The Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’) is a favored houseplant, known for its vivid, chartreuse or lime green foliage. This tropical perennial enhances indoor spaces with its bright coloration and vining growth. Its simple care requirements make it a popular choice for new and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Understanding Your Neon Pothos
The Neon Pothos stands out for its distinctive leaf color. Its heart-shaped leaves display a vibrant chartreuse or golden-yellow hue, lacking variegation unlike other Pothos types. New leaves often appear brighter, with foliage deepening slightly in color with age. This plant vines, trailing elegantly from hanging baskets or climbing with support. Native to the Solomon Islands, this cultivar is well-suited for indoor environments.
Neon Pothos Care Guide
Light
Neon Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light. Bright, indirect light maintains its vibrant chartreuse color; insufficient light causes leaves to revert to a darker green. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch foliage and cause color loss. An east-facing window or a sheer-curtained window provides ideal light without harsh exposure.
Watering
Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering causes root rot, so proper drainage is essential. Slightly drooping leaves signal the plant needs water. Watering frequency varies with ambient temperature, humidity levels, and pot size.
Soil and Potting
Neon Pothos prefers a well-draining potting mix that also retains some moisture. Standard houseplant soil works well, but amend it with perlite or orchid bark for enhanced drainage and aeration. When repotting, select a container with drainage holes that is only one to two inches larger than the current pot. An oversized pot retains too much moisture, increasing root rot risk. They are not sensitive to being slightly root-bound, often needing repotting only every one to two years.
Temperature and Humidity
Neon Pothos adapts well to average indoor temperatures, ideally thriving between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Avoid temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or sudden cold drafts, as these can damage foliage. While tolerating typical household humidity, it benefits from moderate to higher humidity (40-60%). If indoor air is dry, increase humidity via misting, pebble trays, or grouping plants.
Fertilizing
Fertilize Neon Pothos for vigorous growth during its active season (early spring through late summer). A balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 NPK) applied monthly is suitable. Follow dilution instructions to avoid over-fertilization, which burns roots and leaves. Organic options like worm castings or compost provide slow-release nutrients and improve soil health. Reduce or stop fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows.
Propagating Neon Pothos
Propagate Neon Pothos easily using stem cuttings. Take healthy stem cuttings, each with four to five nodes. Remove the bottom two to three leaves, ensuring two leaves remain at the top.
Place cuttings in a clear glass of water, submerging exposed nodes while leaves stay above the waterline. Position in bright, indirect light, changing water weekly.
Roots form within seven to ten days. Once roots are one inch long, transfer cuttings to pre-moistened, well-draining soil. Maintain moist soil for the first one to two weeks after transplanting to help new roots acclimate.
Common Neon Pothos Issues
Yellowing leaves can indicate several issues. Overwatering is a frequent cause, making leaves soggy and limp. Underwatering also causes yellowing, often with dry, crispy leaves or wilting. Too much direct sunlight can cause leaves to turn pale, yellow, or bleached. Environmental stress, like sudden temperature changes or repotting, can also cause yellowing.
Brown leaf tips often suggest low humidity or underwatering, especially if air is dry. Overwatering can also cause brown leaf tips, particularly with yellowing older leaves. If browning or discoloration occurs, inspect for common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, or scale. These pests weaken the plant, causing symptoms like brown spots or general decline. Addressing the specific cause—adjusting watering, increasing humidity, or managing light—helps the plant recover.