Neon Pothos Plant Care: A Comprehensive Guide

Neon Pothos, a stunning cultivar of the Pothos (Epipremnum genus), adds a vibrant touch to any indoor plant collection with its bright green chartreuse leaves.

While it shares the same easy-care qualities as the common Golden Pothos, the Neon Pothos stands out with its intense coloration, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the specifics of Neon Pothos plant care, address commonly asked questions, and touch upon the variegated version as well.

Neon Pothos Light Requirements

When it comes to light requirements, Neon Pothos has different needs compared to other Pothos varieties such as Golden Pothos and Jade Pothos.

While those varieties can tolerate low light conditions, Neon Pothos thrives best in bright, indirect light. Placing it in a dimly lit corner will cause the leaves to turn greener, diminishing their vibrant color.

To maintain the neon hue, it is essential to provide your plant with a bright window that receives mostly indirect light, along with up to half a day of sun exposure.

An Eastern or Western facing window is ideal, but be cautious of windows that receive direct sunlight throughout the day, as excessive sun exposure can bleach the color of the leaves.

Additionally, keep in mind that newer leaves tend to be brighter than older leaves, which may darken over time.

Watering Neon Pothos

Proper watering is crucial for the health of your Neon Pothos. As a general rule of thumb, wait until the top inch of the potting mix has dried out before watering.

This allows the plant to establish a healthy root system and prevents overwatering, which can lead to root rot. When watering, ensure that the water thoroughly saturates the potting mix and drains out through the drainage hole.

Avoid leaving the plant sitting in water for extended periods as it can drown the roots.

While there is no fixed watering frequency that suits all conditions, factors such as temperature, soil type, light intensity, and humidity play a role in determining how quickly the soil dries out.

To gauge if your plant needs watering, simply feel the top inch of the soil with your finger. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Moisture meters are not recommended as they can be notoriously inaccurate.

Fertilizing Neon Pothos

To promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage, fertilizing your Neon Pothos is essential. One highly recommended fertilizer for Pothos, including the Neon variety, is Dyna-Gro Grow.

This fertilizer can be used for various houseplants and has proven to enhance plant health and growth. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for dilution and not rely solely on fertilizers to compensate for other care shortcomings.

A recommended dosage is adding about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Dyna-Gro Grow per gallon of water and using it with every watering. Using dedicated measuring spoons and a gallon jug ensures accurate and consistent application.

Soil Requirements and Repotting

Choosing the right soil for your Neon Pothos is essential for its overall well-being. A well-draining yet moisture-retentive potting mix is ideal.

A simple mixture of 3 parts all-purpose potting mix and 1 part perlite provides the necessary balance. This blend allows excess water to drain away while retaining enough moisture for the plant’s roots.

If you prefer a pre-made potting mix specifically formulated for climbing plants like Pothos, the Tropical Climber Soil Blend from Oh Happy Plants is highly recommended.

It’s ready to use and ensures optimal conditions for your Neon Pothos. Remember to always use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil and potential root rot.

When it’s time to repot your Neon Pothos, opt for a pot that is just one size larger than its current pot. Going too big too soon can lead to prolonged drying of the soil, which may negatively impact the plant’s health.

Before repotting, water your plant thoroughly to make it easier to loosen the roots.

Gently tease apart the root ball, allowing the roots to spread out into the fresh potting mix. This step is particularly crucial if your plant is root-bound, as loosening the roots promotes healthy growth.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

Native to French Polynesia, Neon Pothos thrives in warm temperatures. To maintain optimal growth, ensure that the minimum nighttime temperature does not drop below 60°F (15.5°C), while daytime temperatures should ideally be around 68°F (20°C) or higher.

Cooler temperatures can significantly slow down or even halt the growth of your plant. Therefore, it’s important to provide a warm spot for your Neon Pothos to thrive. If your home tends to be on the cooler side, consider providing additional warmth to create an ideal environment for your plant.

While Neon Pothos can tolerate average indoor humidity, it will appreciate higher humidity if you can provide it. Increasing humidity can be achieved through methods such as using a humidifier or placing the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles.

The evaporating water will create a humid microclimate around the plant. However, misting the leaves of your Neon Pothos is not necessary, as it does little to increase humidity. Instead, focus on more effective methods of humidity control.

Neon Pothos Cuttings and Propagation

Propagating Neon Pothos is a straightforward process that involves taking cuttings. If you desire a lush and full plant, it’s recommended to take multiple cuttings and plant them together in the same pot. Starting with just one or two cuttings may result in a less bushy appearance.

To maximize your propagation material, consider taking multiple single node cuttings. This ensures that each cutting has the potential to develop roots and grow into a new plant. For a detailed step-by-step guide on propagating Pothos, including Neon Pothos, refer to the article “Where to Cut Pothos to Propagate – Simple Steps“.

Obtaining a variegated Neon Pothos can be a bit more challenging. The easiest way is to purchase a variegated variety directly. However, finding them in stock can be difficult. If you’re specifically looking for a variegated Neon Pothos, consider checking out the selection on Etsy, where you may find suppliers offering variegated options.

Alternatively, you can start with a plain Neon Pothos and hope for a spontaneous sport, which is a genetic mutation resulting in variegation. These sports can exhibit green or white variegation, and it’s impossible to predict the outcome.

If your variegated plant starts producing non-variegated leaves, you can encourage variegation by cutting the vine back to a leaf that exhibits variegation. This pruning method can stimulate the growth of variegated leaves.

Commonly Asked Questions

Do Neon Pothos grow fast?

In ideal conditions, Neon Pothos can exhibit rapid growth. The growth rate is primarily influenced by light and warmth.

How big does Neon Pothos get?

Neon Pothos is a vining plant that can reach several feet in length when grown indoors.

How can I enhance the neon color of my Neon Pothos?

If your Neon Pothos appears less neon than desired, it could be due to insufficient light. Providing more light can intensify the coloration of the foliage.

Should I mist my Neon Pothos?

Misting your Neon Pothos is not necessary. Misting does little to increase humidity around the plant. If you wish to raise humidity levels, consider using a humidifier instead.

How much light does Neon Pothos require?

To ensure optimal growth and coloration, place your Neon Pothos in front of a window that receives bright, indirect light. Additionally, it can tolerate up to half a day of direct sunlight.

How long can Neon Pothos live?

With proper care, Neon Pothos can live indefinitely. If your plant’s vines become bare or leggy, you can propagate new plants to rejuvenate its appearance.

Why are my Neon Pothos leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing leaves in Neon Pothos can be attributed to various factors. Check the moisture levels of the potting mix, as completely dry soil can cause leaf yellowing.

Additionally, excessive direct sunlight can cause the entire plant to appear more yellowish. For a comprehensive understanding of why houseplant leaves turn yellow, refer to the article “Why Houseplant Leaves Turn Yellow” on our blog.

Is Neon Pothos toxic?

Yes, Neon Pothos contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to both pets and humans. Keep it out of reach and contact of children and animals.