How to Grow and Care for Manjula Pothos

The Manjula Pothos is a distinctive houseplant known for its uniquely patterned foliage. As a patented variety of Epipremnum aureum, it was developed through selective breeding. The result is a compact, slow-growing vine with large, heart-shaped leaves and cascading foliage featuring a mix of cream, green, and white, making it a beautiful focal point.

Identifying Manjula Pothos

The most defining feature of the Manjula Pothos is its foliage. The leaves are wide and heart-shaped with wavy or curled edges, which prevent them from lying flat and give the plant a full, textured look. The variegation pattern showcases large, soft patches of creamy white and silver, interspersed with splashes and flecks of green. Unlike the crisp color blocks of other pothos, the transitions are softer, and each leaf presents a unique pattern.

Distinguishing Manjula from similar pothos can be a challenge. Compared to the Marble Queen, which has a more speckled pattern, Manjula has larger, more distinct patches of color. Pearls and Jade® Pothos has smaller leaves with green and silvery-gray mottling in its white sections, while the N’Joy Pothos has more defined color patches with very little speckling.

Manjula Pothos Care

Light

Proper lighting is a factor in maintaining the health and appearance of a Manjula Pothos. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light, such as near an east-facing window or a few feet from a west-facing window. Because of the significant amount of white in its leaves, the plant needs sufficient light to photosynthesize effectively. Avoid exposing a Manjula Pothos to harsh, direct sunlight, as this can scorch the delicate, variegated portions of the leaves.

Water

Watering for a Manjula Pothos involves a “soak and dry” approach. Water the plant thoroughly until it runs through the drainage holes, then let the top 2 to 3 inches of soil dry completely before watering again. This practice helps prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged. During winter, when growth slows, reduce watering frequency. If you are unsure when to water, check the soil with your finger; it is better to underwater this plant than to overwater it.

Soil

A Manjula Pothos prefers a well-draining, airy potting mix that provides both moisture retention and adequate drainage. While a standard indoor potting soil can work, amending it will create a better environment for the roots. Adding materials like perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir improves aeration and drainage. This type of mix ensures that the roots have access to moisture without sitting in overly saturated soil.

Temperature and Humidity

Manjula Pothos is adaptable to typical indoor conditions, growing well in temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Protect the plant from sudden temperature fluctuations and cold drafts. While it tolerates average household humidity, this plant appreciates higher levels between 50% and 70%. To increase humidity in dry air, you can mist the leaves, place the pot on a pebble tray with water, or use a humidifier.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing provides nutrients during the active growing period. Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer during the spring and summer. A monthly application, diluted to half-strength, is sufficient to support healthy growth. Always water the plant before fertilizing to avoid root burn. Pause fertilizing during the fall and winter when growth naturally slows.

Pruning and Propagation

Pruning is beneficial for maintaining the shape and health of your Manjula Pothos. Regular trimming of its trailing vines encourages the plant to grow fuller and bushier. Prune any long, leggy stems by making clean cuts with sterilized scissors just above a leaf node to stimulate new growth. You can also trim vines that are producing all-green leaves to encourage more variegated foliage.

The cuttings from pruning can be easily propagated. Select healthy stem cuttings that are 4 to 6 inches long with at least one or two nodes, and remove the leaves from the bottom half. Place the cuttings in a jar of water in a location with bright, indirect light, ensuring the nodes are submerged. Change the water weekly.

Roots should form from the nodes within a few weeks. Once the roots are at least an inch long, the cuttings are ready to be planted in a pot with a well-draining soil mix. Alternatively, cuttings can be planted directly into moist soil.

Common Problems

One of the most frequent issues is a loss of variegation. If new leaves are becoming more green, it is a sign that the plant is not receiving enough light. The plant produces more chlorophyll to compensate, causing the variegation to fade. Moving it to a location with brighter, indirect light can help restore its patterns.

Brown spots or crispy edges on the leaves can be caused by several factors. Underwatering is a common reason, as leaves dry out if the soil is parched for too long. Low humidity and exposure to direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, are other potential causes.

Yellowing leaves are a signal of overwatering. When the soil stays consistently wet, roots can’t get oxygen and may begin to rot. If you suspect overwatering, allow the soil to dry out completely and adjust your watering schedule. It is also wise to check the roots for any signs of rot, which appear soft and brown.

Like many houseplants, Manjula Pothos can be affected by pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Regularly inspect the leaves, especially the undersides, to catch an infestation early. If pests are present, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.