Jessenia Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Jessenia’)
Botanical Classification:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Monocots
- Order: Alismatales
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Epipremnum
- Species: Epipremnum aureum
- Cultivar: ‘Jessenia’
Epipremnum aureum ‘Jessenia’ is a cultivar within the Araceae family, known for its diverse, ornamental foliage plants. Jessenia Pothos was introduced by Costa Farms, a prominent plant nursery, in 2014. It was developed as part of their ongoing efforts to breed new and unique varieties of popular houseplants, focusing on aesthetic appeal and growth characteristics. ‘Jessenia’ is named after a common Spanish name, reflecting perhaps the beauty and grace of the plant.
Since its introduction, Jessenia Pothos has gained popularity among plant collectors and enthusiasts for its distinct variegation, which is subtler and more refined compared to other variegated Pothos. Its leaves have a lime green to chartreuse variegation on a dark green background, offering a fresh look to indoor spaces. Jessenia has quickly spread through the houseplant community, becoming a favored choice for those looking for something different in their indoor plant collections. Its unique appearance has made it a staple in both residential and commercial indoor gardens.
Like other cultivars of Epipremnum aureum, Jessenia Pothos is not suited for outdoor cultivation in most USDA Hardiness Zones due to its tropical origins. It can thrive outdoors in Zones 10-11, where temperatures remain frost-free, allowing for growth in very warm climates. In zones cooler than 10, Jessenia is primarily grown indoors, where it can adapt to a range of light conditions, making it suitable for indoor environments across all USDA zones.
While ‘Jessenia’ is a cultivated variety, its parent species, Epipremnum aureum, originates from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, growing in the understory of tropical rainforests. Jessenia shares similar environmental preferences in cultivation. Jessenia Pothos has a global cultivated range, found in plant collections worldwide where indoor plants are popular. Its aesthetic appeal and unique variegation make it a sought-after plant in many countries.
Although less aggressive due to its variegation reducing photosynthetic efficiency, care should be taken in tropical or subtropical climates where it might escape cultivation. Its unique leaf pattern might make it less competitive in natural settings compared to fully green varieties.
Jessenia adapts well to different light levels, from low to bright indirect light, with a preference for the latter to maintain its variegation. It’s also quite forgiving of occasional neglect in watering, making it adaptable for various indoor settings.
Characteristics
- Foliage: Jessenia Pothos is known for its elegant variegation, with leaves displaying a mix of lime green to chartreuse on a darker green background. This variegation can vary from leaf to leaf, creating a subtle, almost painterly effect that’s less bold than some other variegated Pothos but equally charming. The leaves are heart-shaped, glossy, and have a vibrant appearance.
- Growth Habit: Like other Epipremnum aureum cultivars, Jessenia can grow as either a climber or a trailer. It uses aerial roots to climb if support is available, or it can trail gracefully from hanging baskets or shelves. Its growth rate might be slightly slower than its all-green counterparts due to its variegation.
- Size: The leaves can grow to about 4 inches (10 cm) wide, with the plant capable of extending several feet in length if not pruned, offering a lush, decorative effect.
- Flowers: Flowering indoors is extremely rare, but when it does occur, it produces the characteristic spadix and spathe of the Araceae family.
Cultivation
- Light: Jessenia Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light to maintain its variegation. Too little light can cause the variegated parts to revert to more green, losing some of its distinctive beauty. Direct sunlight should be avoided to prevent leaf burn, especially on the variegated areas.
- Soil: A well-draining potting mix is crucial. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark or a commercial houseplant soil ensures good drainage, which is essential to prevent root rot.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil has dried out. It’s somewhat drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture, especially in brighter light conditions. Overwatering should be avoided to prevent root issues.
- Humidity: While adaptable to normal household humidity, Jessenia appreciates higher humidity levels, which can be achieved through misting or using a pebble tray with water, mimicking its tropical origins.
- Temperature: Prefers a temperature range between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It’s sensitive to cold, with growth slowing below 50°F (10°C), and it can suffer damage from frost.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Since variegation can affect growth, avoid over-fertilizing, which might encourage more green growth at the expense of variegation. Reduce or stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.
- Pruning: Prune to manage size, shape or to encourage bushier growth. Cutting back also provides cuttings for propagation and helps maintain the plant’s aesthetic.
Propagation
- Stem Cuttings: The most effective method for propagation:
- Cut a healthy stem section below a node, ensuring each cutting has at least one node and one or two leaves.
- Water Method: Place the cutting in water, making sure the node is underwater. Change the water regularly to keep it clean. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which you can pot the cutting.
- Soil Method: Insert the cutting directly into damp soil, covering the node. Keep the soil consistently moist until roots develop.
- Layering: Similar to other Epipremnum species, you can encourage rooting on a stem while still attached by securing part of the stem to the soil or wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss. Once rooted, cut below the new roots and pot.
- Division: Less common due to its growth habit, but possible with mature plants with multiple stems or during repotting. Divide the root ball, ensuring each section has some roots and shoots, then pot each division separately.