Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’ (Golden Pothos)

Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’, commonly known as the Neon Pothos, is a vibrant and eye-catching cultivar of the popular Pothos family, celebrated for its electrifying, neon-green foliage. This plant adds a splash of color to any indoor setting, merging ease of care with striking visual appeal.

Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’ – Neon Pothos: An In-depth Look

Neon Pothos is distinguished by its bright, almost fluorescent green leaves that maintain their vivid coloration throughout the plant’s life. Unlike the variegated patterns seen in other Pothos varieties, ‘Neon’ showcases a solid, luminous green that can brighten even the dimmest of spaces.

Native: Like its parent, Neon Pothos traces its roots to the Society Islands of French Polynesia. However, as a cultivar, it has been specifically bred for the indoor plant market and is found in homes and offices worldwide. It belongs to the arum family (Araceae), along with Zantedeschia (Calla Lily), Caladium (Angel Wing), Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant), or Colocasia (Elephant Ear).

Plant Type and Habit: Neon Pothos is a trailing, evergreen vine that exhibits both climbing and hanging growth habits. It can grow upwards, supported by a moss pole or trellis, or cascade elegantly from hanging baskets and shelves, offering versatility in home decoration.

Size: In indoor environments, Neon Pothos can reach impressive lengths of up to 10 feet (3 meters) and 3 feet wide (90 cm).

Flowers: Flowering is rare for the Neon Pothos in indoor settings. It typically focuses its energy on foliage growth, making the lush leaves the main attraction.

Foliage: The standout feature of the plant is its foliage, with each heart-shaped leaf radiating a bright green hue. Emerging as yellow-green, the leaves are smooth and glossy, enhancing the plant’s overall aesthetic appeal.

Hardiness: Neon Pothos is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12, thriving in warm, humid environments but also adapting well to indoor climates. It is best suited to indoor environments where temperatures can be kept consistent, ideally between 60-85°F (15-29°C).

Uses: Neon Pothos is primarily used for ornamental purposes. Its striking appearance makes it a popular choice for adding a pop of color to interior designs.

Toxicity: Pothos plants are toxic to humans and pets if ingested, causing mouth and stomach irritation and potentially leading to vomiting.

Drought: Pothos exhibits good drought tolerance, surviving periods of low water availability by storing moisture in its leaves and stems.

Benefits: Beyond its decorative use, it is also valued for its air-purifying capabilities, capable of removing common household toxins from the air. It’s a favorite in homes, offices, and commercial spaces for both its beauty and environmental benefits.

Pothos Plant Care

Caring for a Neon Pothos is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts.

Light: Neon Pothos prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low-light conditions, making it versatile for different indoor settings. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil provides the necessary aeration and moisture retention.

Water: Water your Neon Pothos when the top inch of the soil feels dry. It’s drought-tolerant, so it’s better to under-water than over-water. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

Temperature and Humidity: Neon Pothos prefers temperatures between 60°F (15°C) and 85°F (29°C). Protect it from drafts and extreme temperatures to avoid stress. While Pothos does well in average home humidity levels, it thrives in higher humidity. If your home is dry, consider misting the leaves or placing a humidifier nearby.

Fertilization: Fertilize your Pothos with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in fall and winter.

Pruning: Regular pruning encourages fuller growth. Trim back any leggy vines to maintain the desired shape and size. Pruning is also a good opportunity to propagate new plants.

Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one. Use well-draining soil and water thoroughly after repotting to help the plant settle. This simple step can rejuvenate your Golden Pothos, encouraging healthier growth.

How to Propagate Pothos – A Step-By-Step Guide

Propagating Neon Pothos is an easy and effective way to create new plants from your existing one.

Choose a Healthy Stem: Look for a healthy stem on your Pothos plant. Ideally, one that’s vigorous and has at least 4-6 leaves. Ensure the stem is free from any signs of pests or diseases.

Make the Cut: Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem just below a node (the point on the stem where leaves are attached). The node is where new roots will sprout, so it’s crucial for successful propagation.

Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaves closest to the cut end, leaving at least 2-3 leaves on the upper part of the cutting. This prevents the submerged leaves from rotting in water and focuses the plant’s energy on root development.

Rooting Medium: You have two options for rooting your Pothos cutting: water or soil.

• Water: Place the cutting in a glass or jar filled with room-temperature water, ensuring the node is submerged but the leaves remain above water. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
• Soil: Plant the cutting directly into moist potting soil, burying the node about 1-2 inches deep. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Location: Place your Pothos cutting in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the young cutting.

Wait for Roots to Develop: If you’ve chosen water propagation, you’ll begin to see roots forming within a few weeks. Wait until the roots are at least an inch long before transplanting to soil. For soil propagation, gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks; resistance indicates root formation.

Transplanting: Once your cutting has developed a healthy root system, you can transplant it into a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly after transplanting to help establish the roots in their new environment.

Aftercare: Continue to provide your new Pothos plant with bright, indirect light, and keep the soil evenly moist. With proper care, your propagated Pothos will grow into a full, lush plant.

Neon Pothos: Pests, Diseases, Common Problems

Pothos can encounter pests, diseases, and other common problems, especially when grown indoors.

Pests

Spider Mites: These tiny pests can be identified by the fine webs they weave on the plant. They cause yellowing or speckled leaves. Increase humidity around the plant and wash it with a strong stream of water. For severe infestations, use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Mealybugs: These white, cottony pests tend to cluster in leaf axils and under leaves, sucking sap and weakening the plant. Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs or apply neem oil.

Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, brown, or pink, aphids typically feed in groups on the undersides of leaves. Combat them with a gentle spray of water, neem oil, or insecticidal soap to protect the plant’s health and appearance.

Scale insects: Hard or soft-bodied insects that attach themselves to the stems or leaves, causing yellowing and growth stunting. Scrape off with a fingernail or use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Insecticidal soap or neem oil may also be used.

Diseases

Root rot:  Overwatering is the primary cause, leading to brown, mushy roots and yellowing leaves. Reduce watering, improve drainage, and repot the plant into fresh, well-draining soil. Severely affected roots should be trimmed before repotting.

Leaf spot: Fungal or bacterial infections can cause dark or black spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo. Increase air circulation, avoid wetting leaves when watering, and remove affected leaves. Fungicides or bactericides may be necessary in severe cases.

Common Problems

Yellow Leaves
One of the most frequent issues is yellowing leaves, often due to overwatering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil is well-draining and allow the top inch to dry out between waterings. Yellow leaves can also indicate nutritional deficiencies, so a balanced fertilizer application during the growing season can be beneficial.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges
This problem is usually a sign of low humidity, which is common in indoor environments, especially during winter. Increasing humidity around the plant through misting, using a pebble tray, or employing a humidifier can alleviate this issue. Brown tips may also result from tap water chemicals, so using filtered or rainwater for watering might help.

Leggy Growth or Small Leaves
Leggy stems and smaller than normal leaves are typically signs of inadequate light. While Pothos plants can tolerate low light conditions, they thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Moving your plant to a brighter location can encourage fuller growth and larger leaves.

Leaf Drop
Sudden leaf drop can be alarming and is often a reaction to a drastic change in the plant’s environment, such as a sudden temperature drop, overwatering, or under-watering. Keeping your Pothos in a stable environment and adhering to consistent watering routines can prevent leaf drop.

Fading or Loss of Variegation
If your variegated Pothos starts losing its distinctive patterns, it might not be getting enough light. Variegation is best maintained under bright, indirect light. However, too much direct sunlight can lead to leaf scorching, so finding the right balance is key.

Curling Leaves
Curling leaves can indicate the plant is either too dry or exposed to too much direct sunlight. Check the soil moisture and consider relocating your Pothos to a spot with diffused light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Neon Pothos Need Sunlight?

Neon Pothos thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They can tolerate low-light conditions, but their vibrant neon color is most vivid when they receive plenty of indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their delicate leaves, so it’s best to avoid placing them in direct sun exposure.

Is Neon Pothos Hard to Grow?

Neon Pothos are not hard to grow and are known for their resilience and ease of care. They are adaptable to a variety of indoor environments, making them suitable for beginners and experienced plant owners alike. Regular watering when the soil dries out, providing bright, indirect light, and occasional fertilization are all they need to thrive.

Do Neon Pothos Climb or Hang?

Neon Pothos can do both. In their natural habitat, they are climbers, using aerial roots to attach to larger structures. Indoors, they can be encouraged to climb with the support of a moss pole or trellis. Alternatively, their trailing vines make them perfect for hanging baskets, where they can elegantly cascade over the sides.

What Is the Rarest Pothos?

One of the rarest Pothos varieties is the Variegated Pothos, specifically the Epipremnum aureum ‘Variegata’ or the ‘Albo Variegata’. This variety has white or cream variegation on its leaves, making it highly sought after. Its rarity is due to the slower growth rate and more specific care requirements compared to other Pothos varieties. Another rare variety is the Pothos ‘Cebu Blue’, known for its unique blue-green foliage.