Looking for an easy starter houseplant? Pothos are ideal: low-maintenance, fast-growing vines that suit beginners and experienced plant owners alike. The golden pothos is common, but don’t miss the neon pothos — its bright yellow-green leaves add an eye-catching pop. We have several neon pothos at home and they’re beautiful and forgiving. Below is everything you need to know before bringing one home.
There are many pothos varieties, most of which share similar care needs with the neon pothos. Its vivid foliage pairs well with other pothos and many other houseplants, providing contrast and brightness in indoor collections.
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Neon Pothos Quick Facts
Quick reference for the neon pothos:
- Latin name: Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’
- Common names: Neon pothos, neon devil’s ivy
- Mistaken for: Golden pothos, lemon lime philodendron
- Light: Bright, indirect light preferred; tolerates lower light
- Watering: Typically every 7–10 days during active growth, or when the soil is dry and leaves droop
- Soil: Standard well-draining potting mix
- Ideal Humidity: Average home humidity; best around 50–70%
- Ideal Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
- Cold Hardiness: USDA Zones 10–12
What Is A Neon Pothos?
The neon pothos is a cultivar of the evergreen vine Epipremnum aureum, sometimes called neon devil’s ivy for its resilience. Its signature feature is bright yellow-green leaves that stand out among darker foliage. Like other pothos, it has heart-shaped leaves and a trailing, vining habit that works well in pots, hanging baskets, or on shelves. It’s adaptable to varied indoor conditions and pairs beautifully with deeper green plants to add contrast.
Neon Pothos Vs. Golden Pothos
Neon and golden pothos are the same species but different cultivars. They share similar size and shape, but their leaf color and variegation differ. Neon pothos typically has uniformly bright yellow-green leaves with little to no variegation. Golden pothos often shows a golden stripe or variegation pattern. Light levels can influence how pronounced variegation appears, and new growth on many pothos can look brighter in spring and summer. Care requirements are nearly identical for both varieties.
Because care is so similar, misidentifying the exact cultivar isn’t a major issue — focus on proper light, watering, and soil and your pothos will thrive.
How To Care For A Neon Pothos
Neon pothos are adaptable and will grow in a range of conditions. We keep ours in spots from low-light corners to brighter porches. Basic care guidance:
Light
Bright, indirect light brings out the best color and fuller growth, but neon pothos tolerate lower light too. More light usually equals a brighter neon hue and bushier vines. Hanging baskets or shelves are great placements so the vines can drape naturally.
Water
Water roughly every 7–10 days in active growth, using modest amounts. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Pothos prefer slight underwatering over constant wet soil; overwatering risks root rot and yellowing leaves. They will often wilt when thirsty and perk up after watering.
Soil
A standard, well-draining potting mix works well. Ensure the soil doesn’t retain excessive moisture. For extra drainage and aeration, you can add perlite or orchid bark to the mix.
Pruning
Trim any leggy vines or dead foliage to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Use clean, sharp scissors and cut about 1–2 inches below a node. Leave a few inches of vine above the soil when pruning near the base.
Repotting
Repot only when necessary — typically every 1–2 years, or when roots emerge from drainage holes. Choose a slightly larger pot with a drainage hole to avoid waterlogged soil.
Fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly. A balanced fertilizer once a month during spring and summer is sufficient if you want to encourage faster growth. Avoid overfertilizing, which can stress the plant.
How To Propagate A Neon Pothos
Propagating neon pothos from stem cuttings is simple and rewarding. It’s an easy way to expand your collection or share plants. A short overview:
Step 1: Clip a healthy vine
Make a clean cut just above a leaf node, leaving several leaves on the mother plant. Aim to keep a few nodes on the cutting.
Step 2: Place cutting in water
Set the cut end in a clear glass or jar with a couple inches of water. Ensure leaves don’t sit submerged; remove lower leaves if necessary.
Step 3: Give it bright, indirect light
Place the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water every 7–10 days. Roots typically start within one to two weeks.
Step 4: Pot in soil
When roots are a couple of inches long, transfer the cutting to well-draining potting mix and care for it as you would a mature pothos. Pothos root and grow quickly, making propagation satisfying and fast.
Common Problems
Neon pothos are resilient but can show typical houseplant issues. Common signs and fixes:
- Drooping leaves: Usually a sign of underwatering. Water and leaves should revive within a day.
- Yellowing leaves: One or two yellow leaves are normal. Widespread yellowing often indicates overwatering; reduce watering and check soil drainage.
- Brown spots or crispy tips: Can be caused by underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sun. Adjust water, increase humidity, or move to lower light.
- Leggy vines with few leaves: Likely too little light. Move to a brighter spot and prune leggy stems to encourage fuller growth.
- Pests: Occasional pests include fungus gnats, mealybugs, or spider mites. Many infestations can be managed by wiping foliage, rinsing, and treating with appropriate plant-safe remedies.
Other Neon Pothos FAQ
Can neon pothos grow outdoors?
Yes — in warm climates pothos thrive outdoors. They are suitable for USDA Zones 10–12 and can be moved outside in warmer months if you live in cooler regions, provided they return indoors before temperatures drop below around 50°F (10°C). Keep them in pots so they’re easy to relocate.
Are neon pothos toxic to pets?
All pothos contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic if ingested by pets or humans, causing irritation to mouth, throat, or stomach. Keep plants out of reach of curious pets and children.
Does neon pothos need more light than other pothos?
Not significantly. Neon pothos enjoys bright, indirect light like other pothos, but it tolerates lower light. Brighter light produces faster growth and more vivid foliage.
What other pothos varieties exist?
There are many pothos cultivars, including golden pothos, Marble Queen, Manjula, Cebu Blue, Jade, Baltic Blue, and Snow Queen, each with distinct leaf color or variegation patterns.
Do pothos dislike drafts?
Generally, avoid placing houseplants in direct drafts from vents or open windows because sudden temperature changes can stress them. However, pothos are tolerant and may handle mild drafts; move the plant if you notice stress or damage.
More Plant Guides
If you want to expand your plant knowledge, explore guides on low-light houseplants, air-purifying plants, propagation techniques, and care for other popular houseplants. These resources can help you choose complementary plants and improve overall indoor plant health.
*This article may reference products and resources; check manufacturer guidance and local recommendations when purchasing or applying treatments.