Our top pick for an easy starter houseplant is the pothos—truly hard to beat. These fast-growing, trailing vines are low-maintenance yet make a big visual impact, ideal for beginners and experienced plant owners alike. The golden pothos is common, but don’t overlook the bright, eye-catching neon pothos. We have several neon pothos in our home; they’re stunning and simple to care for. Here’s everything you should know before bringing one home.
There are many varieties of pothos, most sharing similar care needs to the neon form. If you’re curious about other types, common ones include golden pothos and marble queen pothos; each has slightly different color and variegation but similar, forgiving requirements.
Table of Contents
Neon Pothos Quick Facts
A quick overview of the neon pothos so you can get started at a glance:
- Latin name: Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’
- Common names: Neon pothos, neon devil’s ivy
- Mistaken for: Golden pothos, lemon lime philodendron
- Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates lower light
- Watering: Typically every 7–10 days in the growing season, or when the top soil is dry and leaves droop
- Soil: Standard potting mix that drains well
- Ideal Humidity: Average household humidity; 50–70% is ideal
- Ideal Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
- Cold Hardiness: Suitable as a houseplant; outdoors in warm climates (USDA Zones 10–12)
What Is A Neon Pothos?
The neon pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’) is an evergreen vining plant often nicknamed “neon devil’s ivy” because of its resilience. The name “neon” refers to its vivid yellow-green foliage, which stands out in mixed plantings. Like other pothos, it has heart-shaped leaves and a trailing habit, making it ideal for pots, hanging baskets, shelves, or training up supports. Its bright leaves contrast beautifully with darker green plants and add a lively accent to interiors.
Neon pothos adapt to a wide range of indoor conditions, which is why they’re often recommended as beginner plants. They look great alone or mixed with other species, and their trailing stems are useful for styling living spaces.
Neon Pothos Vs. Golden Pothos
Neon and golden pothos belong to the same species but are different cultivated varieties. They share similar leaf shapes and growth habits, but the most obvious difference is color. Neon pothos display a bright yellow-green, usually a solid color, while golden pothos often feature a warmer, gold-tinged variegation or stripe pattern. Light exposure affects variegation and leaf appearance, so new growth on either variety can appear brighter in spring and summer. Fortunately, both varieties require nearly identical care, so knowing the exact variety isn’t essential for everyday maintenance.
How To Care For A Neon Pothos
Neon pothos tolerate a variety of light and water conditions, making them easy to place around your home. We keep ours in everything from lower-light corners to bright porches. Below are practical care tips to keep yours healthy and vibrant.
Light
Neon pothos thrive in bright, indirect light but adapt well to lower light. The more bright indirect light they receive, the more intense the neon coloration and the fuller the growth. For best results, position them where vines can drape freely from a shelf or hanging basket while avoiding prolonged direct sun that can scorch leaves.
Water
Water moderately—typically every 7–10 days during active growth. Allow the top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Pothos prefer slightly drier conditions over consistently soggy soil; overwatering leads to root rot and yellowing leaves. These plants will often droop when thirsty, which serves as a helpful visual cue to water.
Soil
Use a standard, well-draining potting mix. If your mix holds too much moisture, add perlite or similar material to improve aeration and drainage. A light, loose mix helps roots stay healthy and prevents waterlogging.
Pruning
Trim dead or leggy vines to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Cut about 1–2 inches below a node (where a leaf meets the stem) and leave at least a couple of inches of stem above the soil. Clean, sharp scissors or shears help prevent damage and disease.
Repotting
Repot only when necessary—usually every 1–2 years depending on growth. Signs it’s time include roots emerging from drainage holes or the plant becoming rootbound. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has drainage holes.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing is optional. If you want to boost growth during spring and summer, apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer sparingly—no more than once a month. Avoid overfertilizing, which can damage roots and foliage.
How To Propagate A Neon Pothos
Neon pothos are excellent for propagation. Rooting cuttings in water is an easy, rewarding way to expand your collection or make gifts. Below is a simple propagation overview.
Step 1: Clip off a healthy vine
Use clean, sharp shears to cut a vine just above a leaf node. Leave several leaves on the parent plant and keep a few on the cutting.
Step 2: Place the cutting in water
Fill a clear glass or jar with a couple of inches of water. Submerge only the cut stem and root node—keep leaves out of the water. Remove any lower leaves that would be submerged.
Step 3: Give it bright, indirect light
Place the vessel in bright, indirect light and change the water every 7–10 days. Roots typically begin to form within one to two weeks.
Step 4: Move to soil
Once roots are a couple of inches long, pot the cutting in well-draining potting mix and resume regular care. Pothos often root quickly and respond well to this method, making propagation a satisfying way to build your indoor garden.
Common Problems
Neon pothos are resilient but can show common houseplant issues. Here are typical signs and simple fixes:
- Leaves dropping: Usually a sign of underwatering—water and the plant should perk up quickly.
- Yellowing leaves: Isolated yellow leaves are normal. Widespread yellowing often points to overwatering—allow the soil to dry more between waterings and improve drainage.
- Brown spots or crispy tips: May indicate underwatering, low humidity, or too much direct sun. Adjust watering, move to lower light, or raise humidity.
- Leggy vines with few leaves: Typically a light issue. Move the plant to a brighter spot and prune leggy stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Pests: Pothos occasionally attract pests like fungus gnats, mealybugs, or spider mites. Wiping leaves and treating with a gentle, plant-safe solution can control minor infestations.
Other Neon Pothos FAQ
Can Neon Pothos grow outdoors?
Yes—pothos are tropical plants and can grow outdoors in warm climates. If you live in cooler regions, you can keep a neon pothos outside during warm months but bring it inside before temperatures drop below about 50°F (10°C). Using a moveable pot makes seasonal changes easy.
Are neon pothos toxic to pets?
All pothos contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth, throat, and stomach if ingested. This affects humans, cats, and dogs. If you have curious pets or children, place your pothos out of reach to avoid nibbling.
Does neon pothos need more light than other pothos?
Not significantly. Neon pothos appreciate bright indirect light for the best coloration, but they tolerate lower-light conditions similarly to other pothos varieties. Brighter locations generally promote faster, fuller growth for any pothos.
What other types of pothos are there?
There are more than a dozen cultivated pothos varieties. Common examples include golden pothos, marble queen, Manjula, Cebu Blue, Jade, Baltic Blue, and Snow Queen—each varying in color, leaf shape, and variegation patterns.
Do pothos dislike drafts?
Most houseplants prefer to avoid constant hot or cold drafts from vents. While many pothos tolerate occasional drafts, if a plant shows stress in a drafty spot, moving it to a more sheltered location is a good idea.
More Plant Guides
If you want to learn more about other easy-care houseplants and techniques—like low-light plants, air-purifying varieties, or propagation—explore additional plant care guides to expand your collection and skills.
*This post previously included links to products and resources; recommendations were provided for convenience. Always choose products and care routines that suit your plants and home.