Neon Pothos: Why is This the Ideal Plant For You?

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Shaleena Quinlan

Shaleena comes from a long line of midwestern farmers and feels like gardening is in her blood. She loved helping her grandmother in her garden, learning to plow the soil, sow the seeds, and carefully attend to each plant. Her travels had added to her gardening knowledge, and she knows quite a bit about growing produce in the tropics. She always makes space for a bit of a garden no matter where she has lived.

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This luminous plant is hardy and easy to care for, which makes it ideal for beginner gardeners. Because it is capable of growing in places that are difficult for many other plants, it will fit into almost any home or garden setting. In fact, it will even grow in dark corners with little light, hence its other nickname, Devil’s Ivy.

How to Identify Neon Pothos

This plant is easy to identify from its luminescent yellow-green leaves. They truly do look like they are lit by neon lights. Another identifier is the shape of the leaves – they are heart-shaped.

How to Grow Neon Pothos from Seed

Typically, these plants are grown from stem cuttings rather than from seedlings; however, it can be done.  To grow Neon Pothos from seed, follow these steps:

1. Purchase seeds from a reputable seller (sellers who price their seeds between $1 and $2)
2. Soak the seeds in water for 24 to 48 hours
3. Fill a container with a seed starting soil mix
4. Plant the seeds in the soil mix
5. Water the soil so that it is moist but not soggy
6. Place plastic wrap over the top of the container
7. Set the container in a warm spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight
8. Once sprouts appear above the soil level, acclimatize them to open air
9. Once the plants are established, move them to a more permanent plant container

How to Propagate Neon Pothos

The easiest way to grow a new Neon Pothos plant is via stem cuttings.  This can be during pruning sessions or anytime a new plant is desired. The steps for doing this are as follows:

1. Using a sterile cutting utensil, cut off a healthy stem that includes a leaf and a node
2. Set the stem in a container filled with water
3. Set the container in a place that gets bright but indirect sunlight
4. Change the water every other week
5. Once roots are an inch long, plant the stem in a container filled with potting soil that contains a mixture of perlite
6. Water the potting soil and keep it moist but not soggy

Neon Pothos Growing Conditions

Naturally, Neon Pothos lives in a climate that is high in humidity and has temperatures ranging between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this climate is not ideal for most people, it is recommended that this plant be placed near a humidifier or a pebble tray.

While this is a native of the tropical islands of the South Pacific, it is so hardy and undemanding that it can thrive in many different environments. It does enjoy warm, humid weather with plenty of indirect sunlight, but it can also grow in climates that are dry, cool environments with low access to sunlight. Neon Pothos is a very adaptable plant.

How to Plant Neon Pothos

On average, this plant may need to repot every two to three years.  Repotting will provide it with fresh soil and a chance to grow bigger, stronger roots.  The steps for repotting a Neon Pothos are:

1. Fill a new container that is two inches larger than its previous container with potting soil
2. Create a hole in the soil for the plant to set inside
3. Carefully remove the plant from its current container by laying the plant on its side and then pulling the pot off the root system
4. Gently dust off any excess soil from its roots
5. Set the plant into the hole in the new container
6. Spread the soil around so that the plant is secure in its new container
7. Water the plant
8. Set it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight

Neon Pothos Potting & Soil

When it comes to soil conditions, Neon Pothos requires soil that has a pH level ranging between 6.1 and 6.5.  It is easy to test soil pH levels using a Soil pH Meter.  To alkaline soil, add aged sawdust, wood chips, peat moss, pine needles, or oak leaves to it.  To create higher levels of acidity in the soil, add bone meal, hardwood ashes, or ground eggshells to it.  For a more detailed look at how to adjust soil pH levels, read this article.

Balanced soil pH levels are not the only thing that Neon Pothos requires.  It also needs soil that has the ability to drain well but still hold some moisture.  This type of soil needs to include plenty of organic material that will provide nutrients to the plant.  Happy Frog potting soil is an excellent choice to use.

Neon Pothos Water Requirements

Since this plant is native to subtropical islands, it requires plenty of water; in fact, it should not sit in dry soil for very long.  The best way to know when this plant needs water is to test the moisture level of its soil.  If the top two inches of its soil is dry, it can use a drink, if however, the top two inches are still moist, it does not need any more water.

Try using a plant watering app to track when a plant has been watered, set reminders to water it, and get answers to common plant care questions.

Neon Pothos Light Requirements

While this plant can adapt to low light, it does grow better and look better when placed in a spot that gets plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Using a light meter to test indoor light capacity is a great way to ensure that the plant is receiving the amount of sunlight it needs.

Best Neon Pothos Fertilizer

It is not necessary to fertilize a Neon Pothos during cold months; it should only be given a feeding during spring or summer. The best type of fertilizer for this plant is worm compost.

Best Neon Pothos Companion Plantings

This plant has luscious and vibrantly green leaves that are gorgeous when set next to a complimentary plant. These three plants listed below are just a sample of the many wonderful options available to use as a companion planting for Neon Pothos.

Monstera Peru

This is a trailing vine plant that hails from the rainforests of South America. Its leaves are large, dark green, and leathery. Not only do its good looks make it an ideal companion for a Neon Pothos plant, but its easy-going nature and care requirements will also.

Common Ground

• Both plants require soil that is well-draining and full of organic nutrients
• Both plants require warm, humid climates
• Both plants require bright, indirect sunlight
• Both plants grow long, trellising vines

Pros

• It is hardy
• It is easy to learn how to care for and grow
• It is a beautiful plant to use as decoration

Cons

• It is susceptible to infestations of fungus gnats, mealybugs, scale bugs, and spider mites
• It is susceptible to root rot
• It is toxic

Monstera Epipremnoides

This is also nicknamed the Swiss Cheese Plant because it features leaves that grow with distinct holes that are reminiscent of that type of cheese.  It is also a tropical plant that is easy to grow and has many of the same care requirements as Neon Pothos, which makes the process of learning how to care for both plants a quick and easy process.

Common Ground

• Both plants grow long, trellising vines
• Both plants are easy to grow on mossy poles or in hanging plant containers
• Both plants require soil that is well-draining and full of organic nutrients
• Both plants require a lot of bright but indirect sunlight

Pros

• It is easy to learn how to care for and grow
• It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings

Cons

• It is toxic if consumed
• It can grow very large (up to 13 feet tall)
• It can suffer from too little humidity
• It can suffer from too much direct sun
• It is susceptible to root rot

Philodendron Birkin

This is a gorgeous plant that features large leaves that are variegated with dark green and creamy yellow color. It is definitely a plant that is perfect to use as a piece of home décor.

Common Ground

• Both plants require soil that is well-draining and full of organic nutrients
• Both plants require a lot of bright but indirect sunlight
• Both plants grow best in warm, humid climates

Pros

• It is easy to propagate via stem cuttings
• It is easy to learn how to care for and grow
• It can grow under natural sunlight or under a grow light

Cons

• It is toxic
• It is susceptible to root rot
• It requires fertilization to keep its leaves looking healthy
• It can grow quickly when given good care and this will require repotting on a regular basis

Neon Pothos Diseases and Common Problems

While this plant is hardy and easy to care for, it is susceptible to infestations and diseases.  The most common problems it faces are:

• Bacterial Wilt

Evidence of this disease are leaves that wilt and stem veins that turn black.

• Ethylene Damage

Evidence of this problem is leaves that are yellow, then turn tan, then become light brown while the moisture level of the plant’s soil is agreeable.

• Manganese Toxicity

Evidence of the problem are leaves that drop prematurely, has yellow marks or flecks on them, and darkened veins.

• Mealybugs

Evidence of an infestation of mealybugs is small white spots that look like cotton on leaves and stems.

• Root Rot

Evidence of this problem is leaves that have turned brown or black.

• Southern Blight

Evidence of this problem is strands of white, feathery fungus growing on top of the soil and on the plant’s stems.

Neon Pothos Treatments and Maintenance

When a plant is facing an infestation or a common problem, it is best to act quickly to save the plant.  These are the steps to treat the most common problems faced by Neon Pothos.

Bacterial Wilt

This is an extremely contagious and fast-growing infestation for plants. Any plant that shows evidence that it has bacterial wilt should be quarantined from other plants. To deal with this type of infestation, follow these steps:

1. Remove the plant from its container
2. Wash off all the dirt from its roots
3. Replant the plant in a clean container with fresh soil
4. Use a plant protector such as Wilt Stop

Ethylene Damage

Typically, this issue is faced by plants that are kept in a greenhouse with heaters. To treat this issue, it is necessary to check that the greenhouse has adequate ventilation.

Manganese Toxicity

To deal with this issue, it is necessary to discontinue the use of any fertilizer that contains manganese and to add lime to the soil so that its pH levels range between 6 and 6.5.

Mealybugs

To deal with an infestation of mealybugs, follow these steps:

1. Spray a solution of alcohol and water on the leaves
2. Rub the leaves with a cotton ball
3. Coat the leaves in neem oil or insecticidal soap every few days

Root Rot

To treat this problem, let the soil dry out completely and set the plant in a place where it will get plenty of airflow.  If it is still struggling with too much water in its container, follow these steps:

1. Remove the plant from its container
2. Wash off all the dirt from its roots
3. Cut off any roots that are rotten
4. Replant the plant in a clean container with fresh soil
5. Wait to water it for a few days

Southern Blight

To deal with this problem, it is necessary to discard the plant and plant container completely so that it cannot pass on the infestation to other plants. This disease is usually caused by contaminated potting soil. Refrain from storing potting soil directly on the ground since this is the best way for Sclerotium rolfsii to grow into a colony.

Where to Buy Neon Pothos Seeds Online

Purchasing Neon Pothos seeds can be slightly complicated since the plant hardly ever produces flowers, even in the wild. Most gardeners propagate this type of plant from cuttings because of this.  Some of the best places to look for rare seeds online are these shops:

• Amazon
• Green Seed Garden

Where to Buy Mature Neon Pothos Online

While the Neon Pothos seeds are difficult to come by, mature plants are not. These online shops are great places to search for this plant.

• Amazon
• Etsy
• Cellar Door Plants

FAQs

Concluding Thoughts

Neon Pothos is a fun plant to own and use as a key decoration inside or within a garden space. Its features are impressive, tropical, and peaceful. This plant adds just the right amount of pizazz wherever it is placed.

Research Citations

Joy Us Garden

Plantophiles

Cape Gazette

UF IFAS Extension