The Manjula Pothos is a patented cultivar of Epipremnum aureum distinguished by its large, heart-shaped leaves with highly ruffled, wavy edges. Its foliage displays a unique blend of cream, white, and multiple shades of green, giving it a painterly appearance. This heavy variegation makes it a highly sought-after houseplant, but it necessitates a specific approach to propagation to ensure the color patterns are maintained. Propagation is the process of creating genetically identical new plants from a mother plant by taking stem cuttings that are encouraged to develop their own root system.
Selecting and Preparing Cuttings
Successful propagation relies on securing a viable node, the slightly swollen joint on the stem where the leaf petiole connects and where the latent meristematic tissue resides. This tissue is the only point capable of developing new roots. To create a cutting, select a healthy, mature vine and use sterilized shears or a razor blade to prevent the introduction of pathogens. The cut should be made about a half-inch below the chosen node, ensuring the growth point remains intact.
Each cutting should include at least one node and one healthy leaf to perform photosynthesis while roots are forming, providing necessary energy reserves. Making the cut on a slight angle, such as 45 degrees, can increase the surface area for water and nutrient uptake, though a clean, straight cut is also effective. Remove a lower leaf if it would otherwise be submerged in the rooting medium, as submerged foliage will quickly rot.
Choosing a Rooting Medium
The choice of rooting medium influences the speed and quality of root development. Water propagation is the most popular choice because it allows for easy observation of root growth and reduces the risk of fungal issues compared to moist solid media. However, roots developed in water are structurally different and can experience transplant shock when moved to soil.
Alternatively, cuttings can be rooted directly into a fine-grade, well-aerated substrate like sphagnum moss or perlite. Sphagnum moss holds moisture well, while perlite provides excellent aeration and drainage. Direct soil rooting is also possible using a light, well-draining aroid mix, but this method requires a consistently warm, humid environment (ideally between 70–80°F) to prevent the cutting from drying out before roots can establish. Regardless of the medium, the cuttings require bright, indirect light and a stable, warm temperature to stimulate rooting.
Transitioning Cuttings to Soil
The transition from a rooting medium to a permanent potting mix is a delicate phase. Before transplanting, roots should be at least one to two inches long and have fine, white secondary root hairs, indicating they are mature enough to absorb nutrients. Moving water-rooted cuttings requires “hardening off,” where the new roots are acclimated to a drier, soil-based environment.
To minimize shock, pot the cutting in a well-draining mix, such as one containing potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. Immediately after potting, thoroughly saturate the soil with water to ensure the roots do not dry out. For the first week, place the newly potted plant in a slightly shadier spot than usual. This reduces the immediate demand for water and light while the roots begin to function in the new substrate.
Maintaining Variegation in New Growth
The Manjula Pothos’ high level of cream and white variegation means its leaves contain significantly less chlorophyll. To compensate for the reduced green area and maintain the striking patterns, the plant requires bright, indirect light, such as that provided near an east- or west-facing window.
Insufficient light will trigger the plant to produce more green cells, resulting in a loss of variegation, known as reversion. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided because the white portions of the leaves lack protective pigments and are susceptible to scorching. New growth can occasionally produce an entirely white leaf, which is unsustainable as it cannot photosynthesize and will eventually be shed.