Neon pothos is an indoor plant in temperate climates. It grows outdoors in tropical latitudes. Because of its hardiness, it finds its way into public spaces like shopping malls and office buildings.
Outside pothos plants can grow to heights of 20′ feet or more. They can spread out over large areas on the forest floor.
In indoor settings, you can trim the plant so that it retains an area of one to two feet. If given space in a hanging plant, it may reach down to the floor even if the pot is six or more feet in the air.
The biggest draw of this tropical houseplant is its yellow-green leaves, which can get quite large and do, as the name suggests, have a neon-like glow. The bright color is the biggest draw for many people who buy neon pothos.
Though many people find them attractive, they do not have colorful flowers or a noticeable fragrance. This trait makes them ideal for spaces that require subtlety, such as an office or shared living areas.
Light & Temperature
Neon pothos can tolerate low light conditions. It cannot thrive in complete darkness. But, it can grow in dim spaces such as bathrooms with one window or offices.
Neon also thrives when you use fluorescent lights instead of bright indirect sun.
Can a neon pothos plant get too much light?
The plant will start looking pale if it gets too much direct sunlight. Do not place them near windows that get excessive sunshine during the day.
Because they are tropical plants, Neon pothos plants need temperatures of between 65° – 80° degrees Fahrenheit. They tolerate slightly colder temperatures for short periods. They grow much quicker in warmer, humid conditions.
In some cases, people who want to slow a plant’s growth can place it in a cool location.
Watering And Feeding
Neon pothos can survive with minimal water. Cuttings can even live in vases of water with little or no dirt for months at a time.
Tips On Watering Pothos Plants
Ideally, you will water your plant every week or so. Water it until all the soil is damp and then wait until all the root ball becomes dry before watering again.
Do not overdo plant food or fertilizers with any plant, but especially one like a neon pothos. It can thrive without much help. Too much fertilizer will cause mineral and salt buildup, stunt growth, and eventually kill the plant.
Soil & Transplanting
Use an organic mixture containing peat moss, or coconut coir to retain soil moisture when planting neon pothos. Airy soils can absorb and filter water better than standard outdoor dirt.
If you would like the plant to trail down, transplant it into a hanging pot. The leaves will track down to the floor if you do not trim them.
Grooming And Maintenance
Your neon pothos will need some grooming. When left to grow, these plants will continue to spread in every direction.
If you put the pot on a table or shelf, the vines trail and eventually stretch to the floor. Remove bare stems that do not have any leaves. These are typically in the middle of the plant.
Remove the tips that spread out from the main plant. Use the tips to propagate new plants.
Slow growth by placing the plant in a cool location. Cooler temperatures will stunt its growth without harming it.
How To Propagate Neon Pothos
Neon pothos is easy to grow and propagate. You can find root nodes on the stems of an existing plant. Look for branches with multiple leaves.
After removing the leaf closest to the stem, stick the bottom of the stem in water. It’s best to use distilled or purified water and avoid chlorine or fluoride sometimes found in tap water.
If you use this method, it will typically take about a month until you start seeing roots. You can then pot the young plants in regular potting soil.
Neon Pothos Pests or Diseases
Neon Pothos is a difficult plant to kill. For this reason, it is popular with people who do not have a lot of time for houseplant care.
That said, this plant species can still get sick. Here are some common diseases that affect this plant.
Mealybugs and scale can both attach themselves to pothos. They inhibit growth and make the plant sick by robbing it of its sap.
You can deal with these pests by putting rubbing alcohol on them.
Special insecticides may also work. Many homeowners have success with natural insecticides using dish soap and neem oil that adhere to the bugs.
More on How To Get Rid Of Mealybugs on Pothos
Root and stem rot, caused by a fungus, create discolored leaves and eventually kill the plant.
This issue usually comes from overwatering.
Neon pothos can bring lots of color to any space within a home or office.
It thrives with little care and can adapt to fluorescent lighting. It is an ideal addition for any plant owner, including those with no previous experience caring for houseplants.
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