Discover the ultimate houseplant that is as enjoyable to care for as it is to look at – the Pothos N Joy. After all, how often do you come across a plant that literally has the word ‘enjoy’ in its name?
This plant is perfect for any home or office with its striking white and green variegated foliage. But beware, the N’Joy’s slow growth can test even the most patient plant parent.
However, its forgiving nature means you can forget to water it for a few days without fear of it dying. Next, we’ll uncover its history, care requirements, and tips for encouraging faster growth.
Plant Discovery & 25 Years of Propagating
Pothos N’Joy is a patented Epipremnum cultivar with variegated white and green leaves and a compact, bushy shape. This unique plant was discovered by plant breeder Ashish Arvind Hansoti in a commercial greenhouse in Mumbai, India, in 2002.
It was a naturally-occurring mutation of the Marble Queen pothos, with shorter leaf internodes and distinct portions of white variegation.
After 25 generations of propagation, the plant’s leaf patterns and shape were stabilized, and it was patented in 2009 under the name NJOY.
How To Identify Pothos NJoy
In addition to its unique variegation, Pothos NJoy has some distinctive physical characteristics that set it apart from other pothos varieties. With its compact growth habit, the plant has shorter gaps between leaf nodes, giving it a bushier appearance.
The leaves are smaller and may have a triangular or oval shape with a lightly ruffled texture. Keep an eye out for the occasional light green speckles that can add a playful touch to the foliage.
Scientific Name
The scientific name for Pothos N’Joy is Epipremnum pinnatum var. NJOY. According to the patent, anyway.
However, the patent mentions that this is a variety of the Marble Queen pothos, which is an Epipremnum aureum or Devil’s Ivy cultivar. Therefore, technically speaking, the botanical name for this plant should be Epipremnum aureum var. NJOY.
Pothos N Joy Benefits: Does It Purify the Air? (What Science Says)
You probably read or heard that the Pothos plants help purify the air in your home by removing toxic chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia. But is this actually true?
While it’s true that plants can purify the air by removing toxic chemicals, there may be better options than this one. The NASA Clean Air Study, conducted in 1989, omitted it since it was only patented in 2009.
Instead, scientists studied the Golden Pothos (or Scindapsus aureus, as it was listed in their final report)., which has several morphological differences from the NJoy.
Moreover, this plant has sizeable white leaf sections that do not contain chlorophyll, so it can’t use them for photosynthesis. As a result, the NJoy pothos absorbs carbon dioxide and creates oxygen at a lower rate than other Pothos varieties.
However, don’t let this discourage you from getting one. It’s a gorgeous plant with variegated white and green leaves. It has several benefits, such as tolerating low humidity, surviving in high and low temperatures, and having a slow growth rate that won’t take up much space.
Pothos N’Joy Care Guide
This is a slow-growing plant with specific care requirements, including light, soil, pruning, and repotting. But once you figure it out, it’s easy to grow and can tolerate some neglect.
Growth Rate
The pothos N Joy grows slowly and produces new leaves and stems at a slow pace. With its shorter gaps between the leaves, it takes longer to trail or hang over the edge of the pot.
How Fast Does NJoy Pothos Grow?
It typically grows 6 to 12 inches in length each year. Although the patent mentions rapid growth, it was observed in optimal greenhouse conditions. Where the plant was developed and doesn’t apply to the average home environment.
The average home is cooler, drier, and darker than a greenhouse in Mumbai, so naturally, the plant will grow slower.
Light
This pothos likes bright but not direct light to keep its pretty white and green leaves. If you keep it in low light, the leaves will gradually revert to green and become smaller. On the other hand, too much sun and direct sunlight can scorch the foliage and result in dried, brown spots on the white leaf sections.
It was originally grown in a unique polyplastic greenhouse in India that filtered 50% of the natural light. Indoors, you can put it in a room facing east or west, at least 3 feet away from a window.
You can also use grow lights if your home doesn’t get enough sunlight. This pothos also likes fluorescent lights, which makes it a perfect office plant.
Soil
For healthy plant growth, it’s best to use a soil mix that is well-draining, aerated, and moisture-retentive. You can create this mix by combining equal parts of peat-based potting mix with perlite or pumice.
It’s important to note that overwatering problems typically arise from the soil rather than the amount of water you give your plants. If the soil lacks good drainage, it can become waterlogged and lead to fungal diseases in the roots, resulting in root rot.
Water
When watering your pothos, remember that this variety has a slower growth rate than other pothos cultivars. As a result, it won’t need as much water as a Golden or Marble Queen. The ideal time to water is when the soil’s top 2 inches (5 cm) feel dry to the touch.
Always test the soil with your finger before watering, and if it still feels damp, wait until it dries up a bit more.
Notably, the N’Joy pothos plants are more susceptible to root rot than other varieties. Therefore, if the soil stays wet, the roots will start to rot, and the white portions of the leaves will develop soft, brown, or black spots.
Temperature
These plants thrive in temperatures between 70°F and 86°F (21°C to 30°C) but can withstand even colder and hotter temperatures. The patent documentation states that it can survive temperatures as low as 43°F (6°C) and as high as 104°F (40°C) without any harm.
During early spring until late fall, you can take this plant outdoors for increased natural light, but make sure to avoid direct sun. However, when temperatures fall to 50°F (10°C) or lower during the night, it’s better to bring it back inside.
Humidity
This pothos doesn’t require high humidity levels to thrive, which makes it an excellent option for households with low humidity. However, if you can increase the humidity to around 50% or 60%, your plant will grow faster with bigger leaves.
You can achieve this by placing the pot on a pebble tray half-filled with water. Or, if you’re having trouble maintaining the proper humidity levels, try growing it in a naturally humid area of your home, such as the bathroom. Alternatively, you can place a small humidifier nearby to increase the moisture in the air.
Note: It’s not recommended to mist the N’Joy pothos plant as it won’t do much to increase humidity, and it can even lead to bacterial leaf diseases without ventilation.
Fertilizer
To keep your pothos healthy and growing, it’s recommended to feed it once a month from spring until early fall with a balanced liquid pothos fertilizer that has a 10-10-10 or 5-5-5 nutrient ratio. However, overfeeding should be avoided, especially if the plant is kept in low-light conditions.
Overfertilizing can burn the roots, cause leaf discoloration, and make the plant leggy, ultimately weakening the plant.
Pruning
To keep your houseplant looking healthy and tidy, you can do some light pruning occasionally. This can involve removing old or yellowing leaves or trimming the vines to control the plant’s shape and size. Pruning can also encourage branching and make your pothos look fuller.
Using sharp and sterilized scissors or pruning shears when pruning is essential to prevent the spread of pests or diseases.
Repotting
Your plant must be repotted every 2 to 3 years, even if it hasn’t outgrown its container. Signs your pothos needs repotting include:
- Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
- Slow growth.
- Yellowing leaves.
- Needing more water than usual.
This is because the plant uses up the nutrients in the soil over time, and the potting mix loses its ability to retain moisture. A change of soil also helps prevent the buildup of fertilizer salts and harmful pathogens.
To repot your pothos, transfer it to a pot one size larger or 2 inches (5 cm) wider than the old one. Always use a pot with drainage holes and avoid reusing the old potting soil.
Pothos N Joy Propagation Guide
To propagate Pothos N’Joy, you can take stem cuttings, but be patient as it may take up to 40 days before seeing any roots. If you want faster propagation:
- Try using stem sections with a maximum of two leaves or single-node cuttings shorter than 6 inches (15 cm).
- Propagate your cuttings in water or moist sphagnum moss in a plastic box since soil propagation takes longer, and the cuttings are more likely to develop stem rot.
- Ensure the temperature in the room is at least 77°F (25°C), and apply rooting hormone to help the cuttings grow roots faster.
- Provide plenty of natural light but avoid direct sunlight exposure.
Find out more about pothos propagation in our complete guide.
Common Problems & Pests
Pests
This cultivar is generally resistant to pests, but it can attract spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips if the plant becomes stressed. To prevent pest infestations, check the leaves at least once a week, especially the undersides, and take action immediately if you notice signs of infestation.
If you notice spider mites or mealybugs, use a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution to treat the plant. Mix 1 part alcohol with four parts water, and spray the leaves every 5 to 7 days. Continue treatment for at least a month or until the pests are gone. Neem oil can also be effective.
If thrips infest your pothos, isolate the plant and trim the affected leaves immediately. Unfortunately, homemade solutions are not effective in dealing with this pest, so it’s best to use a systemic pesticide.
Yellow Leaves
Yellowing leaves are a common symptom of overwatering. But, leaves turning yellow can also indicate that your plant needs more nutrients or is suffering from pests.
Brown Leaves
If your plant’s leaves develop brown or black spots, then it suffers from a fungal root disease or a bacterial infection. The leaves will also develop brown scorch marks if the plant sits in direct sun.
Brown Leaf Tips
This can be a symptom of very dry air or fertilizer burn. Try to keep the humidity above 30% and avoid overfertilizing your pothos, especially in winter.
Small Leaves
If leaves are getting smaller, this could indicate that your plant needs more light, more fertilizer or that it’s time to repot it. However, it’s normal for the leaves to get smaller if you keep these pothos as a hanging plant for more than two years. The only way to prevent small leaves is by giving the plant a moss pole to climb on.
Bare Stems
It will occasionally grow long, bare stems, especially if it’s growing in low-light conditions. You can encourage it to produce leaves on the bare stems by applying Keiki paste to the leafless growth nodes.
6 Tips To Make N Joy Pothos Grow Faster
When you bring your new plant home, you may notice it won’t grow any new leaves for the first few months. This is normal because the plant needs time to adapt to its new growing conditions.
But you can do a few things to help your plant acclimatize and grow faster.
- Give it more light. All plants need light for photosynthesis, the main factor that triggers plant growth. Bright indirect sunlight is ideal.
- Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Nitrogen promotes leaf and stem growth, and it will help your pothos grow longer vines faster.
- Keep it warm. This is a tropical plant, and it will grow best in temperatures between 70°F and 86°F.
- Increase humidity. Although the plant doesn’t need a lot of humidity, raising it to around 60% will help increase its growth rate.
- Water correctly. Too much or too little water will stress your plant, resulting in health problems that will stunt its growth.
- Repot regularly. Once every 2 to 3 years should do the trick but always check the roots of your plant first.
The key to success is ensuring your care routine meets all these growing requirements. For example, if your pothos has been living in the same pot for several years, giving it more amount of light and fertilizer won’t make it grow faster. However, moving it to a bigger pot will.
FAQ
Is Pothos N’Joy Toxic?
Yes, it can harm cats and dogs. The plant has calcium oxalate crystals in its stems that can cause breathing difficulties, painful irritations in the mouth and throat, and problems with digestion. It’s essential to keep the plant away from pets and young children.
Can You Grow Pothos NJoy in Water?
Yes. Using the water propagation method, you can indefinitely grow it in water. Remember to change the water at least once a week and regularly give it a weak fertilizer dose. But remember that your pothos will grow even slower than they would in the soil.
Does Pothos N’Joy Climb?
All Epipremnum genus plants are natural climbers, including this one. Try growing it on a trellis, or give it a moss or coir pole to climb onto. This will also help the plant grow larger leaves.
But if you don’t have space for plant support, don’t worry. You can also keep it as a trailing or hanging plant in a basket.
What’s the Difference Between Pothos N Joy vs Pearls and Jade?
When comparing pothos N’Joy vs Pearls & Jade are sport varieties of the Marble Queen pothos. The main difference between them is leaf variegation, namely the presence and placement of green speckles.
Pearls and Jade has green variegation on both the light green and white leaf sections. The speckles are present on almost all the leaves, forming large, well-defined pattern clusters.
Can NJoy Pothos plants have speckles?
According to the patent images, it can. However, the green speckles and splashes are rare. They only show up on a few leaves and only on the white sections.
References + Resources
The Role of Chlorophyll in Photosynthesis; life.illinois.edu – PDF
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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.