How to Grow and Care for Neon Pothos

A low-maintenance plant like the neon pothos is a good choice for beginners or busy gardeners. Also known as the Devil’s Ivy, this plant will make every corner bright with its heart-shaped and neon-colored foliage without demanding much care and maintenance.

Neon pothos is native to the Solomon Islands. It’s a perennial plant that has a trailing habit. Find below some basic information about this plant.

Scientific Name	Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’
Common Name	Neon pothos, Devil’s Ivy
Origin	Solomon Islands
Plant Type	Vine
Life Cycle	Perennial
Growth Rate	Moderate
Hardiness Zones	USDA Zones 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
Humidity Levels	Moderate to high humidity (60-95%)
Soil Type and pH	Loamy, moist but well-drained and acidic
Propagation Methods	Stem cutting
Toxicity	Toxic to pets and people
Mature Size	10 ft long, 3 ft wide (indoors)
Bloom Time	Spring, summer

Growing Neon Pothos

It’s pretty easy to grow neon pothos, and they will likely thrive indoors. Neon pothos will love the outdoors if you’re living in areas under USDA zones 11 to 12. If you’re living in a much colder region, you can still grow neon pothos outdoors, provided that you bring it in when the temperature gets lower.

As a vining plant, neon pothos grows best when hung in a basket, allowing the stems to trail down.

Neon Pothos Care

Light

Because it’s a native forest resident, neon pothos is accustomed to receiving partial light. That’s why they’re suited for indoor setup as long as they receive bright indirect light most of the time. 

Neon pothos may also survive in low light conditions, but it is not ideal for them. The downside is that the leaves will turn less vibrant when not exposed to ample light. 

Water

Neon pothos need only a moderate amount of water. You have to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water only when the top two to three inches of the soil gets dry. Depending on the existing weather conditions, it will take about a week or two for that to happen.

Unless you grow your pothos in water, you must ensure that the roots don’t stand in soggy soil. Otherwise, root rot will happen.

Temperature and Humidity

A warm and humid environment is what neon pothos need. The best temperature range is between 55 to 90oF (15 to 35oC). Lower temperatures can cause damage due to temperature stress. Average indoor humidity will keep neon pothos in good health, but keeping it high makes them extra happy.

Soil

You can use standard soil designed for houseplants. Neon pothos has no other fancy requirements for a potting mix as long as it drains well and is slightly acidic. You can combine one part of garden soil, one part of perlite, and one part of orchid bark if you want to create your potting mix. It’s best to use sterilized soil to ensure no pathogen is present in the mixture.

Pruning

Prune the neon pothos if you want to achieve denser growth. Start with the leggy stems and cut the stem to the desired length. Cut just above the node. Such an area is where new growth will emerge. 

Remember to remove yellow, brown, and diseased parts to keep the neon pothos tidy and healthy.

Potting and Repotting

Usually, neon pothos grows moderately. You would need to repot it every two to three years. Once the roots start peaking out of the pot, it’s time to do repotting. 

Here’s a simple process on how to repot neon pothos:

• Soak the soil with water for hours before repotting to loosen the soil.
• After soaking, carefully remove the root ball from the pot. 
• Shake off the old potting soil and trim down aged roots. 
• Fill the new pot with fresh potting mix. Plant the neon pothos in the new container. Fill in extra spaces with soil to keep it firm. 
• Water the newly potted plant thoroughly and wait for the excess water to drain. 
• Place the neon pothos in a partially shaded location.

How to Propagate Neon Pothos

The most efficient way to propagate is through stem cuttings. You can use the parts that you initially pruned for propagation. Just make sure it has about four to five nodes. It has to have at least two leaves on it so it will still be able to produce food.

You can plant the cuttings directly on the pot or let them root in water. Some gardeners will allow them to stay in the water even after the roots have grown. But if you plant it in soil, water the potting mix thoroughly and keep it moist so the cuttings will develop their own roots.

Neon Pothos Flowers

It’s easy to assume that neon pothos is purely a foliage plant, but the fact is that it belongs to Angiosperms, meaning it produces flowers. You’ll most likely observe pothos produce flowers in their natural habitat. And it certainly needs to be mature to be able to flower.

The flowers aren’t showy, though. So, there’s no need to fuss over the flowers. The foliage is enough attraction of its own.

Common Problems with Neon Pothos

Ethylene Damage

Neon pothos is sensitive to ethylene. Once exposed, leaves will turn yellow to light brown. It’s best to keep it away from ethylene-producing elements like ripening fruits and wilting flowers.

Bacterial Wilt Disease

Bacterial wilt disease is prominent in cuttings. The pathogens infect the node. Hence, rooting fails. The stems and leaves of the cuttings will then turn black.

Root Rot

Overwatering results to root rot. The lack of oxygen supply in the soil due to excess water molecules will kill the cells. Root rot is not very visible, but you’ll observe the upper part of the plant go limp while the base becomes mushy.

Pests

Mealybugs, scales, spider mites, and fungus gnats are the non-friendly visitors you might encounter in your neon pothos. These organisms are sap-sucking, leaving lesions on the foliage and stems. Spray insecticidal soap and diluted neem oil to keep them at bay.

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