If you’re an indoor plant enthusiast, then you might want to add the Neon Pothos to your collection. Its vibrant and eye-catching leaves are a delightful addition to any room decor. Plus, these low-maintenance houseplants grow well in pots or in a hanging basket. The beautiful vines trail out for a stunning look.
This type of pothos is native to the tropical Solomon Islands in Oceania and can grow healthy in other subtropical climates like Asia and Australia. This bright plant is characterized by its vining growth habit, neon green color, and heart-shaped leaves. The best part about this plant is that it’s excellent for beginners and those with a notoriously brown thumb.
What’s best is that neon pothos is very low-maintenance and easy to take care of; they can adapt to different lighting, and while they appreciate being watered regularly, these plants bounce back quickly with a bit of water if you forget to water them every once in a while.
When grown indoors, these bright plants can grow vines up to 10 feet long, so while pruning is not necessary for these tropical vines, you may want to trim the vines every once in a while to keep their size under control.
Plus, these low-maintenance plants are incredibly versatile! Whether hanging from baskets, cascading down shelves, or gracefully adorning a floor pot, its trailing vines bring an undeniable touch of elegance to any space. I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different placements and watching this beauty transform each corner of my home.
If you’re interested in learning how to plant, grow, and care for neon pothos, then keep on reading!
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum ‘neon’
Common Name: Neon Pothos
Family: Araceae
Plant Type: Vine, perennial
Hardiness Zones: 11 – 12 (USDA)
Sun Exposure: Bright indirect sunlight
Soil Type: Loamy, moist, but well-drained soil
Soil pH: 6.1 – 6.8 (Slightly acidic)
Height: Up to 10 feet long
Bloom Time: Spring and summer
Flower Color: Green and white
Native Area: Solomon Island in Oceania and Australia
Quick Guide: Planting, Growing & Caring for Neon Pothos
- Neon pothos is an incredibly low-maintenance plant that can thrive even in low-light conditions but prefers bright indirect sunlight.
- This type of pothos is generally not picky when it comes to the soil as long as it is loamy and moist and well-drained.
- It’s important not to overwater neon pothos as this can lead to root rot and fungal growth.
- This tropical plant loves high humidity so use a humidifier or pebble tray if you live in a dry part of the country.
Neon Pothos Care
Neon Pothos, with its stunning lime-green foliage, belongs to the Araceae family, which also includes other popular houseplants like Monstera and Philodendron. Its scientific name, Epipremnum aureum, translates to “golden creeping vine,” perfectly describing its cascading growth habit.
This type of pothos brings high contrast to any space with its electric chartreuse leaves, and it’s just as hardy as the other pothos varieties.
I’ve experimented with placing Neon Pothos in various light conditions, and I must say, it’s impressively adaptable. While it thrives in bright, indirect light, I’ve also seen it flourish in low light corners of my home. It’s amazing how resilient and versatile this plant is when it comes to light! But keep in mind that bright direct sunlight may turn your plant pale.
Neon pothos looks excellent around a windowsill, climbing up a moss pole, or trained up a wall. Anyone who wants a low-maintenance plant will love this plant’s fantastic foliage – to promote shorter internodes and larger leaves, grow your pothos in brighter light; although these plants can survive in low-lighting conditions, they won’t thrive as much.
Soil
The first step in caring for your Neon Pothos is by making sure that it has the right soil. This type of pothos is generally not picky when it comes to the soil as long as it is loamy and moist and well-drained.
Regular houseplant soil works well for this low-maintenance plant or, if you’re feeling fancy and generous, you can create a slightly airier mix by combining one part perlite, one par orchid bark, and one part houseplant soil for an organic, chunky, and well-draining soil that your plants will love.
It’s important to note that these tropical plants can tolerate a range of soil pH levels, but they prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.1 and 6.8. You can use a soil pH tester to determine the acidity of your soil and adjust it accordingly.
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Light
These plants grow naturally as forest understory plants and can adapt to a broad range of lighting conditions, including lower lighting conditions.
However, bright indirect light or indirect sunlight is the best to keep leaves green and vibrant and avoid legginess. But be careful that your neon pothos’ doesn’t get much light, as a lot of direct sunlight may turn your plant pale.
I recommend placing your neon pothos near a window that receives bright indirect light or using artificial grow lights if you don’t have access to natural light.
Water
Watering is essential to plant health. However, when it comes to neon pothos, it’s important not to overwater.
Overwatering can lead to root rot and fungal growth, which can kill your plant. Neon Pothos prefers moist soil, but not wet soil. It’s best to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. The frequency of watering will depend on the climate, the size of the pot, and the amount of sunlight your plant receives.
One way to check if your Neon Pothos needs water is by sticking your finger into the soil up to your first knuckle (around 2 to 3 inches).
If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water your plant. If it feels moist, you can wait a few more days before watering. Also, make sure that the pot has enough drainage holes so that its roots aren’t waterlogged.
Temperature and Humidity
Neon pothos prefers warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-26°C). They can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), but they won’t grow as well.
Humidity is something I pay close attention to in my plant care routine. While neon pothos can tolerate average household humidity levels, it benefits from a bit of extra moisture.
If you live in a dry climate, then you might want to consider using a humidifier to keep the air around your plant moist or use a pebble tray to raise the humidity levels. Even placing it in the bathroom will encourage healthier growth
It’s important to note that neon pothos is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and drafts. Avoid placing your plant near air conditioning vents or windows that are frequently opened and closed.
Fertilizer
Pothos, in general, don’t require fertilizer, especially if they have organic matter-rich soil, but regular fertilization during their growing period can encourage strong, beautiful, and healthy growth.
You can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month from early spring to summer to help with more vigorous growth. Avoid over-fertilizing your plant, as this can lead to burned roots and leaves.
Another way to give your Neon Pothos a nutrient boost is by adding compost or worm castings to the soil. This will provide your plant with a slow-release source of nutrients that will help it grow and thrive.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
How to Plant and Grow Neon Pothos
How to Propagate Neon Pothos
Pothos, in general, are easy to propagate. You can take cut a stem and root them either in water or in soil, but proper propagation does depend on the time of the year (water propagation is easier in winter).
Stem cuttings are a great way to reuse any cutting that you may have taken during pruning; this procedure can help you create a fuller-looking plant by planting the cuttings back in the original pot or using the cuttings to create new plants. Follow these simple steps to propagate your neon pothos:
- Take stem cuttings that have 4-5 nodes each, at least.
- Remove a bottom couple of leaves from every cutting, leaving at the very least two leaves at the top of each one.
- Fill a glass/jar with water and place the cuttings in, ensuring that the exposed nodes on the bottom are submerged while the top leaves remain above the water.
- Place the cuttings where they can receive enough light (medium to bright indirect light), and change the water once a week to keep the plant fresh.
- Roots should begin to form within 7 to 10 days. Once the roots measure at least an inch, the cuttings can be transferred back to the soil. Remove the cuttings from the glass/jar and carefully pot them in a previously moistured and well-drained mixture.
- Place the fresh potted cuttings back, and keep the pot’s soil consistently moist for the first two weeks after repotting so the roots can acclimate to the soil.
- After two weeks, a regular watering schedule can be resumed, and established neon pothos care should begin.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
How to Pot or Repot Neon Pothos
Neon pothos plants are a great addition to any indoor garden. They are easy to care for and can last for years without needing to be repotted. However, if you notice that the roots are starting to grow out of the drainage holes or the soil is depleted, then it’s time to repot your plant.
Before you start, make sure that you have all the necessary tools and materials. You will need a new pot, potting soil, peat moss, perlite, and a trowel.
When potting or repotting neon pothos, it’s important to choose the right pot. Make sure that the pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. This will prevent your plant from getting waterlogged and developing root rot. You can choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current pot, but not too big. A pot that is too big can cause your plant to focus on root growth instead of foliage growth.
Now that you have your pot, it’s time to create the perfect soil mixture for your plant. You can use a mix of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite to create a well-draining soil mixture. This will ensure that your plant gets the right amount of moisture and nutrients. Fill the pot with enough soil, so that the roots have ample space to grow.
Before you repot your neon pothos plant, make sure that you water it thoroughly. This will help to loosen the soil and make it easier to remove the plant from the pot. Gently remove the plant from the pot and carefully loosen the roots.
Place the plant in the new pot and fill in the gaps with soil. Make sure that the soil is evenly distributed and that there are no air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a bright, indirect light. Your neon pothos plant will thank you for the extra attention and care!
Common Pests and Plant Diseases for Neon Pothos
These types of pothoses are not specifically prone to any particular pest or disease; however, every pothos owner should keep an eye out for common houseplant pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, scales, and even fungus gnats, which are common among houseplants.
You can use a mild soap solution to keep the pests at bay or spot treat with some rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab. If the infestation is severe, then you might need to use a pesticide.
Neon pothos is also susceptible to root rot, bacterial leaf spots, and fungal growth. These diseases can be caused by overwatering or poor air circulation.
To prevent these diseases, make sure that your plant is not sitting in water and that the soil is well-draining. You can also improve air circulation by placing a fan near your plant.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock.
Neon Pothos Common Problems
Neon pothos is generally a problem-free plant; however, as with any other plant, neon pothos (and pothos in general) have common problems mostly caused by improper lighting and watering conditions, but no need to worry, as most of them have a solution.
If you are having problems with your neon pothos, here are the most likely problems and what’s causing them:
Drooping Leaves
Drooping leaves are a sign that your neon pothos is thirsty, so watering your plant should perk its leaves right back up.
Legginess
If your plant is starting to look straggly and with few leaves, move it to a brighter location, as legginess is an indication that your plant may be placed in a low-light spot.
Small or Pale Leaves
If you notice your neon pothos leaves are smaller and/or paler, it’s a way of protesting bright light. Either placing your plant on indirect or filtered light will help.
Brown Tips
Excessively dry conditions or underwatering can cause brown tips on your neon pothos’ leaves. Increase how often you water your plant, and avoid placing your plant near windows or drafty vents. You can also move your plant to your kitchen, laundry, or bathroom to help with the plant’s humidity.
Leaves are Turning Yellow
Yellow leaves may be a sign of too much water, but if you’ve left your plant to get bone dry, it may be a sign of dehydration. Check your neon pothos’ soil to find which of these two problems is. If you don’t see any changes in the plant’s leaves, it might be time to upgrade its pot. Take your plant out and check its roots in case your neon pothos is just root bound.
Is Neon Pothos Toxic?
As a variety of common pothos, all parts of neon pothos are considered toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Caution should be taken with pothos plants if you have young children and pets in your home.
Pothos plant ingestion can irritate lips, mouth, and tongue, cause drooling and burning sensation in the mouth, and can close off the airways causing shortness of breath. If there is a suspicion of ingestion of any pothos plant, you should seek medical attention immediately.
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