The Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’) is a popular houseplant recognized for its distinctive, vibrant chartreuse or lime-green foliage. This eye-catching color sets it apart from other Pothos varieties, adding a striking visual element to indoor spaces. However, this characteristic bright hue can diminish through a natural process called “reversion,” where the specialized foliage gradually turns a darker, more common green.
Understanding Neon Pothos Reversion
Reversion refers to the Neon Pothos’ bright, neon-like leaves losing their vivid color and gradually turning a darker green. Visual indicators include new leaves emerging with a duller, deeper shade, or existing foliage progressively losing brightness. This shift happens because the cells responsible for the unique chartreuse color produce less chlorophyll than standard green cells.
The underlying biological basis for reversion involves genetic instability or environmental influences affecting the expression of these specialized cells. Plants with unique coloration, like the Neon Pothos, often arise from genetic mutations. These mutations are not always stable, meaning the plant can sometimes revert to a more ancestral, pure green form. The green parts of the plant are typically more vigorous and produce more chlorophyll, which is essential for photosynthesis.
Primary Causes of Reversion
Insufficient light is the most frequent environmental factor contributing to Neon Pothos reversion. The plant’s bright green color is maintained by a lower chlorophyll concentration. When light is inadequate, the plant produces more chlorophyll to enhance photosynthetic efficiency, resulting in a darker green appearance. This adaptation helps the plant capture more light energy in dim conditions.
Nutrient imbalances, particularly an excess of nitrogen, can also encourage green growth and contribute to reversion. While nitrogen is vital for foliage, too much can shift the plant’s energy towards producing chlorophyll-rich cells. Additionally, plant maturity or age can influence foliage vibrancy; younger leaves often exhibit a brighter neon color that may deepen as they mature.
Preventing Reversion
Providing adequate bright, indirect light is the most important step in preventing Neon Pothos reversion. Position the plant near an east or west-facing window where it can receive ample light without direct, harsh sun exposure, which can scorch its leaves. If natural light is limited, consider using a full-spectrum LED grow light for 12-14 hours daily to supplement light exposure. Rotating the plant periodically also helps ensure all sides receive consistent light, promoting even growth and color.
Proper fertilization also contributes to maintaining the plant’s vibrant color. Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season and avoid those excessively high in nitrogen, as too much nitrogen can encourage greener growth. Fertilize sparingly, perhaps every four to six weeks at half strength, to provide necessary nutrients without promoting excessive chlorophyll production. Regularly observing the plant for any subtle changes in leaf color allows for early intervention, addressing potential light or nutrient issues before significant reversion occurs.
Managing Reverted Growth
If a Neon Pothos has already begun to revert, pruning is an effective method to manage the green growth and encourage new, vibrant foliage. Identify and carefully prune away any stems or leaves that have turned dark green, as these reverted sections tend to be more vigorous and can eventually dominate the plant. Make clean cuts just above a node, which is the small bump on the stem where a leaf or new growth emerges. New, potentially brighter growth will often sprout from these nodes.
While pruning can stimulate new growth, cuttings taken from reverted sections will likely produce plants with the same darker green characteristic. After pruning, it is important to adjust the plant’s environmental conditions, particularly ensuring it receives sufficient bright, indirect light, to support the development of new, brightly colored leaves. Although complete reversal of severely reverted leaves is uncommon, improving light conditions can help maintain the vibrant color of existing and newly emerging foliage.