Manjula Pothos vs Marble Queen – Differences and Similarities

Although Manjula Pothos and Marble Queen look similar in appearance due to the structure of their leaves, these two are entirely different plants.

The key to helping them thrive is knowing the difference between them, and I will tell you how.

Both plants with the same heart-shaped leaves tend to confuse everyone, but other factors should be considered to know their differences and similarities.

So, in this article, we’ll get into depth about how these plants are similar and different from each other, which will help you to take care of both plants simultaneously.

Overview of Pothos

Belonging to the Araceae family, both Manjula Pothos and Marble Queen share the same genus, Epipremnum Aureum genus.

In other words, they are also known as Pothos Genus. This is why they look similar to each other in many aspects.

While some believe Marble Queen to be native to the society islands, others think it is native to South Asia and West Indies.

On the other hand, Manjula Pothos is a new variant as researchers propagated it, so there’s very little information about it compared to Marble Queen.

The Similarities between Manjula Pothos & Marble Queen

Manjula Pothos and Marble Queen have almost the same appearance making it difficult for us to differentiate. However, they aren’t similar to each other in terms of leaves only.

They are similar to each other in the follows.

1. Flowering Habits (Inflorescence)

In Marble Queen, we can find purplish-creamy spathe erect flower stalks.

As it was invented per suitable indoor conditions, Manjula Queen doesn’t produce flowers as well.

This implies whether you grow Manjula Pothos or Marble Queen, the chances of these plants producing flowers are null.

2. Growing as Vines

Both the leaves of Manjula Pothos and Marble Queen grow from vines. They don’t grow from sheaths, usually like other plants.

The baby leaves of both plants don’t have definite patterns and variegations.

However, in time, they both grow heart-shaped leaf patterns with intact variegations.

3. Growing Habits

Although they both can grow up to 66 feet tall in their natural habitat, they can only grow up to 6 feet tall with leaves 6 – 8 centimeters broad indoors.

While growing indoors, the growth rate is affected by the difference in the environment.

You can always boost the growth rate with the help of nutrients.

4. Soil Requirements

Manjula Pothos and Marble Queen best grow in the mix of peat moss, regular potting mix, and perlite in equal amounts.

It’s better to use this mix rather than garden soil.

This mix will save your plants from overwatering diseases as this potting soil drains extra water within a few minutes.

5. Light Requirements

Both plants need indirect sunlight as they require light intensity from low to medium.

So, you might not want to place your plants on the window sill as direct sunlight can cause the burning of leaves.

You can also use growing lamps to provide suitable lighting to your plants. I would recommend this 6000K White Light.

6. Temperature Requirements

As they are subtropical plants, Manjula Pothos and Marble Queen require warm temperatures to thrive.

But temperature lower than 65 degrees Fahrenheit is when you should be alarmed as they start to freeze below this temperature.

Summer and spring are the best seasons for these plants to thrive.

7. Humidity Requirements

For perfect leaves, both of these plants required an adequate amount of humidity.  The standard humidity of 40 – 60%  is suitable for their growth.

You can also use a humidifier to maintain the standard humidity for your plants.

8. Watering Habits

The real enemy of the Pothos plant is overwatering. Overwatering causes many fungal diseases to the plant, along with root rot.

So, you should only water them as per the traditional method, that is only if the topsoil is dry.

If you are worried about underwatering, the first sign you’ll notice is leaves with brown spots. Check the topsoil regularly so that you know when to water them.

9. Use of Fertilizers

Pothos comparatively requires fewer nutrients than other plants. So, unless your plant shows any weakness, you don’t need to use any fertilizers.

Being inherently disease resistant, these indoor plants absorb nutrients from the potting soil, so as long your potting soil contains necessary nutrients, Marble Queen and Manjula Pothos don’t need fertilizers.

However, if your plant seems sick, you can use any houseplant fertilizer by diluting them in water once a month.

10. Pest Infestation And Diseases

Both plants are prone to leaf spots, fungal infections of the stem, root rot, and other soil infections.

However, the following are the diseases commonly reported in these particular types of Pothos.

Spotting of Leaves due to Bacterial Infections

One of the significant signs which show bacterial infections is leaves turning rough and loose while developing yellow blotches.

You can easily overcome this problem by avoiding directly pouring water into leaves.

Pouring the water directly into leaves promotes bacterial growth so pouring water into the soil only might help.

Pythium Root Rot

If your plants have mushy textures and black spots, and yellow leaves, it’s a sign it is affected by Pythium root rot.

Repotting your plants by removing infected roots can help you to overcome this problem.

Rhizoctonia Stem Rot

If your plants have a fine powdery texture around the stem and soil surface, the chances are they are affected by stem rot.

But, don’t worry; with a bit of patience, we can get rid of this.

11. Pruning Habits

Timely pruning is necessary o speed up the growth of the plants. Likewise, it helps your plant to grow dense and healthy.

You can trim them by cutting the vines below the node and using them for propagation.

Pruning helps to save your plant’s energy as well as promotes growth.

The important part of pruning is removing yellow, brown, and dead parts of the plant but make sure you use clean clippers.

12. Find the Right Container

It’s safe to say the size or the type of container you choose is responsible for the growth of your Pothos.

The growth of Pothos is usually dense and fast, so the only thing that limits their development is the size of the container they’re in.

It’s not safe to use plastic containers as they’re non-porous, preventing air from freshening the roots and promoting root rot.

It would be best to use a container that allows a fresh supply of oxygen and enough drainage holes to control the moisture content.

Terracotta pots might be suitable for your plants as opposed to plastic containers as they hold more water.

Pick the container that works the best for you. The following article might give you some insights.

13. Repotting Pothos

Marble Queen and Manjula Pothos, both pothos variety, outgrow the original container they’re in as they grow faster and denser. So, it is essential to know when and how to repot your plants.

The best time to repot your plants is when they start to outgrow the pot they’re in. It would be best to begin repotting your plants in a slightly bigger pot than the current one with a drainage facility.

So, make sure the pot is at least two inches wide and profound than the current one.

Also, detangle the roots and snip any infected parts before settling your plants in their new home.

The Differences between Manjula Pothos & Marble Queen

Although the plants are similar in many aspects, subtle things help us differentiate between them. Let’s check them out.

1. Leaf Shape and Texture

You can easily differentiate between these two perennial plants with the help of their leaf shapes.

The Marble Queen’s leaves are flatter along the edges with a broader surface and lie on the surface without the flounces when laid, making it longer than Manjula.

Manjula’s leaves are smaller and resemble money plant-like padded leaves but flexible than Marble Queen’s.

Another parameter for differentiating the plants is through their textures.

Marble Queen’s leaves have a smooth and waxy feel compared to that of Manjula’s.

2. Foliage Color

Foliage color can also be observed to determine the difference between these two plants.

Manjula’s leaves have a similar pattern with three colors beginning from the center and spreading the edges, and also, this plant is greener.

On the other hand, Marble Queen has a mixed pattern resembling dash or pencil strokes with green, white, and cream spread on its leaves.

3. Growth Rate

Due to its whitest variegation, Marble Queen is probably the slowest-growing Pothos.

Studies have shown that the whiter the variegation, the slower the growth in Marble Queen.

Manjula, on the other hand, grows dense and bushy foliage within a few months.

Common Tips for Taking Care Of Manjula Pothos & Marble Queen

This section will share tips for caring for your Pothos, Manjula Pothos or Marble Queen. Let’s get into it.

Leaves Curling

During winter, you might experience the curling of leaves during drought. So make sure you move them to a safer and brighter spot.

Leaves Drooping

Pothos don’t require much care, but if you see leaves drooping, that might be the sign to soak them up in the water until the water drains out. This will automatically freshen them.

Mist the Leaves

There’s a difference between misting your plants during summer and winter.

In summer, you can mist your plant regularly to keep them free from dust.

And in winter, limit the misting to once every ten days.

Watering Advice

Before watering your plants, fill a container and leave it overnight.

This will help regulate the water temperature to room temperature, which benefits your plants.

FAQs About Manjula Pothos vs Marble Queen

I get a lot of similar questions a lot. So I decided to cover them in a section here.

Can Marble Queen Revert?

The answer is yes. All variegated plants are capable of reverting.

Are Manjula Pothos and Marble Queen Toxic?

Yes, these Pothos contain calcium oxalate, which may cause skin allergies.

They also have raphides which are toxic to pets and humans as well.

Why is My Manjula Pothos Turning Green?

This might indicate that your plant is not getting enough light. Try moving it to a brighter place.

Is Marble Queen also called Devil’s Ivy?

Yes, Marble Queen is sometimes called Devil’s Ivy as a testament to its thriving nature even in the dark.

Why is Manjula Pothos called Rare Pothos?

Manjula, being a new variant, is not easily accessible compared to other varieties of Pothos. So, it is also called one of the rare Pothos.

How do I propagate Manjula Pothos and Marble Queen?

Here’s a detailed guide to propagating Manjula Pothos and Marble Queen, like all other varieties of Pothos.