The N’Joy Pothos, botanically known as Epipremnum aureum ‘N’Joy’, stands out with its distinct variegated foliage. This popular houseplant features small, heart-shaped leaves displaying a crisp contrast of deep green and pure white, with patterns that vary across individual leaves, adding a lively touch to indoor settings. Its compact size and relatively easy care make it a suitable choice for both new and experienced plant enthusiasts looking to expand their plant collection.
Benefits of Propagation
Propagating your N’Joy Pothos offers several advantages, providing a straightforward way to increase your plant collection without additional cost. You can create new plants to share or to make an existing plant appear fuller. It also rejuvenates older, leggy plants by encouraging bushier growth. The process of growing new plants from cuttings can be a satisfying experience.
Getting Started with Propagation
Before propagating, gather sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears, and either jars for water rooting or a suitable potting mix for soil rooting. Clean tools prevent disease. Select a healthy stem, 4-6 inches long, with vibrant leaves and no pests. It should include at least one to three nodes, the small bumps where roots emerge. Make a precise cut just below a node.
Water Rooting Method
To root N’Joy Pothos cuttings in water, remove any leaves that would be submerged to prevent rot. Place the cutting in a clear glass or jar with room-temperature water, ensuring at least one node is fully submerged. Position the container in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight. Change the water every few days, or at least once a week, to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
Within one to two weeks, small white roots should emerge from the nodes. Allow roots to grow at least one to two inches before transplanting to soil. While Pothos can survive in water indefinitely, transitioning to soil encourages more robust root development.
Soil Rooting Method
For soil propagation, select a well-draining potting mix, such as peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil, or a blend of coco coir, orchid bark, and perlite. Rooting hormone powder is optional but can encourage faster root development. Plant the cutting one to two inches deep into the moistened mix, ensuring at least one node is buried.
After planting, water thoroughly until the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Maintain consistent moisture, but avoid overwatering to prevent rot. To increase humidity, cover the pot with a plastic bag or humidity dome. Signs of successful rooting, like new leaf growth or resistance when gently tugged, typically appear within a few weeks.
Ongoing Care for Young Plants
Once N’Joy Pothos cuttings are rooted and established, provide bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant variegation and healthy growth. Too little light can cause variegation to fade and lead to leggy growth. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot, as Pothos are sensitive to overly wet conditions.
Young N’Joy Pothos appreciate moderate to high humidity, achievable by regular misting or a humidifier. Begin fertilizing a few months after rooting, using a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month during the growing season.