Do you want a beautiful, easy-to-care-for houseplant with striking, vibrant colors? Then the Harlequin Pothos is perfect for you! It makes your home interior look great, but it requires little maintenance and can even be grown indoors.
This guide will walk you through everything there is to know about nurturing a Harlequin pothos plant. From watering routines and light requirements to temperature, humidity, and fertilizing, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this beautiful plant.
in this article:
About Harlequin Pothos
The Harlequin Pothos, or Epipremnum Aureum ‘Harlequin,’ is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant native to Southeast Asia. It features striking variegation on its leaves and is considered a rare Pothos.
Its stunning leaf patterns make it a coveted plant for collectors, but it’s also an amazing choice for beginners looking to get into houseplant care.
Similar to the Manjula Pothos, the Harlequin Pothos’ variegation appears in solid blocks of color that are incredibly eye-catching.
In addition, the easygoing nature of this lovely indoor plant makes it ideal for those looking to add something special to their homes without having it die on them.
Harlequin Pothos Care
It is also low-maintenance and incredibly straightforward to handle — stick it in bright light and water when the potting medium feels dry, and enjoy having this lush green leafy wonder in your home!
Light
Be sure not to place it in direct sunlight or near a window where the sun shines through. This can cause the leaves to burn and turn brown, making them look less attractive.
Instead, try placing your Harlequin Pothos in a bright but indirect light source, such as a south-facing window or under fluorescent lights.
Soil
The Harlequin Pothos is a hardy plant that can tolerate various soil types. If you want to use regular soil, ensure it’s well-draining and contains perlite or vermiculite for extra drainage.
Water
The Harlequin Pothos is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate drought conditions.
It’s best to water your Pothos when the soil dries out completely. If you keep it in a pot, ensure any objects or soil clumps do not block the drainage holes.
Avoid overwatering to guard against root rot.
Related: How Often to Water Pothos
Temperature and Humidity
This Pothos is a tropical plant and requires high humidity levels (around 50-70%). You can provide this by placing your potted plant on a tray of water filled with pebbles. The pebbles help to raise the humidity around your plant.
The plant should also be placed in a room with warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for the Harlequin Pothos is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizer
The Harlequin Pothos does not require much fertilizer. However, you can use a standard houseplant fertilizer once every month during the growing season to promote faster growth.
Avoid fertilizing in the winter as this Pothos go dormant at this time of year and don’t benefit from the extra nutrients.
Pruning
The Harlequin Pothos can be pruned to keep it healthy and looking great. Pruning is also a good way to control the size of your plant if you have limited space or are trying to grow a smaller variety. The best time to prune your Harlequin Pothos is the start of the growing season in the spring.
Potting and Repotting Harlequin Pothos
Harlequin Pothos can be repotted when they are too large for their containers. This usually occurs when the roots reach the top of your pot or they begin to peek through the cracks. You can repot your plant in the same type of soil as before, but it’s generally recommended you get a batch of fresh, well-draining soil filled with new nutrients.
Spring is the best time for repotting Pothos as it gives them plenty of time to recover and settle in over the next few months.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the Pothos from their current pot.
- Use your trowel to loosen any soil that is compacted around the plant’s roots, then gently tug on them.
- Check the roots of your Pothos. If they are matted together, gently untangle them with your fingers or pruning shears.
- Set your plant in its new pot and fill it with potting soil.
- Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot.
Propagating Harlequin Pothos by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)
Harlequin pothos are easy to propagate by stem cuttings to create new plants you can share with friends and family. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants at least six months old.
Related: How to Propagate Pothos Plants
The best time to take cuttings is spring or summer when the Pothos is actively growing.
- Cut 4-6 inch sections of healthy stems with at least two leaf nodes on them.
- Dip the cutting in the rooting hormone to help encourage root growth.
- Place cuttings into a medium that drains well, such as perlite or vermiculite.
- Provide warm, humid conditions by wrapping a plastic sheet over the container.
- Water thoroughly and wait for new growth to appear.
- Once the plant has been firmly rooted, replant it in a larger, more permanent pot.
Blooms
Harlequin pothos rarely blooms, especially not indoors. These plants are primarily grown for their foliage.
Toxicity
Harlequin Pothos is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. It contains insoluble oxalate chemicals in its leaves and stems that cause severe irritation to the throat if ingested. And, in rare cases, death. Keep away from pets and children.
NOTE: This page is not intended as a substitute for veterinary advice. The toxicity of an ingested substance varies depending on the amount ingested, the animal’s weight, and its sensitivity to specific allergens. Contact your veterinarian or local animal poison control center immediately if you think your pet may have ingested a toxic substance.
Related: Are Pothos Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Common Pests
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are a common pest of pothos plants. They are small, white, and covered in a powdery substance that makes them look as if they have dandruff. Mealybugs feed on the leaves and stems of your plant, weakening it and making it more susceptible to disease. To control them, wipe them off with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol or use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are tiny, hard-shelled creatures that attach themselves to the leaves and stems of your plant. Sucking the sap and being general nuisances. Use neem oil or other horticultural oils to get rid of the problem.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny, red spider-like arachnids that can be seen with the naked eye. They feed on plant tissue, which causes brown spots on leaves and stems. In addition to causing damage by eating your plants, they also produce webbing, which makes the plant look dirty. Use mild insecticidal soap to combat these pests.
Aphids
Aphids are a common problem for pothos plants. Look for small, pear-shaped insects that cluster between the crevices of leaves. A strong stream of water can knock them off.
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves
If your pothos plant leaves start to turn yellow, it may be a sign of overwatering. Allow the potting medium to dry out and become flaky between waterings to prevent this problem. Too much light or too little can also sometimes cause the leaves to become yellow. You can adjust the lighting conditions and monitor them closely to see if the problem goes away.
Brown Leaves
If your pothos leaves have turned brown, it could be a sign of too little moisture. Both underwatering and low humidity can be potential causes. Adjust your care routine accordingly.
Leggy Growth
Pothos plants can become leggy, with very long stems that don’t have many leaves. This is often a sign of too little light. Adjust your plant’s location to ensure that it gets enough light. Move your Pothos to a brighter spot or supplement your home’s natural light with a fluorescent bulb. Prune back the leggy growth, and the new growth should be rigid and robust.