If you want to know how to grow neon pothos then you are the right place. One of the most popular and eye-catching pothos varieties, neon pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’) are low-maintenance houseplants that will brighten up any corner of your home. This stunning pothos variety is native to the tropical Solomon Islands and is distinguished by neon green, heart-shaped leaves and a vining growth habit. The best part is that neon pothos are simple to maintain, making them ideal for beginners or those with a notoriously bad green thumb.
All parts of the neon pothos, a variety of the common golden pothos, are toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if ingested, so use caution if you have pets or young children in your home.
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How to Grow Neon Pothos & Care
These vibrant pothos require little maintenance and are simple to care for. They can adapt to a variety of lighting conditions, and while they prefer regular watering, they recover quickly if you forget to water them every now and then.
Neon pothos can grow vines up to 10 feet long when grown indoors, so while pruning isn’t required for these tropical vines, you may want to prune the vines every now and then to also keep their size under control.
1. Light
Neon pothos grow in the forest understory and can tolerate a wide range of partial lighting conditions. However, bright indirect light is best for keeping the leaves vibrant and avoiding leggy growth.
2. Soil
Overall, neon pothos are not picky about soil, as long as it is loamy, moist, and well-draining. Standard houseplant soil works well for these low-maintenance plants; however, if you want to get fancy, combine one part houseplant soil, one part orchid bark for a chunky, one part perlite organic soil mix that your pothos will love.
3. Water
Neon pothos are susceptible to root rot if their roots are left standing in water, so always keep your plant in a pot with adequate drainage to avoid waterlogging the roots.
4. Humidity and temperature
Neon pothos grow in warm, humid environments in their natural habitat, making them ideal for growing indoors as a houseplant. Your neon pothos will be content as long as the temperature stays between 55 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (or 15 and 35 degrees Celsius). Average household humidity is also sufficient for these pothos, though adding extra humidity (via a humidifier or pebble tray) will promote more vigorous growth.
5. Fertilizer
Fertilizer is not required for pothos, especially if the soil is rich in organic matter, but it can help encourage strong, healthy growth during the active growing season. You can apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month from early spring to late summer if you prefer.
How to Grow Neon Pothos: Here’s How
Neon pothos, like other pothos varieties, is easily propagated through stem cuttings. This is a great way to repurpose any pruning cuttings and can help you create a fuller-looking plant by planting the cuttings back in the original pot. You can also use the cuttings to propagate new plants to share with your friends. To propagate your neon pothos with stem cuttings, follow these steps:
1. Take stem cuttings with at least 4-5 nodes from an established plant.
2. Trim the bottom 2-3 leaves from each cutting, leaving at least 2 leaves at the top.
3. Fill a small glass or jar halfway with water and submerge the cuttings, making sure that the exposed nodes on the bottom of the cuttings are submerged but the leaves are above water.
4. Place the cuttings in an area with medium to bright indirect light, and change the water once a week to keep it fresh.
5. Within a week or so, roots should begin to form. Cuttings can be returned to soil when the roots are at least an inch long. Remove the cuttings from the water and carefully place them in a well-draining, pre-moistened soil mixture.
6. Replant the freshly potted cuttings in the same location, and keep the soil moist for the first 1 to 2 weeks after repotting to help the roots acclimate to the soil.
7. After about 2 weeks, the cuttings can be returned to a regular watering schedule and cared for as established neon pothos.
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Pests That Are Common
Although neon pothos are not particularly susceptible to any specific pests or diseases, you should keep an eye out for some common houseplant pests that can become a problem if your plant becomes infected. Sap-sucking pests like mealybugs, scale, and spider mites, as well as fungus gnats, are common among houseplants.
The Most Common Neon Pothos Issues
Neon pothos are low-maintenance houseplants that rarely cause problems. However, improper watering and lighting can cause a few common issues.
1. Leaves that are drooping
This indicates that your plant is thirsty and in desperate need of a drink! Water your neon pothos, and the leaves should brighten up again.
2. Brown Suggestions
Brown tips on your neon pothos’ leaves can be caused by underwatering or excessively dry conditions. Increase the frequency with which you water your plant, and avoid placing it near drafty vents or windows.
3. Leggy Development
If your neon pothos begin to look straggly, with long vines with few leaves, it is a sign that it requires more light. Consider moving your pothos to a brighter spot.
This is the end of this post in which we explain how to grow neon pothos. I hope you like it, if yes then let us know in the comment section.
FAQs
Q1. Can neon pothos grow in just water?
Yes, surprisingly! All varieties of pothos grow well in water, but you must fertilize the plant on a regular basis to ensure that it receives enough nutrients to thrive. It is also preferable to start growing your neon pothos in water through propagation rather than attempting to transition an established plant from soil to water, which may result in a plant that is not as healthy.
Q2. Why are there patches of darker green variegation on my neon pothos?
Don’t be alarmed; small patches of darker green variegation are common in neon pothos and are usually caused by a gene mutation. However, if you notice large patches of darkening on the leaves, or new leaves that are growing darker and less vibrant, this could be an indication that your plant is reverting and requires more light to maintain its bright hue.
Q3. Should I support my neon pothos with a moss pole or a trellis?
This is entirely up to you and how you want to present your neon pothos. You can support your pothos with a trellis or moss pole, or you can grow it as a hanging plant. However, encouraging your pothos to climb by using a support encourages thicker vines and larger leaves, which some growers prefer.