27 Must-Know Neon Pothos Care Tips
The Neon Pothos is among the most stunning house plants because of its bright neon-green foliage, as the name suggests. And as far as indoor plants go, the Neon Pothos is also one of the easiest to care for as it is adaptable to many lighting and watering environments.
If you’re looking for a beautiful pop of color to add to your home and an easy plant care guide to go along with it, the Neon Pothos is just the plant for you. We have the tips and tricks you need to keep this vining ivy as happy as possible and troubleshoot the few issues that may arise.
Neon Pothos Plants Details
There is conflicting information about the Neon Pothos’ relation to the Golden Pothos, or the “devil’s ivy.” Some say they are synonyms of one another, while others classify them as entirely different species.
However, the Neon Pothos is a subspecies, or cultivar, of the Golden Pothos. To clarify, this means that all Neon Pothos are also Golden Pothos, but not all Golden Pothos are also Neon Pothos.
It would be imprecise then to consider the Neon Pothos “Devil’s Ivy,” as it is more like its nephew. The two are similar, but Neon is unique in its own right!
- Scientific Name: Epipremnum Aureum ‘Neon’ Pothos
- Common Names: Devil’s Ivy
- Genus: Epipremnum
- Plant Type: Perennial evergreen houseplant
- Scientific Family: Araceae
- Origin: Indigenous to the Solomon Islands of the South Pacific
- Mature Length: 6 to 10 feet
- Distinguishing Features: Neon Chartreuse Leaves, Trailing Vines
- Home Placement: Away from a Window, Hanging basket
- Growth Speed: Moderate
- Light Requirements: Medium, Indirect
- Watering Requirements: Moist Soil, Dry Out between Waterings
- Soil Requirements: Average, Well-Draining Potting Mix
- Temperature: 60º to 80ºF (15º – 26ºC)
- Fertilizer: Balanced, Water-Soluble Houseplant Fertilizer
- Humidity: Medium to High
- Flowering: Does Not Flower
- Pruning: Prune Dead or Dying Leaves, or to Control Shape and Size
- Propagation: Propagate a Stem with Four Healthy Leaves
- Repotting: Repot every 2 to 3 Years
- Diseases and Pests: Phytophthora Root Rot and Mealy Bugs
- Toxicity: Can be Fatal to Children and Pets
You grow, girl. #neonpothos #fridayfavorite pic.twitter.com/54aCNRCR0e
— The Sill (@TheSill) September 12, 2014
Neon Pothos: Family & Origin
The Neon Pothos is a subspecies–– or cultivar–– of the Epipremnum Aureum species (synonym: Scindapsus aureus) in the Araceae family, similar to the Jade Pothos. This vining grower’s broader species goes by many names, such as the Golden Pothos, Marble Queen, and Money Plant, though several species hold the lattermost title.
But Neon Pothos, sometimes (incorrectly) called lemon lime philodendrons, is unique in its own right! It is indigenous to the Solomon Islands of the South Pacific and loves the tropical climate found there, though it will adapt well to any home environment. Many plant stores often mislabel Pothos as a philodendron, but the neon chartreuse leaves of this cultivar should clarify any confusion.
Does Neon Pothos Purify The Air?
Nasa completed a study of plant purifying plants on common volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including Devil’s Ivy. In this study, it was revealed that Neon Pothos could remove benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air in our homes.
It was not able to remove trichloroethylene or ammonia. Looking for another amazing air-purifying plant? Check out one of our new favorites: the Purple Waffle Plant.
How Do You Care for Neon Pothos?
The Neon Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to care for, and with its distinctive chartreuse leaves, it should be at the top of your wish-list. They thrive in hanging baskets, anyplace their trailing vines can fall freely or climb a trellis.
The Neon Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to care for, and with its distinctive chartreuse leaves, it should be at the top of your wish-list. This tropical plant thrives in hanging baskets, anyplace their trailing vines can fall freely or climb a trellis. Neon Pothos are resilient in low-light and under-watered environments, making them a perfect fit for almost any home.
Check out these tips for Neon Pothos care.
Neon Pothos Placement
These plants can survive almost anywhere, but they prefer specific lighting. If possible, place your Devil’s Ivy plant in bright indirect light. One option is to put this plant a few feet away from a south-facing window or even near a north-facing window.
Growth Rate
Epipremnum aureum neon is an incredibly fast grower, reaching up to 12″ month during its grow season, assuming you have the proper temperature, light, and humidity.
Potting For Neon Pothos
in terms of pot size, it’s generally fine to use a small pot – up to about 6″ for a small to medium size Neon Pothos plant. For the potting material, most options will work fine, including terracotta, clay, plastic, or a ceramic pot. The main consideration is that it has at least one drainage hole, allowing excess water to drain away. I can’t stress enough how important it is that you have sufficient drainage.
Their root systems do well in small pots, and while their vines are ever-growing, you only need to repot Neon Pothos every few years. And the neon leaves aren’t just for looks: if it lacks nutrients required from sunlight or watering, it will lose its variegated (multicolored) shading, signaling to you that love is needed!
Repotting Neon Pothos
Repotting can be stressful for any plant, but being a healthy plant can make this transition easier. I typically recommend you repot during the Neon Pothos growing season. Also, water the plant 2-3 days before you repot.
When you repot, you’ll want to move up to a slightly larger-sized pot (no more than a few inches larger), allowing room for your Neon Pothos root ball. If you’re repotting because of root rot (don’t worry – it happens to the best of us), you can use the same-sized pot.
Start by putting a few inches of potting soil mix in the new pot. Then place your Neon Pothos plant on the soil. Add new potting soil around the plant. You can technically use old potting soil or mix, but I recommend using something new that has all its nutrients in place.
At this point, water your Neon Pothos generously – until the water runs out of the drainage holes. If you’re using a drainage dish to collect the water, be sure to throw it out after about an hour. If you leave a drainage dish with water it it, it can potentially cause root rot.
What Soil is Best for Neon Pothos?
When potting your Neon Pothos, make sure to use potting mix rather than potting soil. Potting or garden soil will be far too dense and will retain too much moisture, choking and drowning your plant.
Avoiding a dense potting medium is best for almost every houseplant. Choose a loamy (well-aerated) potting mix rich in organic material mixed with just a bit of sand; this will encourage sufficient drainage. No matter the specifications, don’t expect the Neon Pothos to produce flowers.
Fertilizer Needs
Since the Neon Pothos is such a hardy houseplant, fertilizer is often unnecessary. However, if you want to maximize its growth as quickly as possible, a standard, balanced (20-20-20) indoor plant fertilizer will work well if applied every other month during the spring and summer. Even without fertilizer, expect your pothos to grow more than six feet long!
Neon Pothos Propagation
If you want to propagate Neon Pothos into more plants, cut off a healthy stem with about four healthy neon-green leaves on it. Make sure to use very sharp, sterilized kitchen shears to mitigate the damage done to the original plant.
You can soak the cut side in a glass of water for a couple of days until shoots emerge or plant the new cutting directly into some soil. Keep the water moist, and roots should develop within a few weeks!
There are actually a couple of ways you can propagate in water – one will allow you to have a single vine of this Pothos, and one that will make your plant a bit bushier. Techplant has a great explainer video about it.
How Much Light Do Neon Pothos Need?
Neon Pothos are versatile plants that can thrive in several light conditions, though moderate exposure to bright light is ideal. Low light is sufficient and can be supplemented with fluorescent light or a grow light if needed. A new plant will need some time to adjust to the lighting conditions in your home, so don’t be discouraged if your Neon Pothos drops a couple of leaves within the first few weeks. Ensure the Neon Pothos is away from any hot windows as the leaves may burn–– east and north-facing windows are best. Otherwise, a temperature of 60º to 80ºF (15º – 26ºC) is perfect. If you notice the leaves are losing their variegated details, the Neon Pothos is likely not receiving enough sunlight.
Neon on a grey day. 🌧#neonpothos pic.twitter.com/xNA7iEWUEh
— leaf and june (@leafandjune) January 8, 2019
Do Pothos Plants Need Direct Sunlight?
If you suspect your Neon Pothos isn’t getting enough light, don’t overcorrect! Direct sunlight is too intense for this plant and will burn the leaves. If the neon leaves get dull, it’s likely a result of too much sunlight. Bright indirect light is ideal and will give Neon Pothos all the sun-derived nutrients it needs. Hanging baskets set a few feet back from a sunny window is an excellent set-up to see these plants thrive.
How Often Should You Water a Neon Pothos?
One of the perks of owning a Neon Pothos at home is that it will usually tell you when it needs watering. Like most One of the perks of owning a Neon Pothos at home is that it will usually tell you when it needs watering. Like most houseplants, overwatering is a more significant threat to the Neon Pothos’ health than underwatering is. Let the soil dry out entirely between waterings, about every other week. The variegation on the green leaves will become less vibrant, signaling that it could use a drink. Don’t worry about a missed watering! The Neon Pothos is resilient to neglect and may even prefer it. Situate one of these hanging plants a few feet back from a sunny window and moisten the soil when needed. Damp soil is better than soggy soil.
Look at my baby prospering. Spreading her lil wings. 😍#NeonPothos #Pothos #PlantLady #PlantLife #GreenThumb #Planter #GoldenPothos pic.twitter.com/J9juyHayxh
— Luke Thighwalker (@Just_Kandyce) December 16, 2020
Do Neon Pothos Like to be Misted?
Another easy-care tip for the Neon Pothos involves misting the plant semi-regularly rather than subjecting it to a thorough watering. However, some people claim that misting this natural air purifier is unnecessary. While it is far from required, misting the Neon Pothos can help simulate higher humidity levels and distribute moisture more gently. You can even dilute houseplant fertilizer into a spray bottle and mist the plant for a gentle and balanced feeding. And since the vining trail can grow up to ten feet long, misting the entire plant will ensure the whole plant receives moisture quickly.
Humidity
If possible in your home environment, the Neon Pothos does love high humidity, 60% or higher. Since this houseplant is native to tropical regions, simulating its natural ecosystem is ideal, and implementing a humidifier into your set-up is a worthwhile investment. However, the Neon Pothos will gladly adapt to your home, regardless of humidity levels.
Temperature
Neon Pothos wants warm temperatures, similar to its natural tropical environment. It thrives in a temperature range of 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, they have been known to survive in slightly cooler temperatures, so your office may work for them, as well. While considered versatile plants, they actually like consistency. So keep them away from drafts, whether that be from doors, windows, air conditioners or heaters.
Does Your Neon Pothos Need A Moss Pole?
In the rainforest, your Neon Pothos would likely be climbing up a tree, using its host to get closer to the sun. Pothos is one of the many plant types that have aerial roots, meaning it can climb. To replicate this look, you should consider using a moss pole, which acts as a tree.
Read our guide on how to make, buy and use a moss pole for your plants.
Toxicity
If you have pets or young kids, I strongly suggest you think hard before owning the neon pothos. It has insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause severe oral irritation, as well as vomiting and difficulty swallowing. If you think your pet has eaten a Neon Pothos leaf or plant, start by checking out this guide from ASPCA.
Looking for plants that deter cats? Check out our guide now.
Common Pests, Diseases, And Pothos Problems
While the Neon Pothos is a fairly disease-resistant plant, it’s not impervious to everything! Spider mites, brown tips, and more can all be common issues for these popular houseplants.
Root Rot
Root rot is a common disease that can damage or kill your Neon Pothos plant. If you think you have root rot, start by removing your plant from the current pot. Then remove the soil and rinse the roots with water. Gently use gardening shears to cut away any of the rotten roots. Then repot your Pothos and add new soil.
Why Does My Neon Pothos Have Brown Tips?
The bright chartreuse leaves of the Neon Pothos can develop brown leaf tips for several reasons. The most likely reason is that your houseplant is receiving too much direct light or heat.
Direct sunlight and hot window glass will dry out Neon Pothos too quickly, causing the leaves to die and turn brown. The heat will also scorch the leaves, showing visible signs of burning. If you catch brown leaf tips on your Neon Pothos, prune the dead leaves and move the plant away from the light. Bright filtered light a few feet from a window will be perfect for the Neon Pothos.
Another cause of browning leaves can be pests or diseases. Mealybugs are uncommon on the Neon Pothos but can be fatal to your houseplant. If you notice white fuzzy creatures on the Neon Pothos leaves’ undersides, wipe them off with rubbing alcohol. Spray the plant with neem oil to prevent any more pests.
Brown leaf tips may also be the result of root rot. If you overwater your plant or do not have sufficient drainage, the roots can grow mold and mildew. Make sure the soil dries out between watering to avoid waterlogged soil. If your plant develops root rot and remains unchecked for too long, the leaves will start to brown and die. Let the roots dry out and consider adding more substantial drainage holes.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies, which are gnat-like animals that feed on the sap of your plants, are common pests for the Neon Pothos plant – and all Pothos varieties. They lay eggs on the tips of your leaves, and the larvae hatch and begin munching on the underside of your neon beauty
A good pesticide can take care of your whiteflies. You can either buy one online or make one yourself using the recipe below.
Should I Cut Yellow Leaves Off Neon Pothos?
The Neon Pothos is one of the most low-maintenance houseplants you could add to your home. However, it still deserves your time and attention! If you notice yellow leaves on the Neon Pothos, it may be the beginning stages of browning leaf tips. Ensure your plant is not receiving too much direct light or heat, and yellow leaves are often a sign of underwatering. While the Neon Pothos is resilient to underwatering, it will need to drink eventually.
Check for mealybugs or root rot and respond accordingly, either by wiping off the pests with rubbing alcohol or drying out the soggy roots. Fertilizing your plant might also help prevent yellow leaves by introducing more nutrients into its diet. Only fertilize Neon Pothos once every other month, if at all.
Similarly, Phytophthora is a plant-damaging bacteria that can ruin your houseplants or at least cause leaf discoloration and death. Applying a 3% solution of household hydrogen peroxide to your soil will remove pathogens and diseases like Phytophthora. Use a mixture of 1 part peroxide to 3 parts water and allow it to soak into the dirt before resuming regular watering.
Where Can I Buy a Neon Pothos?
Neon Pothos are not the most common houseplants available at a local nursery or garden section, but we think they should be! Home improvement stores like Lowes or Home Depot may carry them, but a local nursery or garden store is more likely. However, many plant stores often mislabel Pothos as a philodendron, but the neon chartreuse leaves of this cultivar should clarify any confusion. So double-check the store’s selection for mislabeling before going home empty-handed! Online retailers like Etsy and Amazon also have a wide selection of Neon Pothos for sale:
Can A Neon Pothos Be Variegated?
Neon Pothos can have variegation, and you can likely purchase them from online nurseries, many of which are on Etsy. That said, there are several situations where a variegated version of a plant reverts back to its original, so this is a possibility when purchasing this plant.
This is a common problem with several plants, including the Philodendron Birkin.
Other Pothos Options
There are so many pothos plants, most of which are easy to care for. Here are some of our favorites:
Marble Queen Pothos: a beautiful variegated Pothos. It’s cream white leaves are considered incredibly enticing for many indoor growers
Golden Pothos: This is often considered the champion of the Pothos world. It has a medium size and can thrive indoors.
Jessenia Pothos: Jessenia is becoming increasingly popular in recent years. It has heart-shaped foliage and variegation – although, it’s less distinct as Marble Queen Pothos
Lemon Lime Philodendron Vs. Neon Pothos
Gardeners (and some nurseries) use these two names interchangeably, but they are, in fact, two different plants. The Philodendron has heart-shaped leaves that vary from a darker green to lime green. The pothos has much wider and thicker leaves that are vaguely heart-shaped.
The Neon Pothos also has a fairly straight leaf base, while the lemon lime’s leaf base curves inward.
Conclusion
Although we think the Neon Pothos is a great option for your home garden, there are plenty of other options as well. The Pothos genus has many varieties, most marked by the trailing and climbing green vines.
The Monstera Deliciosa is a bit more ubiquitous to indoor gardening, so you should be able to find it easily at a local nursery. The Sansevieria Trifasciata, or Snake Plant, is another excellent low-maintenance option.
And if flowers are what you’re into, consider the low-maintenance orchid. Whichever you end up with, we’ve got several other guides to getting the most out of your houseplants. Here’s to the flourishing of your Neon Pothos.
