How to Grow and Care for Pothos N’Joy

The Pothos N’Joy, or Epipremnum aureum ‘N’Joy’, is a distinct pothos cultivar recognized by its small, heart-shaped leaves that display an irregular variegation of deep green and creamy white. This striking contrast makes it a popular choice for indoor spaces. While it shares the resilient nature of its pothos relatives, its unique coloration means its care requirements differ slightly to maintain the appearance of its highly variegated leaves.

Pothos N’Joy Care Guide

Light

Providing adequate light is a primary factor in caring for a Pothos N’Joy. To maintain the crisp, defined sections of white and green on its leaves, the plant requires bright, indirect light for several hours a day. An ideal location is near an east or north-facing window.

Intense, direct sunlight should be avoided as it will scorch the delicate leaves, causing brown patches. When the N’Joy does not receive enough light, its growth may slow and the white variegation can begin to fade.

Water

Water your Pothos N’Joy when the top one to two inches of the soil feel dry. When you water, do so thoroughly until water flows from the drainage holes, then discard any excess from the saucer. This method ensures the roots get moisture without becoming waterlogged.

These plants are susceptible to root rot if the soil remains overly wet. It is better to slightly under-water an N’Joy than to overwater it, as the plant is forgiving if you occasionally forget.

Soil

A well-draining potting mix is necessary for a Pothos N’Joy to prevent roots from sitting in water. A standard houseplant potting mix can be improved by adding components that increase its drainage. Amending the soil with perlite or orchid bark is an effective way to create a lighter, airier medium. You can aim for a mix of about three parts potting soil to one part perlite.

Temperature and Humidity

Pothos N’Joy is well-suited to typical indoor environments and thrives in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (15-29°C). It is adaptable to average household humidity levels, so you do not need to take extraordinary measures to increase moisture. The plant should be protected from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, as a stable environment contributes to its overall health.

Fertilizer

This plant is a light feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. During the active growing seasons of spring and summer, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. It is best to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength to avoid burning the plant’s roots. Feeding can be done once a month during this period, but should be reduced or stopped during fall and winter when growth slows.

Maintaining and Propagating Your Pothos N’Joy

Regular pruning helps maintain the plant’s appearance and encourages fuller, more compact growth. Trimming trailing stems prevents the plant from becoming “leggy,” which is when vines have long spaces between leaves. When you prune, use clean, sharp scissors and cut just after a leaf node.

Managing Variegation

Occasionally, the plant may produce stems with entirely green leaves. To preserve the characteristic white and green pattern, these all-green stems should be pruned off. The cuttings from regular pruning can be used for propagation.

Propagation

The easiest method is to root stem cuttings in water. Select a healthy stem and cut a section four to six inches long that has at least one node and a few leaves. Remove any leaves on the lower part of the cutting and place it in a jar of water, ensuring at least one node is submerged.

Place the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days. Roots will begin to form from the node within a couple of weeks. Once the new roots are two to three inches long, the cutting is ready to be planted in a pot with a well-draining soil mix.

Common Problems and Solutions

Loss of Variegation

If you notice the white patches on the leaves diminishing and the foliage becoming more green, it is a result of insufficient light. The plant is trying to maximize its light-gathering ability by producing more chlorophyll. The solution is to move the plant to a location where it will receive more bright, indirect sunlight.

Brown Spots

The white sections of the N’Joy’s leaves are more delicate and can be prone to developing brown spots. This browning can be caused by several factors, including overwatering, low humidity, or exposure to direct sun. Assess your care routine to determine the likely cause and adjust accordingly.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves are a common symptom of overwatering. This is often the first sign that the plant’s roots are sitting in soil that is too wet, which can lead to root rot. If you see yellow leaves, check the soil’s moisture and allow it to dry out more between waterings. In severe cases, you may need to repot the plant into fresh soil and trim away any mushy roots.

Pests

Pothos N’Joy can be susceptible to common pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. Regularly inspect the leaves for any signs of infestation. If pests are found, they can be managed by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or by treating the plant with insecticidal soap.