The Manjula Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Manjula’) is a highly sought-after variegated cultivar of the common Pothos, often called Devil’s Ivy. This member of the Araceae family is popular worldwide due to its robust nature and ease of care. Unlike common Pothos, the Manjula variety is prized by collectors for its unique, artistic coloring. As a patented cultivar, it is specifically propagated for its distinctive ornamental features.
The Unique Origin of Manjula Pothos
The Manjula Pothos is a cultivated variety, or cultivar, that originated from a spontaneous genetic mutation of a standard Pothos plant. This mutation resulted in the plant’s unique leaf shape and striking variegation pattern. Officially designated Epipremnum aureum ‘Manjula’ (patent name ‘HANSOTI14’), its development involved a careful selection process over several years.
The plant was developed and patented by Ashish Hansoti in India, with the patent granted in 2016. This process focused on selecting plants with shorter internodes, which create a fuller, more compact growth habit than typical Pothos vines. The patented status ensures that only authorized nurseries can legally propagate and sell this exact genetic variety, resulting in a stable, slow-growing plant with denser foliage.
Distinguishing Characteristics and Variegation
The primary distinguishing feature of the Manjula Pothos is its leaf morphology. The leaves are broad and noticeably heart-shaped, diverging from the narrower leaves of many other Pothos varieties. They also possess a signature wavy or ruffled margin, giving them a slightly curled surface.
The variegation is an intricate mix of creamy white, silvery-green, and deeper green patches that appear to bleed into one another. Unlike cultivars with sharp color blocks, the Manjula features soft, feathered edges, creating a marbled or “painted” effect. The white portions are usually centered around the leaf’s midrib and inner sections. Since the variegation is random, no two leaves on a single plant are exactly identical in coloration.
Essential Care Requirements for Optimal Growth
The high level of white and cream variegation means the Manjula Pothos requires brighter light conditions than its all-green or less-variegated relatives. The white areas of the leaf lack chlorophyll, the pigment necessary for photosynthesis, so the remaining green areas must work harder to produce the plant’s energy. Therefore, bright, indirect light is necessary to maintain the intensity of the white coloring and prevent the plant from reverting to producing solid green leaves. Direct, intense sunlight should be avoided, as it can scorch the delicate white patches.
This cultivar thrives in average household temperatures, ideally between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and appreciates moderate to high humidity. While it can adapt to lower humidity, increased moisture in the air helps prevent the delicate white leaf edges from turning brown and crispy.
The Manjula Pothos is susceptible to root rot, so a well-draining soil composition is highly recommended. A mix incorporating perlite or orchid bark can improve aeration and drainage.
A proper watering schedule involves allowing the top two to three inches of soil to dry out completely before watering thoroughly. The slower growth rate of this highly variegated plant means it consumes water at a reduced pace compared to fast-growing Pothos, making overwatering a greater risk. Fertilizing lightly once a month during the growing seasons of spring and summer, using a balanced liquid fertilizer, supports the production of its vibrant foliage.
Comparison to Similar Variegated Cultivars
The Manjula Pothos is often confused with ‘Pearls and Jade’ and ‘N’Joy’ due to their shared palette of white and green variegation. The ‘N’Joy’ Pothos is the easiest to distinguish because its variegation is characterized by sharper, cleaner demarcations between the color blocks. The white on the ‘N’Joy’ is usually a purer white and forms distinct sections, rather than the blended, marbled pattern seen on the Manjula.
The ‘Pearls and Jade’ cultivar is a hybrid that can be more challenging to differentiate, as it features speckles of green within its white patches, similar to the Manjula’s blended look. However, ‘Pearls and Jade’ typically produces smaller leaves and lacks the Manjula’s most defining characteristic: the broad, rounded leaf shape and the distinct, wavy, or ruffled margins.