Epipremnum aureum 'Happy Leaf' ('Manjula')

Origin of the cultivar

'Manjula', also sold as 'Happy Leaf', was selected by breeder Ashish Hansoti near Mumbai, India, in 2010 after a naturally occurring mutation appeared among compact Epipremnum plants.

It was originally recorded under Epipremnum pinnatum; today it is widely sold as Epipremnum aureum 'Manjula'. It was kept for its broad leaves, close growth and mix of cream, pale yellow and green.

How to keep 'Happy Leaf' growing well

• Light: Place it in bright indirect light to support the cream and pale areas without scorching them.
• Water: Water when the upper layer has begun to dry. Keep the rhythm steady and avoid prolonged drought or saturation.
• Substrate: An airy aroid mix with reliable drainage protects the roots while holding enough moisture for broad new leaves.
• Humidity: Normal household humidity is usually fine; more consistent humidity can help new leaves open cleanly.
• Temperature: Keep it warm and avoid cold draughts, especially around wet roots.
• Pruning and support: Trim wandering vines to keep a compact pot, or attach them to a support if you prefer larger climbing growth.
• Feeding, repotting and propagation: Feed gently during spring and summer growth, then pause if the plant slows in lower winter light. Repot once the roots need more room, and propagate from healthy node cuttings that show both green and pale patterning.

Common problems with 'Happy Leaf'

• Cream sections turning crisp brown: Check first for strong direct sun or repeated drying. Move the plant out of hot rays and make watering more consistent.
• The cream and pale-yellow pattern disappears along one stem: A run of much greener leaves can mean that stem is reverting or has shifted to a less variegated pattern. Leave enough green foliage to keep the plant vigorous; if the change continues, trim that stem back to the most recent node that still produced the mixed colouring.
• Yellowing with soft stems or a sour-smelling mix: Inspect the root system for rot and remove damaged tissue before repotting into fresh, freely draining substrate. Use a clean, disinfected blade to cut back to firm, healthy tissue, and discard all rotten material you remove.
• Silvery scarring or distorted new leaves: Look closely for thrips, isolate the plant if found, and treat according to a product label that covers thrips on ornamental houseplants. Repeat only at the interval stated on the label.

Epipremnum aureum ‘Happy Leaf’ (‘Manjula’) is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

About the name Epipremnum aureum

Epipremnum combines Greek epi, meaning upon, with premnon, meaning tree trunk, referring to the way the vine attaches to a support.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Epipremnum in 1857 in Bonplandia (Hannover), volume 5, page 45.

Jean Jules Linden and Édouard-François André first described it as Pothos aureus in 1880 in L’Illustration Horticole, volume 27, page 69. George Sydney Bunting later placed it in Epipremnum as Epipremnum aureum in 1964 in Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, volume 50, page 28.