Do you want to add a unique and beautiful addition to your home or garden? Are you searching for a centerpiece desktop plant that requires little maintenance? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. The Manjula Pothos is a beautiful cultivar of Pothos with stunning coloration and a dense, lush growth habit.
This article covers everything there is to know about the Manjula Pothos, how to care for it, its lighting needs, fertilization requirements, watering routine, and more!
Related: 20+ Types of Pothos and Varieties
in this article:
About Manjula Pothos
The Manjula Pothos, also called the Happy Leaf Pothos, is a beautiful, low-maintenance addition to any home or garden. It has stunning white, green, and cream variegation, which makes it a must-have for any collector. This plant thrives in low-light environments and can be easily propagated by cuttings, making it easy to propagate and share with others.
Developed by the University of California, it is a patented cultivar of the beloved Pothos, similar to Pearl and Jade. This is an excellent plant for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Leaves are curved around the edges but mostly remain heart-shaped. The variegation can range from an equal distribution of green and white to a completely green leaf with white specks or a completely white leaf with green dots.
Manjula Pothos Care
The Manjula Pothos is incredibly easy to care for, requires little maintenance, looks great in anywhere, and is perfect for indoor and outdoor spaces! The Manjula Pothos can be used as a trailing or climbing vine but works well as a tabletop plant too.
Light
The Manjula Pothos requires bright indirect light but will do well in lower light conditions as long as it gets some natural light.
Tight spaces with no windows can be difficult for the plant to grow in because it needs lots of natural sunlight to produce good foliage color.
If you live in a place with little natural light, try using a grow lamp or placing your plant near a window where it can get some sun during the day.
Soil
The Manjula Pothos prefers well-drained soil that’s high in organic matter. The soil should be moist without being soggy and drain quickly after watering to prevent root rot.
Try adding a potting mix with perlite or vermiculite for better drainage and aeration.
Water
The Happy Leaf Pothos is a low-water plant and prefers to dry out between waterings. It’s recommended you only water when the top few inches of the potting soil are dry, but don’t let it sit in standing water for too long, or its roots will rot.
Temperature and Humidity
The Manjula Pothos prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with moderate to high humidity levels.
If the air is too dry, mist your plant and place it in a room with higher humidity levels, such as the bathroom or kitchen.
Fertilizer
The Manjula Pothos is relatively self-sufficient and doesn’t require much fertilizer. If you do want to fertilize, use a liquid houseplant-balanced fertilizer diluted at half strength once every month or so during the growing season (spring through fall).
Pruning
Pothos can be pruned to keep them full and bushy. To do this, cut off a few stems at the base of the plant with sharp scissors or pruning shears. If you have an older pothos that is leggy, remove some of its stems and leaves to create more space for new growth.
Spring is prime time for pruning as the plant can easily bounce back from any damage done over the season.
Potting and Repotting Manjula Pothos
Manjula Pothos can be planted in a wide variety of pots. In fact, they are particularly well suited for hanging pots and decorative planters. You can also use them as floor plants or table centerpieces. When repotting, you should follow the same rules as any other plant: choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the previous one so that it doesn’t get root bound.
Only repot when the Pothos has outgrown its current container and the roots are growing outside of the pot. If you’re repotting, it is best to use a rich, well-draining potting mix and make sure that there are lots of holes for drainage at the bottom of your planter.
Don’t repot during the dormant season (winter), or you’ll find your plant unable to thrive.
Prepare
How to Repot (Step-by-Step)
- Remove the Pothos from its pot by gently pulling it up and out. Set aside the old soil and discard it.
- Use a trowel to gently remove any large clumps of soil or dirt from the roots.
- Use a sharp, clean tool to cut away dead or damaged roots.
- Fill the new pot with fresh potting soil and gently pack it down.
- Place the Pothos in the center of the pot and surround it with fresh soil. Water well.
Propagating Manjula Pothos by Cuttings (Step-by-Step)
Manjula Pothos is mostly propagated by taking cuttings from the stems. This is a tried and true propagation method for many Pothos with a high degree of success. Here’s what you do:
- Cut the stem of the Pothos about 2 inches below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting.
- Dip the end of the stem into rooting hormone powder and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Place your cuttings in a small pot filled with damp perlite or sphagnum moss.
- Water well, but don’t let them sit in water as this can cause rot.
- Keep them warm but not hot—between 65°F and 75°F is ideal.
You can also propagate exclusively by water without needing a soil-based medium. However, this necessitates regularly changing the water and a closed container (plastic bottle or open-mouthed glass jar). The in-depth Propagation process is explained here.
Related: How to Propagate Pothos Plants
Blooms
Happy Leaf Pothos does not bloom indoors. And since this is a cultivar specifically designed to be used as a houseplant, examples of its flowers are few.
Toxicity
Manjula Pothos is toxic to dogs, cats, and humans. It has been known to cause vomiting and diarrhea from oral intake. Pets might need a vet visit if they accidentally ingest this plant.
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.
Common Pests
AVOID
- Overwatering
- Placing under harsh sunlight
- Using poorly drained potting mediums
- Fertilizing during dormancy
Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves
It’s normal for Pothos leaves to turn yellow and drop off as they get older. If your plant is only a few months old, however, it could indicate a problem with too much water or the presence of pests like aphids or spider mites. Yellow leaves are also a sign that your plant is getting too much light and needs shade to recover.
Browning Leaves
Low humidity can cause browning or curling leaves. In low humidity, consider adding a humidifier to your home or using a pebble tray filled with water. Browning leaves may also indicate that your plant is getting too little sun exposure and needs more light for recovery.
Drooping Leaves
This is a natural indication by the Pothos that it needs another dose of water. As soon as you water your plant, you’ll see it recover entirely within a few hours.