If there were a list of the top houseplants most featured in magazines, Pothos N’ Joy would definitely have a spot! With its stunning, heart-shaped leaves splashed in creamy white and vivid green, this plant can easily become a statement piece in any interior setting, often appearing in stunning home setups and stylish interiors.
Pothos N’ Joy is a cultivar of Epipremnum aureum with an intriguing history and undeniable charm that sets it apart from other varieties of Pothos. Its origins trace back to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and the Solomon Islands, where the parent species thrives in warm, humid environments. In these lush, tropical habitats, wild Pothos plants climb trees and sprawl across the forest floor, their vines stretching to incredible lengths as they seek light in the dense canopy. While Pothos N’ Joy has been cultivated for indoor life, it still carries this natural elegance and adaptability.
Selected as a mutation of the classic Marble Queen Pothos, the leaves of Pothos N’ Joy are smaller and more defined than its relatives, with striking patterns that resemble an artist’s brushstrokes. This distinct variegation makes it one of the most beautiful colorful foliage houseplants. While Golden Pothos and Marble Queen are known for their vigorous, sprawling vines, Pothos N’ Joy has a more delicate, controlled growth pattern. This makes it particularly suited for desktops, shelves, or small hanging displays.
Can Pothos N’ Joy Grow Outdoors?
This tropical plant thrives in warm, humid environments, so if you live in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12, it can be grown outdoors year-round. In these regions, the climate mimics its native habitat in Southeast Asia and the Solomon Islands, providing the warmth and humidity it needs to flourish.
Outdoors, Pothos N’ Joy prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate some morning sun, too much direct sunlight can scorch its delicate, variegated leaves, causing them to lose their striking white and green patterns. A shaded patio, under a tree canopy, or in a location with filtered sunlight is ideal. It’s also important to ensure the plant is in well-draining soil to avoid waterlogging, as Pothos N’ Joy is prone to root rot in overly wet conditions. In cooler climates, Pothos N’ Joy can be moved outdoors during the warmer months to enjoy the fresh air and natural humidity, but it should be brought back inside before temperatures drop below 50°F.
Is Pothos ‘N Joy a Low-Light Houseplant?
Pothos N’ Joy is a versatile and adaptable plant that can handle lower light conditions, making it a popular choice for many indoor spaces. However, its stunning variegation—those creamy white and vivid green patterns that set it apart—requires more light than green-leaf Pothos varieties to stay vibrant and well-defined. The white sections of its leaves don’t contain as much chlorophyll, which is why they need sufficient light to maintain their contrast and prevent the colors from fading or turning entirely green.
While Pothos N’ Joy can survive in dimmer spaces, prolonged exposure to low light can lead to slower growth, smaller leaves, and a loss of its characteristic patterns. Without adequate light, the plant may stretch toward the nearest light source, becoming leggy and less full over time. The lower light levels reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize efficiently, which directly impacts its growth and appearance.
General Care
Lighting
Pothos N’ Joy thrives in bright, indirect light, making it an excellent choice for a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Indoors, it should be placed near a window with plenty of natural light, such as an east- or north-facing window, where it can get consistent illumination without being exposed to harsh, direct sunlight. If you have a west- or south-facing window, use sheer curtains to filter the light and protect the plant’s delicate variegation from scorching. During winter, when natural light levels drop, a grow light can be essential to maintain the plant’s health and appearance.
Outdoors, Pothos N’ Joy prefers shaded or semi-shaded spots, such as under a tree canopy, on a covered patio, or in a greenhouse. While it can handle some morning sun, direct sunlight during peak hours can scorch its leaves, causing them to brown or fade. Filtered light helps it thrive while keeping its striking white-and-green foliage vibrant.
Watering
Pothos N’ Joy enjoys moderate watering, preferring a balance between keeping the soil slightly moist and allowing it to dry out between sessions. Indoors, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use a watering can with a controlled spout to provide a thorough soak, allowing excess water to drain out of the pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot—a common issue with overwatering.
Outdoors, watering needs may vary depending on the climate and placement. In shaded or semi-shaded areas, check the soil moisture regularly and water when it begins to dry out. If the plant is exposed to warmer temperatures or breezier conditions, it may need more frequent watering to prevent dehydration. During rainy seasons, ensure the plant is in well-draining soil or a container with proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
In winter, when Pothos N’ Joy’s growth slows, reduce watering frequency. The plant requires less water during this period but still benefits from occasional hydration to prevent the soil from becoming completely dry. Always check the soil before watering to avoid overwatering in cooler conditions.
Soil and Fertilizer
Pothos N’ Joy thrives in a well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture but doesn’t become waterlogged. Indoors, a high-quality general-purpose potting soil mixed with perlite or sand works well to provide the aeration and drainage this plant needs. For outdoor planting, use soil that is rich in organic matter but still loose and well-draining to prevent root rot. If growing in a pot, ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
Fertilizing Pothos N’ Joy supports its lush growth and helps maintain its vibrant variegation. During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, feed the plant once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilizers specifically designed for houseplants or foliage plants are ideal, as they provide the right mix of nutrients to support healthy leaf development. Organic options like compost tea or a slow-release fertilizer can also be effective. In fall and winter, when growth slows, reduce fertilization to once every 2-3 months or stop altogether. Over-fertilizing during this period can lead to salt buildup in the soil and potentially damage the plant.
Temperature and Humidity
Pothos N’ Joy thrives in warm, consistent temperatures and moderate humidity, reflecting its tropical origins. The ideal temperature range is between 65°F and 85°F. Indoors, typical household temperatures are usually sufficient, but avoid placing the plant near cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or heaters, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress the plant and cause leaf damage. It’s important to keep the temperature above 50°F, as exposure to colder conditions can slow growth and even lead to leaf drop.
Humidity plays an important role in maintaining Pothos N’ Joy’s lush, vibrant foliage. While it can adapt to average indoor humidity levels (30-50%), it thrives in higher humidity, which helps prevent browning edges and keeps its leaves looking fresh and healthy. To increase humidity, consider misting the plant occasionally, placing a small humidifier nearby, or grouping it with other plants to create a microclimate. If the air in your home tends to be very dry, especially during winter, these methods can make a noticeable difference.
Outdoors, Pothos N’ Joy prefers warm, humid environments similar to its native habitat. If grown outside in cooler regions, be sure to bring it indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F to prevent cold damage.
Toxicity
Pothos N’ Joy is toxic to both humans and pets if ingested, as it contains insoluble calcium oxalates. These sharp crystals can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive system, leading to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, or oral discomfort in pets like cats and dogs. In humans, ingestion may cause mild irritation, though cases are generally not severe.
To ensure safety, keep Pothos N’ Joy out of reach of children and pets, placing it in a high spot or hanging basket where curious hands or paws can’t access it. If ingestion does occur, rinse the mouth with water and contact a veterinarian or medical professional for advice.
Extra Care
Potting and Repotting
hanging planters.
Pothos N’ Joy thrives in a well-draining pot with ample room for its roots to grow. Choose a container with drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom, which can lead to root rot. For an aesthetic touch, hanging planters or decorative pots work wonderfully to showcase its trailing vines, but good drainage should always come first to ensure the plant’s health.
Repotting is typically required every 1-2 years or when you notice signs of the plant becoming root-bound, such as roots growing out of the drainage holes or the soil drying out too quickly after watering. Spring is the best time to repot, as this is when the plant enters its active growing phase and can adjust to the new pot more easily.
When repotting, choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to give the roots more space without overwhelming the plant.
Pruning
This plant’s trailing habit can lead to long, leggy vines over time, especially if it’s not receiving optimal light. Regular pruning keeps it looking tidy and vibrant while promoting healthy new growth. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut back overgrown or leggy stems. Make your cuts just above a leaf node (the spot where a leaf attaches to the vine) to encourage branching and new growth. Trimming a few inches off the vines not only helps maintain a compact and bushy appearance but also provides cuttings for propagation. Remove any yellowing, brown, or damaged leaves during pruning to redirect the plant’s energy toward healthy foliage. If you notice any stems that have become bare or overly long, prune them back to encourage fresh, leafy growth.
The best time to prune is during the growing season, typically spring and summer, when the plant is actively producing new leaves and recovering quickly from cuts. However, light maintenance pruning can be done throughout the year as needed.
Propagation
For stem cuttings, select a healthy vine and cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting is 4-6 inches long with a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves to expose the node. For water propagation, place the cutting in a jar of clean water, ensuring the node is submerged, and change the water every few days. Roots should appear within 1-2 weeks, and once they’re 1-2 inches long, transfer the cutting into well-draining soil. For soil propagation, plant the cutting directly in a pot filled with moist, well-draining soil, burying the node slightly, and keep it in bright, indirect light until roots develop.
Layering is another way to create more baby Pothos ‘N Joy. Lay a healthy vine with a node in contact with soil, either in the same pot or a nearby container, and secure it with a pin or rock. Keep the soil lightly moist, and within a few weeks, roots will form at the node. Once rooted, you can leave the new growth attached for a fuller plant or cut it away to pot separately. Both methods are best done during the growing season for faster results and healthier plants.
Common Problems
Pothos N’ Joy is generally a hardy plant, but like any houseplant, it can encounter some common issues. One frequent problem is overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a foul smell from the soil. To avoid this, ensure the soil drains well and allow it to dry out slightly between waterings. Conversely, underwatering can cause the leaves to curl, brown at the edges, or drop prematurely, so keep an eye on soil moisture levels.
Inadequate lighting is another challenge. If the plant doesn’t receive enough light, its beautiful white-and-green variegation may fade, and the vines can become leggy as they stretch toward the light. On the other hand, direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, causing brown patches and discoloration.
Pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, or scale can occasionally infest Pothos N’ Joy, leaving behind sticky residue or visible damage to the leaves. Regularly inspect your plant and treat infestations promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Lastly, environmental stress from sudden temperature changes, cold drafts, or low humidity can cause leaf drop or browning edges. Maintaining consistent conditions and providing proper care will help prevent these issues and keep your Pothos N’ Joy thriving.
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