‘N’Joy’ Pothos and ‘Manjula’ Pothos are visually striking cultivars of Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy. These vining plants add vibrant touches to indoor spaces with their variegation patterns. Despite their shared genus, ‘N’Joy’ and ‘Manjula’ exhibit distinct characteristics. This article clarifies these differences, assisting plant lovers in understanding and choosing the ideal Pothos variety for their homes.
Distinctive Appearances
Differences between ‘N’Joy’ and ‘Manjula’ Pothos are in their foliage. ‘N’Joy’ Pothos features smaller, more pointed, and slightly crinkled or puckered leaves. Its variegation is characterized by crisp, well-defined patches of deep green and pure white, creating a clean, sharp contrast across the leaf surface.
Conversely, ‘Manjula’ Pothos presents larger, broader leaves that are heart-shaped with wavy or ruffled edges, sometimes described as having a “cupped” appearance. Its variegation is more irregular, featuring broader splashes of cream, white, and sometimes light green. ‘Manjula’ leaves display speckling or marbling within the lighter areas, producing a more painterly or splattered effect. The dominant green shades can vary, appearing as a medium green with creamy yellow-white variegation.
Growth Patterns and Characteristics
Both ‘N’Joy’ and ‘Manjula’ Pothos are vining plants, but their growth habits differ in rate and overall form. ‘N’Joy’ Pothos is a slower grower compared to many other Pothos varieties, a trait attributed to its higher percentage of white variegation, which contains less chlorophyll for photosynthesis. It develops a more compact and bushy growth habit, and its smaller leaves contribute to a denser appearance. While it can trail, reaching lengths of up to 10 feet, its slower growth means it maintains a tidy form without frequent pruning.
‘Manjula’ Pothos also exhibits a moderate to slow growth rate, slower than common Pothos types like the Golden Pothos, but faster than ‘N’Joy’. Its leaves are larger than ‘N’Joy’, and the plant can grow bushy, developing a mounding growth pattern before trailing. The shorter internodes on ‘Manjula’ contribute to its fuller, more compact foliage, making it appear less leggy than some other vining Pothos.
Care Considerations
The care requirements for ‘N’Joy’ and ‘Manjula’ Pothos are similar to other Epipremnum aureum varieties, though their high variegation requires light attention. Both plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain their variegation. Insufficient light can cause the variegation to fade or revert to greener tones, as the white areas lack chlorophyll. However, direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch their delicate, highly variegated leaves.
Watering practices are consistent for both, requiring the top inch or two of soil to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. Overwatering is a common issue, and these plants are more tolerant of slight underwatering than excessive moisture. A well-draining potting mix is recommended to ensure proper aeration and drainage. Both varieties prefer average household temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C) and can benefit from moderate to higher humidity.
Choosing Your Pothos
Deciding between ‘N’Joy’ and ‘Manjula’ Pothos depends on personal aesthetic preference and desired growth habit. If a plant with crisp, distinct white and green patterns and a more compact, tidy growth is preferred, ‘N’Joy’ Pothos is a good choice. Its smaller leaves and slower growth make it suitable for shelves or tabletops where space might be a consideration.
Conversely, if a plant with larger leaves, more irregular, painterly variegation featuring shades of cream and light green, and a bushier habit appeals more, ‘Manjula’ Pothos is a strong selection. Both cultivars are easy to care for and forgiving, making them good additions for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.