The plant world constantly evolves, with new strains and cultivars continually popping up. One such recent addition to the market is the mutant Manjula pothos, a rare and elusive plant that has captured the attention of plant enthusiasts everywhere.
In a recent video, a plant enthusiast shared their excitement about the mutant Manjula pothos. The enthusiast quickly pointed out that only four common pothos on the market:
- Neon pothos
- Jade pothos
- Golden pothos
- Marble queen pothos
However, the University of Florida has cultivated and hybridized various new strains, including Pearls and Jade ¹, Global Green pothos, and the mutated Manjula.
Note: Featured image is NOT a Manjula pothos mutation. It is a standard Manjula pothos plant.
What Makes the Mutant Manjula Pothos Different
The mutant is a narrower form of Manjula and is incredibly beautiful, with leaves resembling the philodendron Gabby. The enthusiast shared that they had acquired three of these plants and urged viewers to grab them if they come across them, as they are charging a high price on the market.
The high price is because this pothos is incredibly difficult to grow and finicky. In addition, it is protected under copyright and patented, and the enthusiast shared that even propagating the plant is a challenge.
Additionally, the plant has white variegation, making growing even more challenging as it has a high percentage of not growing or browning.
The enthusiast explained that the mutant Manjula pothos mutation was created through a hybridization process at the University of Florida. However, it is believed that the plant escaped the lab and entered the market.
They also shared that other pothos varieties have escaped in the past and that cultivating new strains is a delicate process.
This pothos is a rare variety and a coveted addition to the plant world. While growing may be difficult, its beauty and uniqueness make it a highly sought-after plant.
If you come across one, you should grab it, but know it may be challenging to care for. As with all plants, patience, care, and attention are vital to ensuring their health and longevity.
Video
Plant Care Of the Mutated Manjula Pothos Plant
Since we have yet to get our hands on one of these plants and information is scarce, the best advice is to follow the care guide for Manjula pothos. Here is a short summary.
Also known as Happy Leaf or Jewel pothos, this tropical houseplant has heart-shaped leaves with white, cream, and silvery-green variegation.
The plant was discovered by Indian plant breeder Ashish Arvind Hansoti in 2010 in a commercial greenhouse, and since its patent in 2016, it has been popular among houseplant enthusiasts. According to the patent documentation, the botanical name for Manjula pothos is Epipremnum pinnatum’ HANSOTI14’.
Luckily, caring for Manjula pothos is easy, but maintaining its lush variegation requires proper watering and lighting. For lighting, bright indirect light is preferred, and the plant should be placed in an east or west-facing room about 2-3 feet from the window.
As for watering, only water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, and avoid overwatering, as this plant is easily susceptible to root rot.
The ideal temperature range for Manjula pothos is between 70°F to 84°F (21°C to 29°C), and humidity can be increased through the use of a humidifier or by placing the pot on a pebble tray.
Fertilize your plant monthly in spring and summer with a balanced foliage plant fertilizer, and prune your plant occasionally to trim bottom yellowing leaves.
Propagating Manjula pothos is also easy, as you can grow it from stem cuttings.
If you notice any issues with your Manjula pothos, such as discoloration, stunted growth, or yellow leaves, it may be due to pests such as spider mites or mealybugs.
Brown leaves may be due to root rot from overwatering or too much light, while greening leaves may indicate that your plant is receiving too little light.
Finally, if your plant’s leaves are shrinking, it may be time to repot or fertilize it. Overall, Manjula pothos is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a rare and attractive plant that is easy to care for.
Reference
1: ENH1180/EP441: New Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: Pothos ’Pearls and Jade’®. (n.d.). ENH1180/EP441: New Florida Foliage Plant Cultivar: Pothos ’Pearls and Jade’®. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/EP441
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.