Manjula Pothos Plant

The Manjula Pothos, also known as the “Happy Leaf” pothos, is a beautiful and relatively low-maintenance houseplant.

Here is a guide to Manjula Pothos care:

Light

• Bright, indirect light is ideal. This plant needs more light than other Pothos varieties due to its extensive white variegation. The white parts of the leaves have less chlorophyll, so they need more light to photosynthesize and maintain their unique color.
• Avoid direct sunlight. Direct sun can scorch the delicate, variegated leaves, causing them to turn brown.
• Tolerates low light, but with a consequence. While a Manjula Pothos can survive in low-light conditions, it will likely lose its beautiful white variegation and the leaves will turn more green over time.

Watering

• Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top 1-3 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch.
• Don’t let the soil stay soggy. Overwatering is a common cause of issues like root rot and yellowing leaves. Make sure your pot has a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape.
• Check for signs of thirst. If the leaves are drooping and the soil is dry, your plant is thirsty and needs water. It’s a resilient plant that can bounce back from some neglect.

Soil

• Use a well-draining, loamy potting mix. The soil should retain some moisture but never become waterlogged.
• A good mix would be a combination of potting soil, perlite, and a material like coco coir or orchid bark. This ensures good drainage and root aeration.

Temperature and Humidity

• Ideal temperature range is 50-95°F (10-35°C). Manjula Pothos are very tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. However, they will thrive in a typical home environment.
• Prefers moderate to high humidity. While it can adapt to average household humidity, it will grow more vigorously in higher humidity (60-90%). To increase humidity, you can mist the plant, use a humidifier, or place it on a pebble tray filled with water.
• Avoid cold drafts. Keep your plant away from cold windows or air conditioning vents, as these can shock the plant.

Fertilizer

• Fertilize during the growing season. Feed your Manjula Pothos with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer.
• Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter. The plant’s growth slows down in colder months, and it doesn’t need as many nutrients.

Other Care Tips

• Propagation: Manjula Pothos are very easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply cut a healthy stem with a few leaves and a root node, and place it in a jar of water until roots form.
• Repotting: Repot your plant every 1-2 years, or when it becomes root-bound. The best time to do this is in the spring.
• Pests: Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Treat any infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Pruning: You can trim your plant to encourage a fuller, bushier shape.