Neon Pothos: Complete Care & Growing Guide

Last Updated on December 11, 2023

Meet the neon pothos, a popular and vibrant type of houseplant that’s super easy to take care of. Originating from the tropical Solomon Islands, this stunning plant has bright neon green, heart-shaped leaves and grows in a trailing manner. The best part is, even if you’re not great with plants, Neon Pothos is forgiving and perfect for beginners.

Here’s a tip: be careful if you have pets or young kids around because all parts of the neon pothos can be toxic if eaten. So, it’s best to keep an eye on them in case they get curious about this lovely plant.

Taking Care of Neon Pothos: Things to Know

Neon pothos are easy to take care of, making them a great choice for plant lovers of all experience levels. They can thrive in various lighting conditions and are forgiving if you occasionally forget to water them.

Indoors, they can grow impressive vines, reaching up to 10 feet. While trimming isn’t essential, occasional pruning can help manage their size.

Lighting:

Neon pothos naturally grow in the understory of forests, so they adapt well to different lighting conditions. However, they prefer bright indirect light to keep their leaves vibrant and prevent leggy growth.

Soil:

These plants are not too picky about soil, as long as it’s loamy, moist, and well-draining. Standard houseplant soil is suitable, or you can create a custom mix by combining houseplant soil, perlite, and orchid bark for a chunky, organic blend.

Watering:

Allow the top 2 to 3 inches of soil to dry between waterings, then water thoroughly. Neon pothos are prone to root rot if left in standing water, so ensure your pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots.

Temperature and Humidity:

Neon pothos are accustomed to warm, humid conditions in their native environment, making them well-suited for indoor growth. Keep temperatures between 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 35 degrees Celsius).

While average household humidity is sufficient, providing extra humidity through a humidifier or pebble tray can encourage vigorous growth.

Fertilizing:

Though not essential, regular fertilization during the active growing period can promote robust growth. If you choose to fertilize, use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month from early spring to late summer. This extra care ensures your neon pothos remains healthy and thriving.

Propagating Neon Pothos

Like other pothos varieties, propagating neon pothos is a straightforward process using stem cuttings. This method not only allows you to reuse cuttings from pruning but also helps create a fuller plant by replanting cuttings in the original pot or establishing new plants to share. Follow these steps to successfully propagate your neon pothos:

1. Take stem cuttings: Choose stems from a healthy, established plant, ensuring each cutting has at least 4-5 nodes.
2. Prepare cuttings: Trim off the bottom 2-3 leaves of each cutting, leaving at least 2 leaves at the top.
3. Use water for rooting: Place the cuttings in a small glass or jar with water. Submerge the exposed nodes in water while keeping the leaves above the water level.
4. Provide appropriate light: Position the cuttings in a spot with medium to bright indirect light. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh.
5. Wait for roots: Roots should start developing within a week. Once they are at least an inch long, transfer the cuttings to the soil.
6. Pot in well-draining soil: Carefully pot the cuttings in a pre-moistened, well-draining soil mixture.
7. Initial care: Keep the freshly potted cuttings in the same location and maintain consistently moist soil for the first 1 to 2 weeks to help the roots adjust.
8. Transition to regular care: After around 2 weeks, resume a regular watering schedule. Treat the propagated cuttings as you would established neon pothos.

The source for crafting this part of the article, The Spruce

Pruning

Pruning, often considered an art in itself, becomes a fundamental aspect of neon pothos care. The primary objective is twofold: controlling size and promoting bushier growth.

As your neon pothos flourishes, you may find its vines extending gracefully to impressive lengths. To maintain a manageable size and encourage a fuller appearance, selectively prune the longer vines.

This not only prevents the plant from becoming unruly but also stimulates the development of new, denser foliage.

Addressing Common Issues With Neon Pothos

Recognizing and addressing these common issues are integral aspects of nurturing a thriving neon pothos. Let’s explore the identification of prevalent problems, effective solutions for concerns such as yellowing leaves and pests, and the paramount importance of proactive care and keen observation.

Identification of Common Problems

Understanding the language of your neon pothos is crucial in providing tailored care. Common issues include yellowing leaves, wilting, browning edges, and a decline in overall vibrancy.

Each symptom can be a clue to an underlying problem, whether it be related to water, light, pests, or soil conditions. Regularly inspect your plant to catch these signs early on.

Solutions for Yellowing Leaves, Pests, and Other Issues

Addressing problems promptly is the key to restoring the health of your neon pothos. Here are solutions for some common issues:

• Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing leaves can result from overwatering, underwatering, or inadequate light. Adjust your watering routine, ensuring the soil dries out between waterings. Consider moving the plant to a location with better lighting conditions.
• Pests: Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Treat infestations by gently washing the plant with soapy water or insecticidal soap. For severe cases, consider using neem oil or introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
• Wilting or Browning Edges: These symptoms may indicate underwatering, low humidity, or exposure to direct sunlight. Adjust your watering schedule, increase humidity around the plant, and relocate it to a spot with indirect light.

Importance of Proactive Care and Observation

Proactive care is the linchpin of a healthy neon pothos. Regularly check the soil moisture, inspect leaves for pests or signs of stress, and monitor the overall growth.

By maintaining a proactive stance, you can identify issues before they escalate, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing the impact on your plant’s well-being.

Observation goes hand in hand with proactive care. Take the time to familiarize yourself with your neon pothos, noting changes in their appearance, growth patterns, and response to environmental conditions.

This attentiveness enables you to fine-tune care practices and create a harmonious living environment for your plant.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey into the world of neon pothos care, let’s take a moment to recap the key tips that will ensure your plant thrives and flourishes in its indoor habitat.

Recap of Key Care Tips

• Lighting: Provide bright indirect light to maintain the vibrant hues of neon pothos leaves.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, loamy soil mixture to keep your plant happy.
• Watering: Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot.
• Temperature and Humidity: Keep your neon pothos in a comfortable temperature range and consider adding humidity if needed.
• Fertilization: While not mandatory, occasional fertilization during the growing season can boost the plant’s health.
• Pruning: Prune selectively to control size and encourage bushier growth.
• Maintenance: Regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests, diseases, or stress, and adjust care accordingly.

Some Examples of Home Grown Healthy Neon Pothos I Found On Reddit