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The plants we call Pothos in everyday conversations belong to the Epipremnum Aureum genus. There is a number of plants in this group, some that have occurred naturally and others created from crossing species for getting different varieties.
For all you who are plant lovers, here is a suggestion to consider adding to your table or a hanging basket on your balcony – the Epipremnum Aureum Manjula, or as we know it, the Happy Leaf Pothos. Its heart shaped leaves with white variegation are perfect to break the monotony of green foliage plants.
In this text, you will read all about the Happy Leaf Pothos. The specific topics covered in the text are:
- Introducing Manjula Pothos Plants
- Other Pothos Varieties
- Manjula Pothos Care Guide
- What Type of Light Does It Prefer?
- Temperature Needs
- What’s the Optimal Humidity Level?
- Soil Needs
- Watering- How Often?
- Fertilization of Manjula Pothos Plants
- Pothos Propagation
- Maintenance of Manjula Pothos
- Toxicity of Manjula Pothos
- Common Issues with Pothos Plants
- FAQ
Introducing Manjula Pothos Plants
The Manjula Pothos is a beautiful evergreen perennial plant of the Epipremnum Aureum species. By its looks, it resembles Pearls and Jade Pothos (the patented variety of the University of Florida) and is often confused with them.
It gets its signature looks from the heart shaped green leaves with slightly curved edges. This authentic plant has a green, silver, cream, and white variegation. These creamy areas make this plant a unique addition to your home decoration.
- Genus: Epipremnum Aureum
- Family: Araceae
- Latin name: Epipremnum aureum Manjula
- Common names: Happy Leaf Pothos, Devil’s Ivy
- Place of origin: tropical Asia (China, India, Pacific islands)
- Height: indoors, controlled by pruning; outdoors, 20-40 ft (6-12 m)
- Flowering: only outdoors, mature plants taller than 30 ft (9 m)
- Hardiness Zone: 10-12
- Care: Easy
- Lighting: Indirect light
- Temperature: 50-95°F (10-35°C)
- Watering: Moderate, evenly wet
- Humidity: 60-90%
- Toxicity: Toxic
Other Pothos Varieties
There are many varieties of the Pothos plants. Some of them are:
- Golden Pothos (the most popular plant from this family; leaves with golden yellow variegation)
- Marble Queen (with creamy white leaves)
- Neon Pothos (chartreuse leaves)
- Pearl and Jade Pothos (green leaves)
- Cebu Blue Pothos (silvery blue leaves)
Manjula Pothos Care Guide
Growing a Manjula Pothos isn’t a hard endeavor. Once you get what works best for your plant, it is easy-peasy. You will be able to enjoy the beautiful leaf shape of this plant, realizing that the creamy white variegated leaves make up for the lack of flowers. The plant’s requirements, such as bright light conditions, moderate watering, and appropriate soil will help you avoid common problems, among which pests, brown spots, or root rot.
Read more about the basic needs of this plant in a comprehensive Pothos care guide to help you keep your Manjula happy and thriving.
What Type of Light Does It Prefer?
The light requirements of Manjula Pothos aren’t strict. Basically, it can survive in a variety of conditions, both brighter and darker.
This is a tropical plant, so it would be best for it to have light conditions similar to the ones in its natural area. These would include bright but indirect sunlight. If the plant is exposed to too much direct sunlight, its leaves, especially those with white variegation, may get scorched.
In comparison to other Pothos varieties, Manjula Pothos needs more sunlight because its leaves are not entirely green. The more the bright light, the more vibrant the variegated leaves.
If the lighting is dimmed (as is usually the case in the winter months), the plant may lose some of its creamy white color. It will get substituted by green in order to photosynthesize enough. If this is the case, you can use artificial lighting to improve the lack of natural light.
Temperature Needs
Even though Manjula Pothos is a tropical plant, it is winter hardy and quite tolerant to a range of temperatures. It can live at temperatures as low as 43°F (6°C) and as high as 104°F (40°C). The latter should be in a shade.
However, both of these extremes will not allow the plant to thrive and look its best. The optimal temperature for a Manjula Pothos plant would be between 50 and 95°F (10 and 35°C).
What’s the Optimal Humidity Level?
As for humidity, a high concentration is what works great for a Manjula. We can understand this when we get reminded that this plant comes from the hot and humid subcontinent of India. The humidity in the range of 60 to 90% is ideal. The higher it gets, the higher the chance for it to develop aerial roots.
Soil Needs
The Manjula Pothos plant needs well-draining soil that is airy, loamy, and light. The pot needs to have good drainage to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
The optimal soil level of acidity should be neutral, with a pH value of 6.1-6.5.
If you are using a potting mix, choose one that is balanced between good drainage and retaining water. Manjula Pothos needs soil that is moist but neither too wet nor too dry.
A good soil mix should have orchid bark or perlite for drainage and peat moss, coco coir, or vermiculite for retaining water. If you want to make your own, you can mix 2/3 peat moss and 1/3 perlite.
Watering- How Often?
Watering Manjula Pothos should be moderate. You need to be careful not to let the soil get soggy. A pot with drainage holes is a must for this plant.
Too much water left in the pot may cause the roots to rot and the plant to wither. On the other hand, Manjula is not drought tolerant either. Your task, as the grower of this lovely plant, is to find the golden middle.
You should let the soil get dry before watering it. To check whether you need to water your Pothos, feel the soil with your fingers. If it is not moist on the surface (but is somewhat damp when you probe the soil), pour some tap water. It should be neither hot nor cold.
The frequency of watering is roughly about 2 weeks. If days are extremely hot, you need to check more frequently if the plant needs watering. During the colder part of the year, watering should be less frequent.
Fertilization of Manjula Pothos Plants
For healthier and faster growth, fertilizing Manjula Pothos is needed during spring and summer. In fall and winter, it should be avoided. Use half-strength liquid fertilizer once every 15 days.
Pothos Propagation
The Pothos propagation is a simple process done by stem cutting. To propagate your Manjula Pothos, cut a branch under the root node. Put the newly cut branch in water and let it develop new roots. This should take about 20 days on hot days or about 40 days in colder months. Once the roots have grown, the brand new plant is ready to be potted.
Related: 35+ Propagation Hacks that Will Blow You Away
Maintenance of Manjula Pothos
You can choose the general shape of your Manjula Pothos plants and cut them as you like. You can grow it in pots on your window sills or in hanging baskets and style them according to your taste. To control the size and shape of your plant, trim it regularly. If you want, you can use the parts you cut off to propagate the plant and get new ones.
Toxicity of Manjula Pothos
All Pothos plants are toxic for people and animals. It should be kept away from the reach of pets and young children. It is toxic when ingested, so this is what should be avoided. Touching it is safe and that is why they are freely grown as house plants.
Related: Non-Toxic Indoor Plants
Common Issues with Pothos Plants
- The plant’s leaves are turning green.
This probably happens because the plant is in a room with low light. In absence of the appropriate amount of light, the Manjula Pothos leaves become greener to be able to photosynthesize enough to help the plant survive. The solution is moving the plant to a brighter spot or adding some artificial lighting to the room.
- The plant’s leaves are turning yellow.
There are several things that may be wrong if your Manjula Pothos gets yellow leaves. The most probable one is root rot. To avoid root rot, make sure you put the plant in the right pot with drainage holes. Use the right soil that balances retaining water and draining.
- The plant’s leaves have brown spots.
This problem, that is more frequent in the Pothos types of plants with white variegated leaves, may occur due to several causes. It may be because of too much salt in the soil. Watering the plant too much may lead to this. Also, if it received too much direct sunlight, brown spots may appear.
- Pests and diseases.
Fungal diseases (leaf spot, root rot, botrytis) are avoided by watering the plant moderately. For healthy growth, you shouldn’t overcrowd a pot. Every Manjula Pothos plant needs space and proper ventilation to encourage faster growth. If the plant care isn’t proper, plants become weaker and prone to becoming prey to pests (scale, spider mites, mealybugs, etc.). Proper plant care helps avoid the majority of common pests and diseases.
FAQ
What is a Manjula Pothos?
A Manjula Pothos is a plant from the Epipremnum Aureum genus (Pothos plants), commonly known as Happy Leaf or Devil’s Ivy. It is specific because of its variegated leaves in silver, cream, and white colors.
Is Manjula Pothos rare?
Due to its extraordinary appearance, this plant is not very easy to find in garden centers and nursery gardens. Many people are interested in having it. If you want to get it and your local garden center doesn’t have it, you may look it up online. Even better, if you know someone who already had the plant, you can ask for a young plant when they decide to propagate it.
How tall does a Manjula Pothos grow?
Unlike other plants from the Epipremnum Aureum house, the Manjula Pothos grows slowly. It can grow horizontally and vertically at the same time, especially when the plant is young. It is a dense foliage plant rather than a vine.
Is Manjula Pothos toxic?
Yes, unfortunately, it is considered toxic for both pets and people. This is why it is a good idea to keep your Pothos plants away from the reach of pets and children. It is toxic when it is entered into an organism, for example, by eating, but it isn’t toxic when touched.
Conclusion
If you are visiting your local garden center, don’t forget to take a look at some of the Pothos plants. A special recommendation is the beautiful Manjula Pothos. Its leaf shape and color make this plant especially eye-catching and pleasant for home decoration. Since the plant care isn’t too demanding, it is a perfect plant to have either indoors or adorning your balcony.
