soil should be loose and well-draining but at the same time, it should also be moisture-retaining. Excellent drainage with good moisture retention should be the goal. In the regular potting soil, mix bark chips and perlite for drainage and coco coir for moisture retention.
The quantity of coco coir depends on the kind of climate you live in. If it is a tropical area, there is no need to add coco coir, but adding it helps a lot in dry climates. Change the soil mix every three to four years if it has decomposed.
By using a high-quality soil mix, you can reduce the frequency of fertilization. Soil that is rich in organic matter will give your plant essential nutrients for several months, reducing the need to fertilize.
If you are currently using plastic or ceramic pots to grow your plants, we would recommend using terracotta planters. Terracotta planters are quite effective in avoiding the problem of overwatering by absorbing excess moisture from the soil.
– Temperature
Manjula Pothos enjoys temperatures between 50 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating that it thrives in warm temperatures. It cannot tolerate very cool temperatures for too long. Although it has survived temperatures as low as 40 degrees and as high as 105 degrees, we would recommend keeping the plant in average temperatures that are neither too hot nor too cold.
Protect the plant from cold drafts, frost and freezing temperatures. This plant is not cold or frost-tolerant, so avoid exposure to extreme cold. In the winter months, move your plant indoors to a warm spot where it can get bright light throughout the day.
– Humidity Requirements
The ideal humidity level for the proper growth of Manjula Pothos is 60 to 90 percent. The higher the humidity, the larger and better-looking the leaves will be, but it can grow well in a range of 40 to 60 percent too.
If you live in a very dry area where humidity levels fall below 40 percent, especially during summers and winters, keep the humidity levels up by keeping a humidifier or a humidity tray. To prepare a humidity tray, fill a tray with some pebbles and water and keep the pot above it.
Mist the plant regularly if you live in a dry climate zone. The plant thrives in humid conditions, so misting helps in regulating temperatures while keeping the humidity levels high.
– Good Air Movement
Ensure that there is good air movement with high humidity. Oftentimes, with high humidity levels and poor air circulation, the plant runs a risk of developing rot. The leaves rot and there are chances of your plant getting bacterial or fungal infections. Keep the plant in a well-lit and airy spot to reduce the chances of fungal growth.
– Fertilizer
Manjula Pothos fertilizer requirements are not too high. Feed the plant monthly with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season of spring and summer. Feeding during this time helps encourage healthy growth and variegated leaves.
Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months as the plant does not show much new growth and goes into dormancy during winter. Everything from water to fertilizer requirements goes down in winters, and fertilizing during this period can cause salt build-up, leading to root burn.
Root burn is the result of over-fertilization. Too much fertilizer in the soil makes the soil infertile and affects plant growth negatively.
Repotting
Manjula Pothos does not require frequent repotting as it is a slow-grower. You will need to shift it to a larger pot every two to three years when either the soil has decomposed or the roots have started to come out of the drainage holes at the bottom. It does get root bound with time and the roots will start to clump together.
– Suitable Pot
While repotting, choose a new pot that is at least two inches wider and longer than the current one. Do not pick a very large pot thinking that a larger pot means faster growth. If the pot is too large, the plant will focus its energy on producing more roots than leaves, so it is always best to choose a pot size according to the plant size.
– How to Repot
Prepare a new soil mix with lots of perlite for drainage. Remove the plant from the old potting mix and remove dead roots, if any, as these can cause rot problems later on.
After checking the roots for any damage, place the plant in the new soil mixture. Water it thoroughly and place it in a bright spot.
– Pruning
Like most Pothos, Manjula Pothos plants need occasional pruning and trimming for a fuller and bushier look. Pruning helps in getting new stem cuttings that you can use to propagate the plant. Learn how to propagate Manjula Pothos in the next section.
How to Propagate
Stem cuttings is a good way to propagate this plant. Even with little to no experience in gardening, you can easily propagate Manjula Pothos plants. It is easy to propagate with the help of stem cuttings and division.
– Stem Cuttings
To propagate the plant by stem cuttings, take a clean, sharp pair of scissors or shears and snip the cutting below the root node. The cutting should be at least four to five inches long.
You can either directly plant the cutting in soil or keep it in water until the roots form. In water, it takes 20 to 40 days for the roots to grow one inch long. If you are placing the stem cuttings in water, take a couple of cuttings so that even if some of them rot, you will still have some cuttings ready.
Once the roots are about one inch long, move them to the soil. Take a four to six inches long pot and fill it with a suitable soil mix almost to the top, leaving the top few inches bare. Make a hole in the center and place the cutting in the center.
Firm the soil around the roots and water it thoroughly. Keep it in a shaded spot for a few days before placing it in its final spot. Keep the soil mix moist for one to two weeks so that the roots acclimatize to the new environment.
Problems
Manjula Pothos does not face a lot of problems if its basic growth requirements are met. However, you might still face certain issues related to pests and diseases. Let us take a closer look at some of these issues.
– Browning of Leaves
The browning of leaves is the result of a lack of moisture. When the plant is underwatered and the roots have started to dry out, it leads to the browning of the leaves.
Keep a close eye on your watering schedule to deal with this problem. Increase the humidity levels around the plant by keeping humidifiers and humidity trays.
– Yellowing of Leaves
Yellowing of leaves happens when the plant is overwatered. Too much moisture in the soil and lack of drainage holes in the pot makes it difficult for the roots to breathe. This excess moisture causes stress to roots, leading to the yellowing of leaves. They become soft and mushy and will develop fungal growth in some places.
Keep a good air movement around the plant and check the soil for any fungal growth or pests. Move your plant to a brighter spot where it can receive enough light.
– Root Rot
Most problems related to your plant’s growth are related to overwatering. Root rot is a result of overwatering too.
Check for yellow leaves and the growth of fungus on the plant. If many leaves are already yellow, check the roots. Remove the dead and black roots and plant your Pothos in a fresh soil mix.
– Mealybugs
Mealybugs suck the plant’s sap and release a powdery, wax-like substance on the leaves and stems of the plant. Mealybugs thrive in warm temperatures and can pose a serious problem for your plant if ignored. Severe infestations encourage the growth of sooty mold fungus.
Wash the mealybugs with water if there are not a lot of them. You can also apply alcohol using a cotton swab on the affected parts or use insecticidal soaps in severe infestations. Neem oil is an organic insecticide that you can try to get rid of these unwanted pests.
– Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are small flying insects that are attracted to damp soils. They lay eggs and feed on the organic matter of the soil.
Let the soil dry in between waterings to prevent this problem as all the eggs and larvae die in dry soil.
– Spider Mites
Spider mites cluster on the leaf undersides and suck on the plant tissue. This makes the leaves yellow, dry and covered with yellow splotches. They also suck out chlorophyll, causing small white dots on the leaves.
Spraying water on the affected parts of the plant helps if there are not a lot of mites. Aim for the undersides of the leaves and spray regularly for best results.
In case of severe infestations, use insecticidal soaps and oils. Looking for an organic solution to your problem? Applying Neem oil to the affected parts of your plant helps in killing a variety of pests and insects.
– Scale
Scale insects are sap-sucking insects that feed on the stems and leaves of the plant. They are sometimes mistaken for a fungal or bacterial disease. They are very small but appear in clusters, so you will not miss them. Sooty mold is one symptom of scale.
To control the spread of scale, prune the infected branches. Inspect the plant properly and remove and throw away the infected parts. Rub alcohol-dipped cotton swabs on the infected parts to kill these bugs. You can also use horticultural oil and insecticidal soaps to fight these insects.
Apply insecticidal oils only if the plants are hydrated properly. If you apply it to a dry plant, the roots may suffer damage from burns.
Other Important Information
Here are some frequently asked questions about Manjula Pothos.
Is Manjula Pothos Rare?
Manjula Pothos is a relatively rare plant in typical garden centers. It is often out of stock in most plant shops due to high demand. However, you can easily find it in most online plant stores.
Why Is Manjula Pothos Expensive?
Similar to other variegated plants, Manjula Pothos can be expensive because it has variegated leaves.
You will find the plant worth all the money once it rewards you with beautiful variegated foliage.
How Fast Does Manjula Pothos Grow?
Manjula Pothos has a moderate to slow growth rate. It grows faster than Marble Queen Pothos but slower than other common Pothos varieties. The plant grows both horizontally and vertically, giving it a denser and bushier look.
Can Manjula Pothos Revert?
Like all other variegated plants, Majula Pothos can also revert to the non-variegated form of a solid green color. The splashes of white can go away. This is a natural and permanent process.
Sometimes, due to low light, the variegated stems of your plant can start producing non-variegated leaves. This means your plant is not getting enough light to photosynthesize. Move it to a brighter spot to control this process.
When Should I Repot My Manjula Pothos?
Spring is the ideal time to repot your Manjula Pothos. The pleasant weather of spring gives the plant ample time to adjust to the new surroundings and soil.
Repot only when the plant has outgrown the existing container. It usually takes two to three years for the roots to outgrow the container.
Conclusion
Manjula Pothos is a gorgeous plant and is a must-have if you are looking for an adaptable plant. The variegated, wavy leaves make it stand out from the rest. Let us sum up everything we have learned about it so far.
- Manjula Pothos is a slow-growing Pothos that is famous for its green leaves with splashes of white.
- It needs bright, indirect light to grow well and suffers burns in intense direct sunlight.
- Water your Manjula Pothos regularly, especially during the months of spring and summer, to keep it healthy. Allow the soil to dry out just a bit in between waterings.
- Prepare a rich and well-draining soil with lots of perlite and organic matter for your plant.
- Keep the temperatures between 50 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit for best growth results.
- Maintain humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent to keep the plant healthy. Use a humidifier or humidity tray to do so.
- Fertilize your plant monthly using a well-balanced liquid fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing the plant during the winter months.
- Repot the plant in spring when it has outgrown its existing pot. Make sure that the new pot is at least one size bigger than the previous one.
- Propagation can easily be done through stem cuttings in both water and soil.
- It can face problems such as mealybugs, fungus gnats and browning and yellowing of leaves. Identify these issues early and treat them accordingly.
Now that you know all about the gorgeous Manjula Pothos, it is time for you to add one of these beauties to your houseplant collection!
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