The Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’) is a striking houseplant known for its vibrant, lime-green foliage. Its distinctive color and vining habit make it a popular choice for adding visual interest to indoor spaces. This plant is celebrated for its ease of care, making it an excellent option for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Essential Care Guidelines
Light Needs
Neon Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light, which helps maintain its intense leaf coloration. Place the plant near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing brown spots or fading its vibrant color. Insufficient light may lead to leggy growth with sparse, dull foliage.
Watering Practices
Water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. This means watering every 1-2 weeks, though frequency depends on environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves. Underwatering will cause the leaves to wilt and develop brown, crispy edges. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling, which is crucial for root health.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy potting mix is ideal for Neon Pothos, allowing roots to breathe and preventing waterlogging. A standard indoor potting mix amended with perlite or orchid bark in a 2:1 ratio provides necessary aeration and drainage. Pots with drainage holes are essential to prevent water accumulation. Choose a pot slightly larger than the root ball, as too large a pot can retain excess moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
Neon Pothos prefers room temperatures of 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations, stressing the plant. While tolerant of average household humidity, higher humidity levels (around 50-70%) promote lush growth. To increase humidity, place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water, or use a room humidifier.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), Neon Pothos benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, every two to four weeks. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter months when the plant’s growth slows. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn, causing crispy leaf edges or stunted growth.
Ongoing Maintenance and Problem Solving
Repotting Your Neon Pothos
Repotting is needed every one to two years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, indicated by roots circling drainage holes or emerging from the soil. Choose a new pot one size larger than the current one to avoid overwatering issues. Carefully remove the plant, loosen any circling roots, and place it into the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil. This process provides new nutrients and space for continued growth.
Pruning for Health and Shape
Pruning encourages bushier growth and maintains the desired shape of your Neon Pothos. Regularly trim long, leggy stems just above a leaf node with clean, sharp scissors. Removing yellowed, damaged, or dead leaves redirects the plant’s energy towards healthy new growth. Pruning can be done at any time of year, though new growth is most vigorous in spring and summer.
Addressing Common Issues
Yellowing leaves signal overwatering or poor drainage, while wilting indicates insufficient water. Brown tips on leaves result from low humidity or consistent underwatering. If the plant exhibits leggy growth with widely spaced leaves, it needs more bright, indirect light. Adjusting watering practices, improving humidity, or relocating the plant resolves these common concerns.