The Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’, known as Neon Pothos, is a popular houseplant with distinctive bright, chartreuse foliage. This vining plant adds a striking pop of color to indoor spaces and is favored for its ease of care. Native to tropical regions, Neon Pothos is a vigorous vining plant that can trail from hanging baskets or climb with support.
Caring for Your Neon Pothos
Light Needs
Neon Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its vibrant leaf coloration. Too little light may cause the foliage to lose its vivid hue and result in slower, leggier growth. Direct sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, leading to brown spots or a faded appearance. Placing the plant near a window with sheer curtains or in an east-facing room often provides ideal lighting.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is important for Neon Pothos, which is sensitive to both overwatering and underwatering. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings before thoroughly saturating the soil. Overwatering leads to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves. Underwatering may cause wilting or crispy leaves. Always ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes.
Soil Requirements
Neon Pothos prefers a well-draining, airy potting mix that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A standard houseplant potting mix works well, but for enhanced drainage, consider amending it. A good mixture can include one part houseplant soil, one part perlite, and one part orchid bark or coco coir. This chunky composition promotes healthy root development.
Temperature and Humidity
Neon Pothos thrives in average household temperatures, ideally between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C). Protect them from sudden temperature drops below 50°F (10°C) and cold drafts. While Neon Pothos tolerates average indoor humidity, it benefits from higher humidity, especially in drier environments. Increase humidity by misting, using a pebble tray, or grouping with other plants.
Fertilizing Your Plant
Fertilize during the active growing season (spring through summer). A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer applied monthly at half strength is generally sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to nutrient burn and yellowing or browning leaves. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows.
Propagating Neon Pothos
Stem cuttings are the most common method for propagating Neon Pothos. Select a healthy vine and use clean, sharp scissors to snip a section with at least one or two nodes and a few leaves. A node is the small bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge.
For rooting in water, place cuttings in a glass of room temperature water, ensuring nodes are submerged and leaves are above the waterline. Change the water weekly. Roots form within a few weeks. Once roots are at least an inch long, transfer cuttings to soil.
Alternatively, root cuttings directly in a moist, well-draining potting mix, burying the node. Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Place the pot in bright, indirect light.
Repotting Neon Pothos
Repot Neon Pothos every one to two years, or when it outgrows its container. Signs include roots circling the pot, growing out of drainage holes, or water running straight through the soil. Stunted growth also signals the plant is root-bound.
Choose a new pot one to two inches larger than the previous one, ensuring it has drainage holes. Gently remove the plant and loosen any tightly bound roots. Add fresh, well-draining potting mix to the bottom, position the plant, and fill around the root ball, leaving an inch from the rim. Water thoroughly after repotting to help the soil settle.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves often indicate watering issues. Overwatering is a common cause, leading to yellow, mushy leaves due to root rot. To resolve, allow soil to dry more thoroughly between waterings and ensure proper drainage. Consistent underwatering can also cause leaves to yellow and wilt. Nutrient deficiency or the natural aging process of older leaves are other possible reasons.
Brown Leaf Tips
Brown leaf tips often signal low humidity or inconsistent watering. In dry environments, increase humidity by misting, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier. Both underwatering (crispy edges) and overwatering (brown, mushy tips) contribute to browning. Mineral buildup from tap water can also manifest as brown leaf edges.
Leggy Growth
Leggy growth (long vines with sparse leaves) results from insufficient light. When light is insufficient, the plant stretches its stems to reach a brighter source. Moving the plant to brighter, indirect light will encourage more compact and bushier growth. Regular pruning of leggy vines also promotes new, fuller growth from the nodes.
Pest Issues
Neon Pothos can encounter common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Regular inspection of leaves, especially the undersides, helps in early detection. Pests can be managed with organic treatment methods. Wipe affected leaves with a damp cloth or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For persistent infestations, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.