Neon pothos, known for its bright, neon green leaves, is a popular and easy-to-care-for houseplant. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, this vibrant plant can bring a touch of color and life to any room. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and growing neon pothos, from its origins to common problems and solutions.
Key Information About Neon Pothos
| Common Name | Neon Pothos |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Epipremnum aureum |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Vine, Houseplant |
| Mature Size | 6-10 feet (in length) |
| Sun Exposure | Bright indirect light |
| Soil Type | Well-draining potting mix |
| Soil pH | 6.1 – 6.9 (Slightly acidic) |
| Hardiness Zones | 10-11 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Southeast Asia |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets (cats and dogs) |
Planting and Transplanting Neon Pothos
Planting and transplanting neon pothos is a straightforward process. It doesn’t require complicated techniques, but understanding the right timing and method ensures your plant thrives.
Choosing the Right Pot and Soil
When planting neon pothos, it’s important to use a pot with drainage holes. Neon pothos doesn’t like standing water, so good drainage is essential. Choose a well-draining potting mix, preferably one designed for houseplants. If you prefer to create your own mix, combine equal parts of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss to ensure the soil retains moisture while draining well.
Planting Neon Pothos
Begin by placing a layer of small stones or broken clay pieces at the bottom of the pot for additional drainage. Fill the pot halfway with the soil mixture, then place your neon pothos cutting or plant in the center. Fill the remaining space with soil, pressing down lightly to remove air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly after planting.
Transplanting Neon Pothos
As your neon pothos grows, it will eventually outgrow its current pot. Transplanting should be done every 1-2 years to prevent the plant from becoming root-bound. Choose a new pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot. Gently remove the plant from the old pot, being careful not to damage the roots. Place it in the new pot and fill in with fresh soil, watering thoroughly afterward.
Neon Pothos Care
Caring for neon pothos is relatively easy, making it a favorite among houseplant lovers. Here are some key care tips:
Light Requirements
Neon pothos thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light levels, but the vibrant neon color may fade, and growth might slow down. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. An east or west-facing window with filtered light is ideal.
Watering
Water your neon pothos when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so make sure the plant’s pot has proper drainage. During the winter months, you can reduce watering frequency as the plant’s growth slows down.
Humidity and Temperature
Neon pothos enjoys moderate humidity, so occasional misting or placing the plant on a humidity tray can be beneficial, especially in dry climates or during the winter. The plant prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid placing it near drafts, air conditioners, or heaters, as temperature fluctuations can cause stress.
Fertilizing
Feed your neon pothos with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Fertilize every 4-6 weeks to encourage healthy growth. In the fall and winter, reduce fertilization since the plant’s growth slows down.
Types of Neon Pothos
While the classic neon pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is the most common variety, there are several variations and similar species that you might encounter.
Golden Pothos
Golden pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, has a similar growth habit to neon pothos but features green leaves with golden or yellow marbling. This variety is also known for being incredibly hardy and low-maintenance.
Marble Queen Pothos
Marble Queen pothos has a striking appearance with white and green marbled leaves. It’s often mistaken for a neon pothos due to its bright coloration, but it has a more variegated pattern.
Jessenia Pothos
Jessenia pothos features chartreuse yellow and green variegated leaves. It is a relatively new variety but gaining popularity for its unique look.
Neon Pothos
The neon pothos is loved for its vibrant, chartreuse-colored leaves. It can add a pop of color to any space, and its trailing vines make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets or shelf plants.
Pruning Neon Pothos
Pruning neon pothos helps maintain its shape, remove dead or damaged leaves, and encourage bushier growth. You can prune the plant anytime during the growing season, but spring and summer are ideal.
How to Prune
Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut back any leggy or overgrown vines. Cut just above a leaf node to encourage new growth. You can also trim any yellow or brown leaves to keep the plant looking tidy.
Tips for Encouraging Bushier Growth
If you want your neon pothos to grow fuller, consider pinching back the top growth to promote branching. You can also cut the long stems into sections and propagate them (more on propagation below).
Propagating Neon Pothos
Propagating neon pothos is a fun and easy way to expand your plant collection. You can propagate this plant through stem cuttings, which root easily in water or soil.
Propagating in Water
- Cut a healthy 4-6 inch stem from the plant, ensuring it has at least 2-3 leaves and a node.
- Place the cutting in a jar or glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged.
- Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
- Once the roots are about 2-3 inches long (usually in 2-3 weeks), transplant the cutting into a pot with soil.
Propagating in Soil
- Follow the same process as above, cutting a healthy stem with leaves and nodes.
- Instead of placing it in water, plant the cutting directly into moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) and place the cutting in bright, indirect light.
- After a few weeks, gently tug on the cutting to check for resistance, indicating the roots have formed.
Potting and Repotting Neon Pothos
Repotting neon pothos should be done every 1-2 years, as the plant grows quickly. Here’s how to repot your neon pothos:
Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting
- Select a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
- Gently remove the plant from its old pot. You may need to loosen the roots if they are root-bound.
- Place a layer of fresh potting mix at the bottom of the new pot and carefully place the plant inside.
- Fill around the roots with fresh soil, pressing gently to eliminate air pockets.
- Water the plant thoroughly after repotting to help it settle in.
When to Repot
Repot when the plant’s roots begin to outgrow the pot or when you notice the plant becoming root-bound. If the roots are visible at the drainage holes, it’s time to repot.
Overwintering Neon Pothos
Neon pothos is typically grown indoors, so it doesn’t require much overwintering care. However, if you’re growing it outdoors in a warm climate, here’s how to prepare it for cooler months:
Moving Indoors
Before the first frost, bring your neon pothos indoors. Make sure the plant is placed in a location with enough light to prevent leggy growth.
Reducing Watering
During the winter months, neon pothos’ growth slows down, and the plant needs less water. Water sparingly, ensuring the soil dries out between waterings.
Common Problems with Neon Pothos
Despite being an easy plant to care for, neon pothos can face a few issues.
Yellowing Leaves
If your neon pothos leaves start turning yellow, it could be a sign of overwatering or too little light. Ensure the plant is in bright, indirect light and that the pot has proper drainage.
Brown Tips
Brown tips on the leaves may indicate underwatering, low humidity, or inconsistent watering. Ensure that you’re watering when the top layer of soil is dry, and consider adding humidity if you live in a dry climate.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Neon pothos is relatively pest-resistant, but it can still encounter issues with insects and diseases.
Common Pests
- Spider Mites: Tiny red or brown spots on the leaves may indicate spider mites. Wash the plant’s leaves with a mild soap solution to remove them.
- Mealybugs: These pests leave a white, cotton-like residue on the plant. Use insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to treat the affected areas.
- Aphids: Aphids can cause leaf distortion and yellowing. Use a strong stream of water to wash them off or apply insecticidal soap.
Diseases
Neon pothos is susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Ensure the plant’s pot has good drainage, and allow the soil to dry out before watering again.
How to Get Neon Pothos to Bloom
Neon pothos is primarily grown for its foliage rather than its flowers. However, it can occasionally produce small, inconspicuous flowers. If you want to encourage blooming, you need to replicate the conditions of its native tropical environment.
Conditions for Blooming
To encourage blooming, ensure your plant receives bright, indirect light and maintains a consistent temperature between 65°F and 85°F. While rare, you may see small spathes and spadices emerge, resembling those of other aroids.
FAQ:
Q: Is neon pothos toxic to pets? A: Yes, neon pothos is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Keep the plant out of reach of pets to prevent poisoning.
Q: Can neon pothos grow in low light? A: Neon pothos can tolerate low light, but its growth may slow down, and the leaves may lose their vibrant color. Bright, indirect light is ideal for the plant’s health and color.
Q: How fast does neon pothos grow? A: Neon pothos grows quickly, often reaching up to 6-10 feet in length within a year, especially during the growing season.
Q: Can neon pothos be grown outdoors? A: In USDA hardiness zones 10-11, neon pothos can be grown outdoors year-round, but it prefers a warm, tropical environment.
Q: Why are my neon pothos leaves turning yellow? A: Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or insufficient light. Ensure you’re not overwatering and that the plant receives enough indirect sunlight.
