Jessenia Pothos: How to Grow and Care Guide

Pothos is a popular houseplant due to its hardiness and low maintenance requirements. In this article, we will discuss the care, propagation, and common problems of Jessenia Pothos.

About Jessenia Pothos

Jessenia Pothos is a type of Pothos known for its variegated leaves, which are typically green and yellow or white. It is a popular houseplant because of its hardiness and low care requirements.

In addition, this plant can thrive in a variety of light conditions. It is known to be able to tolerate low light, making it suitable for a variety of indoor spaces.

Like other Pothos, these plants do not require a lot of water. Therefore, you should allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. However, you should not overwater, as this can lead to root rot, which is a common problem with many houseplants.

How to Grow Jessenia Pothos

Jessenia Pothos is a popular houseplant that is known for its beautiful variegated leaves. With proper care, it can thrive for many years.

Ideal Conditions for Planting Jessenia Pothos

Optimal Light Conditions

In terms of light conditions, this plant thrives in bright light but not direct sunlight to prevent leaf damage. It can also thrive in moderate light conditions.

However, unlike other plants, do not place them in low-light conditions, as this will cause the leaves to fade. If you are growing this houseplant, you may need to use a specific grow light for indoor plants to provide it with the bright light it needs.

Soil Mixture 

For Jessenia Pothos, when caring for it, you should use a potting mix that can retain a little moisture but still allow water to drain easily when watering. In addition, you can use a regular potting mix for this plant, which will still work well for a short time.

However, for the best results in terms of long-term growth and health, it is best to combine the potting mix with other materials, such as small particles like pebbles and a little orchid bark.

This mixture can help to prevent the soil from becoming compacted, which is good for the roots and the overall growth of the plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Because this plant is native to tropical rainforests, Jessenia Pothos thrives in warm conditions and slightly humid air. Therefore, you should try to keep the room temperature at 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 23°C) and the air with humidity from 50 to 70%.

If your home does not have enough natural humidity, you may want to consider using a plant humidifier to customize the humidity level. You can place a water tray near the plant to help increase humidity.

In addition, if you find your home to be too dry, especially in the winter, spraying water on the leaves can help the plant to be more comfortable.

In summary, you just monitor the conditions to always ensure the appropriate temperature and humidity, helping your plant to be healthy.

How to Propagate Jessenia Pothos

You can easily propagate more Jessenia Pothos plants from healthy stems. It is best to do this during the warmer seasons like spring and summer when the plant is growing more. Here are the easy steps to propagate new plants from stem cuttings.

Step 1: Gather tools and prepare

You will need sharp scissors or special plant clippers. Make sure they are disinfected to keep your plant healthy.

Step 2: Take the cutting

Then, remove 1 to 2 leaves from the bottom to expose the stem. Also, note that each cutting should have 2 to 4 nodes and leaves (the bumps on the stem where the leaves grow).

Step 3: Prepare a water container

You find a jar or glass bottle and fill it with water. Place the stem cuttings in so that the bare end is submerged and the leaves are on top. 

Step 4: Light and water change

Place the jar in a spot with indirect sunlight. Then, change the water weekly. Within a few weeks, you will see small white roots growing from the nodes underwater.

Step 5: Plant in soil

When the roots are 2 to 3 inches long, they are ready to be planted in the soil. Take a small pot and fill it with well-draining soil. After that, you place the rooted stem cuttings in this soil and gently pat the soil around them.

Step 6: Water as usual

Finally, water the new plant until excess water drains out of the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Now, you place the new plant in a spot with indirect sunlight. You should keep the soil slightly moist for the first 1 to 2 weeks to help them adjust to the new soil.

Jessenia Pothos Care Tips

Watering Schedule 

When watering this type of plant, you should water it when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil is dry to the touch. In detail, you insert your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle and if it feels dry, it is time to water.

Another option instead of using your hand is to use a wooden skewer or chopstick. You insert it into the soil, pull it out, and check the moisture. If the skewer comes out clean and dry, the plant needs water. 

Moreover, some people also use a moisture meter, which is a device that is inserted into the soil to provide moisture readings. Therefore, you can consider finding more information about this type of device to purchase and use.

Fertilizing Jessenia Pothos

This type of plant will grow very well if you fertilize it regularly during the growing season. In warmer months, such as spring and summer, continue to feed it with a fully balanced liquid plant food.

Do this about once a month when you water. Also, be sure to read the directions on the back of the fertilizer bottle to avoid overfeeding the plant.

For cooler months, such as fall and winter, the plant will typically slow down its growth. Thus, you will want to stop fertilizing or adding any nutrients. This is because it can lead to nutrient overload and adding more nutrients can harm the plant.

Note: If you are new to plant care, using a liquid fertilizer will make it easier to control. One application of fertilizer will take care of both feeding and watering your plant at the same time.

Pruning Process 

Cutting back your plant is not a must, but it can help if you want to manage its size. Typically, the best time to cut off your plant a little is in the spring and summer. Because this is the growing season and the plant can recover quickly after being pruned.

To perform the pruning, first, make sure you have some sharp cutting tools such as scissors or secateurs. Then, you should clean them thoroughly to avoid spreading germs to your plant. When you start cutting, don't cut off more than 1/3 of the leaves.

Now, don't throw away the healthy parts that you cut off. Because they can be used to propagate a new Jessenia Pothos plant. So, you just need to stick them in water or soil, and with a little care, they will start to grow roots.

Note: During the cutting process, always wash your hands before and after the process. And remember, cut back your plant as little as possible. It is best to cut back gradually to see how the plant reacts, as cutting back too much can damage the plant.

Repotting Jessenia Pothos

If you see your Jessenia Pothos look bigger than the current pot and the roots are growing out of the drainage holes or the roots are wrapped around the mouth of the pot, then it's time to buy a new pot.

Normally, the time to repot is about one to two years. The best months to report are in the spring and summer. To do this, first, buy a new pot that is a few inches larger than the current pot and prepare additional fresh and well-draining soil. 

Then gently remove the plant and shake off any excess soil that is stuck to the roots. Now, you continue to place it in the new pot, cover it with new soil, and water it.

Finally, place the plant back in the original pot to help it adapt to the new pot. 

Jessenia Pothos Toxicity

It's crucial to be careful when you have any Pothos plants in your living space. Eating parts of the plant can lead to mouth soreness, swelling, and trouble with eating or digestion.

Also, the plant isn't safe for people or pets, so it's best to place your Jessenia pothos where kids and animals can't get to it.

Touching the plant can sometimes lead to skin issues like itchiness or rash. Because of this, think about using gloves when you need to handle these plants.

Common Jessenia Pothos Plant Problems

Knowing the common problems that Jessenia Pothos plants can experience can help you troubleshoot any issues that may arise: 

Yellow Leaves

If you notice your Jessenia Pothos has yellow leaves, the cause may be due to several factors, such as overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient sunlight.

Figuring out the problem can be a bit tricky, but closely observing your plant can give you some clues. For example, feel the soil and you feel “Is it always soggy?” If so, overwatering is the issue. Besides, if the soil feels like a desert, you're not providing enough moisture to the soil.

You can consider the light conditions. As mentioned, these plants prefer their space to have bright light but not be exposed to direct sunlight. So, they need to be close enough to a window to take advantage of natural light but not so close that they get sunburned.

Brown Leaves

If you notice your Jessenia Pothos has started to have brown leaves, this usually means that it is not getting enough water. Although these plants have some ability to handle dry conditions, they thrive when watered regularly. 

To avoid overwatering, it is important to check the soil moisture regularly. You can do this by feeling the soil with your fingers. If the top 2 to 3 inches of soil feels dry, it is time to water. You can also set a watering schedule to help you remember to water your plants regularly.

In addition, be aware that your plant's water needs may change depending on the season. In the winter, when plants are growing more slowly, they will need less water.

If the brown leaves are also crispy, this is a sign that your plant is severely dehydrated. You can try using a humidity tray or a hygrometer to help maintain humidity around your plants.

Slow Growth

If you notice this type of plant is not growing as fast as you expect, don't worry too much. This specific Pothos is known to grow a bit slower than its cousins due to its colorful leaves.

However, if the growth rate is significantly slow, poor lighting may be the cause. Your plant needs enough sunlight but not direct sunlight every day to thrive.

During care, check if your plant is receiving enough indirect sunlight daily. If there is too little light, the plant will have difficulty growing. Thus, you move the plant closer to a window, but be careful not to burn the leaves.

Moreover, you also need to keep in mind that plants typically grow less in the colder months, so don't worry if they grow slower in the winter.

Jessenia Pothos Frequently Asked Questions

Can used coffee grounds benefit Pothos plants?

Pothos plants can attract certain bugs like mealybugs or thrips. Coffee grounds can be a natural way to fend off these pests instead of using chemical sprays. Plus, they can even help get rid of any lingering pesticide traces.

What's the ideal temperature for Jessenia Pothos?

While Jessenia Pothos can handle various temperatures, they thrive best in a range of 65°F to 75°F. As a plant from tropical regions, it doesn't like the cold, and it might not survive temperatures under 50°F.

Does Jessenia Pothos leave change if they get too little light?

If your Jessenia Pothos isn't getting enough light, you might notice its leaves losing their unique coloring and turning all green. This is more likely to happen when the plant is in a dimly lit spot.

Wrapping Up Our Guide to Jessenia Pothos 

Taking care of Pothos plants is quite simple and hassle-free, as long as you pay attention and follow these simple tips for their care and maintenance: 

• Using a well-draining soil mix.
• Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering and avoid overwatering.
• Use full-strength liquid plant food once a month and stop fertilizing in fall and winter.
• Provide well-lit and avoid direct sunlight. 
• Use full-strength liquid plant food once a month during the growing season. 
• You should prune it in spring and summer. Do not remove more than 1/3 of the leaves.
• Every 1-2 years, you should repot. 

By focusing on 7 crucial factors, such as light, soil, watering, temperature, humidity, fertilizer, and repotting, and avoiding common issues, you can keep your Jessenia Pothos healthy and thriving for years to come.