How Do I Take Care Of The Harlequin Pothos?

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Notes

A rare plant, harlequin pothos is expensive with a unique appearance that makes it an excellent choice for indoor gardeners.

In this detailed proper care guide, we’re diving into the how’s, why’s, and when’s of everything your Harlequin Pothos needs to stay healthy.

Find out where you can purchase this Epipremnum, its unique characteristics, and typical dangers to avoid. 

What are Harlequin Pothos plants?

Harlequin Pothos is one of the wide varieties of pothos plants and is one of the most popular types of pothos. It is a perennial from the Araceae family with its common name known as Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin, Harlequin, Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin, ivy arum, and devil’s ivy.

It is an Epipremnum aureum pothos that will grow best in hardiness zones 10-12. Place it with as bright indirect light as possible without giving it direct sunlight to expand its expensive heart-shaped, light green, and white-colored leaves.

Origin And Family

Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin, just like the Epipremnum pinnatum, is a member of the Epipremnum genus in the Araceae family. Since it is a tropical plant, it is indigenous to the forests in the tropical regions of southeast Asia.

The Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin has become popular among plant collectors in recent times. Although not very common, it can rarely bloom with flowers.

Where To Buy

Are you interested in purchasing a Harlequin Pothos but unclear where to do so? According to our experience, Etsy guarantees that the plants are grown by respectable sellers. Most of the time, they will be able to assist you with issues regarding plant care and will know the optimal conditions for packing and shipping plants.

With high prices, the Harlequin Pothos is usually available in the market for $35 to $50 for rare super white harlequin pothos.

Harlequin Pothos Plant Size

The Harlequin Pothos is a fast-growing popular houseplant and indoor plant that should be placed with the indirect sun as much as possible to not give it direct sunlight. In homes, it can reach an average height of 5-10 feet and an average width of leaves up to 3 feet in length.

Harlequin Pothos Care Needs

Certain conditions must be met to grow your Harlequin Pothos to its full potential, although it is not a complex plant to care for. The Harlequin Pothos, with its light green and white leaves and mottled appearance, thrives in evenly moist soil and a few inches deep.

If the top 50 percent of soil is dry, water your Epipremnum plant. If your container has adequate drainage, do not be afraid to totally saturate the soil during watering schedules to adequately hydrate the roots. However, do not add too much water to avoid drowning the plant. This beautiful plant requires indirect light for optimal growth.

Learn about your plant’s individual care requirements by reading the advice below!

Care Difficulty

The Harlequin is often regarded as easy-to-care-for. If you wish to grow this fantastic plant successfully, ensure it gets the proper amount of light and water.

Did I just get into Devil’s Ivy? 😃

-Golden Pothos
-Variegated Neon Pothos

These Epipremnum Aureum will now live on the fridge and grow plentiful forthwith. That is all 🪴#Plants #PlantTwitter #HousePlants pic.twitter.com/t3oe9NVp1K

— 🪴Soily Fingers🪴 (@SoilyFingers) June 27, 2022

Growth Rate

When grown indoors, the Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin plant grows to 5-10 feet. It develops the fastest during its best time, spring and summer.

Most Epipremnum species, including the Super White, have a fast-growing speed.

Potting

Plants of the genus Epipremnum can be grown in standard potting soil. However, they demand a container with excellent drainage. A simple ceramic pot will suffice, and drainage holes are necessary to prevent excess water from suffocating the Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin’s roots. 

Repotting

Moving your Harlequin Pothos into a larger pot gives its roots more room to grow. Typically, you can recognize it’s time to repot your plant if you observe the stems going dark brown or black and becoming mushy.

Typically, you should repot this pricey plant every one to two years. When filling the new pot, replacing the old, nutrient-deficient soil with a fresh batch of well-draining mix is desirable.

Soil

Harlequin grows well in a well-draining mix. You can also choose to make your own potting mix by adding in perlite. This plant likes its soil to stay evenly moist.

Additionally, adequate drainage is critical to avoid fungal diseases, root rot, and other issues.

These are some soil options we recommend:

pH

This plant requires a pH between 6.1 and 6.5, which indicates that your Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin prefers neutral to acidic soil. If you are regularly repotting this plant or adding new dirt, the pH level is less of a problem than if you were growing it outdoors. 

Water

Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin needs proper irrigation to thrive. If you overwater, you risk creating diseases like root rot. Your plant roots may dry up if you water them insufficiently, especially on warm days. The growing media for Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin should be uniformly wet.

There is a straightforward method for determining whether your plant needs watering. Using a wooden skewer or a pencil, you may decide if the container still contains moist, muddy dirt. Alternatively, you can simply use your finger to detect dampness. Water your plant if the top 50 percent of the soil is dry.

A porous container with drainage holes and an aerated, chunky soil mixture can aid in removing excess water.

Light

This easy-to-care-for houseplant prefers indirect light for approximately 12 or more hours a day, but just make sure you do not expose it directly under the sun. If there’s excessive light, its leaves may burn. If there’s a lack of light, its leaves’ colors may fade.

Move your Harlequin Pothos near a window, or consider using LED grow lights if it does not receive enough light. Here are some suggestions for you to consider: 

Fertilizer

Feed your Harlequin if you want to give it some extra nutrient boost. Use a slow-release fertilizer once a month during its growing season in the spring and summer.

Here are some plant food options you can use:

When growth naturally slows down in the wintertime, you might want to avoid supplying fertilizers to your Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin, as it may severely damage or even kill it.

Propagating Harlequin Pothos

There are different ways to propagate Harlequin Pothos. For higher chances of success, follow the steps we’ve laid out below for each unique method.

Stem Cuttings In Soil

Planting stem cuttings directly in the soil is a fundamental approach for growing Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin. If you do not already have this plant, you can acquire a cutting from Etsy or your community’s Facebook Marketplace.

It is ideal for propagating in the spring and late summer, so your plant can recover more quickly from transplant shock.

1. Using clean pruning shears, remove a healthy portion of the plant. Ideally, a cutting should be at least three inches tall and contain a few leaves and nodes.
2. Bury the stem’s nodes in a container or pot with moist potting soil. Use wooden skewers or pin the dirt around the stem to secure the plant. Too much movement can inhibit root development.
3. Place the container near a window with indirect, bright light. Don’t forget to keep the soil moist.

Expect new roots within two to three weeks. A developing sprout is the most reliable indicator that a cutting has successfully developed roots!

Stem Cuttings In Water

A Harlequin can be propagated in water with six simple steps.

1. Cut. Cut a section from the stem with new growth and at least one node.

2. Submerge. Place the cutting in a glass of water or a transparent container to observe root development.

3. Maintain. Keep the cutting in a bright, shaded area with good airflow.

4. Refill. Don’t forget to replace the water every 3-5 days to avoid bacterial infection.

5. Transplant. Check for progress after 2 weeks. If the roots are about an inch or longer, plant the cutting into a sterile potting mix.

6. Wait. Your new plant may look wilted at first, but this is normal while its roots adjust to the soil. Avoid applying fertilizer or any treatments until your plant has gotten the chance to stabilize.

Division

The division is a common propagation technique for plants that produce pups from their roots. Follow these methods to split the stem clusters of your Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin:

1. Remove the plant from the container, and you should be able to discern the natural divisions of the plant.

2. Gently separate the parts with your fingertips, and you might require shears to trim any tangled roots.

3. Plant each section in new pots filled with the same soil they’re used to.

Humidity And Aeration

Harlequin Pothos is the rarest pothos, a perennial that thrives in environments ranging from moderate to high humidity. We suggest maintaining a relative humidity of 50 percent or above for optimal results.

In addition to taking water through its roots, your plant will require sustenance from the air. You can keep bowls of water around to evaporate or buy a humidifier that can increase humidity more consistently for your plant.

Temperature

Generally, warm temperatures or average temperature is best for your Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin plant. This can range from 18°C to 25°C (64-77°F) degrees Fahrenheit.

The most crucial factor for this plant is consistency. Temperature changes can severely harm the Harlequin Epipremnum Aureum. In cold weather, shield your plant from cold drafts by closing windows and caulking all openings. Keep it away from heat vents that can dry the plant’s leaves.

Flowers

Typically, plants will only bloom when exposed to natural elements. However, your Harlequin Epipremnum Aureum can still produce flowers. 

Day 39
Look how big my leaves have grown! Caretaker said it might even be time for a little trim🌿
(Feat. My little sister Quartz)#Pothos #DevilsIvy #huntersRove #EpipremnumAureum #PlantTwitter #plantdad #plantmom pic.twitter.com/15GqHjhl6j

— Yoko Potho (@YokoPotho) June 19, 2022

Toxic

If you have small children or pets, be vigilant. The Harlequin is hazardous to both cats and dogs as well as humans. If you are exposed to its toxins, you may get localized inflammation. The majority of the time, this plant is deemed non-lethal. 

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

The Harlequin Pothos is not resistant to numerous insects, problems, and diseases. In the following parts, I’ll describe some of the most prevalent issues with the Harlequin Pothos and some ideas for treating them. 

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are tiny insects that feed on an organic breakdown in soil, potting mix, and other container media. Their larvae eat fungus and organic materials in the dirt, but they also devour roots, which is bad news for your Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin.

Hydrogen peroxide kills fungus gnat larvae on contact. Soak your soil in a solution with four parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide to eliminate these bugs. The good thing about hydrogen peroxide is that it is a natural component of rainwater that reoxygenates the soil and promotes healthier root growth. 

Scale Insects

Sap-feeding insects are known as scales. Adult scales are distinguished from other insects by their ability to adhere to a single plant portion and remain there. On the stems or petioles of a plant, they may appear as brownish lumps known as armored scales.

As a preventative precaution, you can dilute one teaspoon of neem oil in 500 milliliters of water and spray it on the leaves of your Harlequin Pothos to deter scales.

You can also release ladybugs or lacewings next to the afflicted plant and let them take care of the problem.

Aphids

Aphids are usually found as a cluster of bugs on your Harlequin, and they could be colored green, black, red, brown, yellow, orange, or white. They multiply extremely fast and can weaken your plant within days!

Aphids are particularly attracted to new shoots, flower buds, and new growth areas. They will leave behind unsightly black and white splotches as they feed on the sap.

If you spot these icky crawlers, immediately isolate your infected plant from the others. Give your plant a strong spray of water to dislodge the aphids, but remember to cover the soil with plastic to catch any falling bugs and their eggs. Dispose of the plastic somewhere far away from your garden.

A spray of insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil can take care of the problem, but you may need to repeat this several times until you’re sure the aphid population has been completely eradicated.

Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) https://t.co/SjrakaMokF #terrariumplants #terrariumcreations pic.twitter.com/w8Zzzb4MXM

— Terrarium Creations (@TerrariumCreate) June 28, 2022

Mealybugs

Mealybugs may infest your Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin. These little parasites damage your Epipremnum by inserting a feeding tube into the plant tissues and sucking on the sap, and they can eventually weaken or even kill your plant.

Soak a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to get rid of them, then use its tip to manually remove each mealybug. Neem oil can also be sprayed on the leaves to suffocate these bugs. 

Brown Leaf Tips

There are several causes for the browning of the leaf margins on your Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin. Lack of humidity, excessive exposure to intense light, salt and mineral buildup from chemically treated tap water, and fertilizer burn are potential causes. 

Drooping Leaves

The leaves of your Harlequin Pothos might start to droop if it’s not getting the proper amount of moisture and light that it needs. Check out the water and light sections above to see the recommended care practices for your plant.

Drooping leaves can also be an issue that comes with low humidity, so check the humidity levels in your area and ensure that it matches your plant’s needs.

Yellow Leaves

There are numerous causes for the yellowing of Harlequin’s leaves. Lack of light can deplete your plant of nutrients and cause its leaves to become yellow. Alternately, there could be a problem with underwatering, overwatering, or a generally uneven watering schedule.

Remove leaves that have turned yellow so the plant may concentrate its efforts on developing new, green leaves.

Root Rot

A typical cause of death for the Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin is root rot, which occurs when you overwater your plant. Use only water if the top 50% of the soil is dry.

Another cause of root rot is poor drainage; thus, this Epipremnum requires a well-draining soil mixture.

When selecting a container for your plant, ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Clay pots and unglazed ceramic planters can absorb and slowly release soil moisture into the air. 

Similar Plants

Love Epipremnum Aureum Harlequin and want to know more about the pothos variety? Here are some other similar pothos type plant options you should try:

• Manjula Pothos (Epipremnum aureum Manjula) – The University of Florida developed Manjula Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum Manjula. Because of the silver, cream, and white variegation in the leaves, Manjula grows slowly. This is because, in the leaves, less chlorophyll equals less nourishment for rapid growth. When cultivated as a houseplant, Manjula Pothos thrives in low-to-medium light conditions.
• Marble Queen Pothos – The Marble Queen is simple and easy to care for. Vining foliage with stunning white and cream variegation distinguishes it. It prefers indirect light that is medium to bright, although it may also thrive in low light. Sunlight should be avoided. But you have to be careful because people and pets may experience adverse effects if consumed.
• Golden Pothos – This plant is so popular and utilized in domestic and commercial decorative displays. It is low maintenance and very lovely! These lovely trellising plants can be displayed in a hanging basket or draped gently off the shelving. This plant is extremely low-maintenance and has a reputation for being nearly impossible to kill.
• Jade Pothos – Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’ is its botanical name but is better known as Jade Pothos. It is originally from Asia but grown in Florida. On a six-foot wood totem, it has beautiful, dark green heart-shaped leaves eagerly creeping up.

Conclusion

The Harlequin Pothos, one type of pothos plant, has mottled light and green, white variegation and is the perfect addition to any plant lover’s collection.

Whether you’re a novice indoor gardener or a seasoned hobbyist interested in learning more about this particular plant, we hope you’ve learned some helpful suggestions for cultivating your Harlequin Pothos!

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