The Jessenia Pothos is a popular houseplant known for its unique, variegated foliage and relatively straightforward care. Its distinctive patterns make it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.
What is Jessenia Pothos?
Jessenia Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Jessenia’) is a Pothos cultivar distinguished by heart-shaped leaves with a marbled pattern of lime green or chartreuse against a darker green base. This variegation gives each leaf a unique appearance, unlike the creamier white patterns of ‘Marble Queen’ Pothos. It has a vining growth habit, trailing from hanging baskets or climbing with support.
Jessenia Pothos Care
Light
Jessenia Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light conditions. Placing it near a north or east-facing window, or in the center of a room with a south-facing window, provides optimal light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, leading to burnt spots. Conversely, insufficient light can cause the plant to lose its vibrant variegation, resulting in more solid green leaves and leggy growth.
Watering
Water when the top two to three inches of potting mix are dry. It is somewhat drought-tolerant, making slight underwatering preferable to overwatering. Overwatering causes root rot; underwatering leads to dull, drooping leaves. Drooping leaves indicate thirst and perk up after watering.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogging and promote healthy root development. A standard houseplant mix amended with perlite or orchid bark provides the necessary aeration and drainage.
Humidity and Temperature
It prefers average to high humidity (50-80%). Higher humidity encourages vigorous growth, though it tolerates drier conditions. Increase humidity by misting or using a pebble tray. It thrives in typical room temperatures (65-90°F / 18-32°C) and needs protection from cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Fertilization
During the spring and summer growing season, fertilize lightly. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, monthly. Reduce or pause fertilization in fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilization can burn roots by building up salts in the soil.
Propagating Jessenia Pothos
Propagate Jessenia Pothos easily using stem cuttings. Select a healthy vine with at least one or two nodes, where leaves and roots emerge. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a 4-6 inch cut about 1/4 inch below a node. Remove any leaves that would be submerged to prevent rotting.
Place the prepared cuttings in a jar of water, with nodes submerged and leaves above the waterline. Position the jar in a location with bright, indirect light and change the water every few days to maintain freshness. Roots develop within weeks. Once roots are several inches long, transfer cuttings to a well-draining potting mix.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Mitigate this by allowing soil to dry between waterings and using a pot with drainage holes. Brown leaf tips or edges indicate low humidity or inconsistent watering. Fading variegation (more solid green) signals insufficient light; moving it to a brighter, indirect light location restores its patterned foliage. Slow growth is normal for Jessenia compared to other Pothos, as its variegation means less chlorophyll, impacting photosynthetic efficiency.