If you’re looking for a low-maintenance yet striking houseplant, growing Harlequin Pothos indoors is a perfect choice!
Native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia, Harlequin Pothos will not just liven the corners of your home with its variegated foliage but will clean your indoor air of harmful toxins. If you wish to flaunt your green thumb with this rare specimen, here’s everything you need to know about growing Harlequin Pothos indoors!
- Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum ‘Harlequin’
- A variegated hybrid of Manjula Pothos
- Gorgeous variegated vines can reach upto 5-10 feet long
- Prized for its unique marble textured foliage
- Loves bright, indirect light
- Toxic to pets and children if ingested
Learn about Growing Neon Pothos here
Harlequin Pothos Plant Profile
The Harlequin Pothos will remind you of the gorgeous Manjula Pothos, due to the resemblance of their variegated foliage. The only difference being the intensity and color of their variegation. Harlequin Pothos is a variegated hybrid of Manjula Pothos with a more pronounced, marbled texture of green and milky white shades, putting out an elite show. The leaves are heart-shaped and slightly wavy, adding to the plant’s overall charm.
Reaching a considerable length of 6-10 feet, the gorgeous vines are the rarest of the rare, making them one of the most sought-after specimens. Albeit the extraordinary looks of the plant will turn heads, it doesn’t ask for much and can thrive well in a typical indoor environment.
Ideal Pot Size
Get a container that is one size bigger than the plant’s root ball. Start with a 4-inch small pot for a young Harlequin Pothos. You may upgrade it to one size bigger container if you want the vines to reach heights. Ensure to drill enough drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the medium, which can be fatal for the roots.
The gorgeous vines of the plant look beautiful, dangling down from hanging baskets or high shelves. You may also grow it as a small countertop plant in cute pots to complement the aesthetics of the foliage.
Harlequin Pothos Propagation
There are multiple methods to propagate this plant, but if you want to choose the easiest and most relied one, the propagation from stem cutting is the best.
- Choose a disease-free plant and use a sterile knife to snip a healthy stem below the leaf nodes.
- Remove the bottom leaves, keeping the upper pair intact.
- Place the stem cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining medium, ensuring the foliage does not come in contact with the medium.
- Keep the medium evenly moist but not soggy.
- Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect sunlight.
You’ll notice new growth in a few weeks. At this point, hold back on watering and ensure the plant with favorable growing conditions.
Requirements for Growing Harlequin Pothos
Light
Harlequin Pothos needs bright, indirect light to flaunt its gorgeous variegation, and to give it the same, place it near the North or Eastern windows that receive a few hours of mild morning sunlight.
The plant will survive in shady spots too, but you may definitely not want a dull display of foliage in your living room, so ensure to provide it with ample filtered light.
Soil
A good-quality, all-purpose potting soil with a pH of 6.1-6.5 can do well for this indoor plant. The ideal blend would be a combination of equal parts of houseplant mix, perlite, and peat moss to hit the right balance between water retention and drainage.
Ensure not to use the contaminated or clayey medium as that will kill the plant pretty easily.
Water
Harlequin Pothos loves evenly moist soil that is not waterlogged, so the trick is to water the medium when the soil dries out. These plants somewhat tolerate drought but will not appreciate extended water scarcity, resulting in wilted, dull foliage.
Follow a deep watering method every week, i.e., water the medium until it seeps out of the drainage holes. Keep an eye on the top two inches of the medium and do the needful.
Temperature and Humidity
Harlequin Pothos loves temperatures and humidity on the higher side, so some warmth and little humidity will do just fine for the plant. These plants will grow well in temperatures between 60-85°F (15-29°C). They can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) but not lower than that.
Being a houseplant, the Harlequin Pothos loves humidity; you can increase the moisture around your Pothos by placing a pebble tray nearby or misting the leaves with tepid water.
Harlequin Pothos Care
Fertilizers
This beautiful pothos can perform well without fertilization if grown in a nutrient-rich medium. However, a balance water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season will result in prominent foliage variegation. Ensure to dilute the feed to 1/4th its strength to keep the gorgeous foliage from nutrient burn.
Do not fertilize the plant during the winter when it is in its dormant phase.
Pests and Diseases
Harlequin Pothos is a relatively pest and disease-resistant plant. However, it is susceptible to a few common houseplant problems, such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scales. Use a neem oil or insecticidal soap spray monthly to get rid of these pests.
Also, avoid overwatering the medium to keep potential diseases at bay.
