Meet the Neon Pothos, a radiant and resilient housplant that electrifies any space with its beautiful neon like leaves! Neon Pothos leaves are heart or oval shaped with pointed tips. Leaves are waxy and smooth with a slightly glossy finish.Leaves can grow up to 4 inches long and 2 inches wide. It is an evergreen climber or trailing plant. Its trailing stems can grow up to 8 feet (2.4 metres) long.
It is scientifically known as Epipremnum Aureum and belongs to the Araceae family, which also includes well-known plants like Peace Lily, Dracaena, and Caladium. It belongs to tropical regions of Asia, specifically Indonesia and Malaysia. It is a popular houseplant due to its ability to purify the air.You can use it for decorative purposes in a number of ways. You can use neon Pothos as a hanging plant or train it to climb up a trellis or wall.You can use it as a tabletop plant or centrepiece for a modern and sleek look.Use can combine it with other plants or decorative elements to create a lush and tropical atmosphere. If you are looking for a low-maintenance trailing plant, this can be the best choice. Now let’s move and talk about neon pothos caring requirements.
ARE NEON POTHOS PLANTS TOXIC?
Neon Pothos plants are toxic to both pets and humans,although toxicity level is relatively mild.The plant contains insoluble calcuim oxalate crystals, which can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation if ingested. However, the toxicity of neon Pothos plants is considered low, and it is not usual fatal. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to keep the plant out of reach of curious pets and children to avoid any potential harm.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER NEON POTHOS PLANTS
Caring for a Neon Pothos is absolutely simple and easy. This incredibly adaptable and low maintaining houseplant is perfect for busy people, beginners, and anyone looking for a hassle free addition to their home or office. Let’s find out how you can keep your neon Pothos plants happy and alive.
Sunlight Requirements
Neon Pothos plants thrive in bright indirect light, which means they should be placed near a window or light source but not direct in front of it.East or west facing window are ideal. While they prefer bright light, neon Pothos plants can tolerate low light conditions, making them suitable for rooms with limited natural light. However, they may not pruduce as vibrant leaves in low light. Avoid direct sunlight as this can cause the leaves scorch and discolouration, so it’s essential to filter sun’rays, or provide shade, especially in south facing windows.Ajust their placement accordingly to ensure they receive the right amount of light.
Soil Requirements
Soil for Neon Pothos should be well draining to prevent waterlogged soil and root rot. A mix with a neutral to slightly acidic pH(around 6-7) and moderate to high organic matter content(such as peat moss and coconut coir) is ideal. Avoid using regular garden soil,as it can compact and prevent proper drainage. Instead, opt for a mix specifically designed for indoor plants and tropical such as Miracle Gro Indoor potting mix or Black Kow all Purpose Potting Mix.These mixes typically contain a blend of peat, pertile and vermiculite to ensure good drainage and aeration .If you prefer an organic option, consider Espoma Organic Potting Mix or E .B Stone Potting Mix.
Water Requirements
Water your neon pothos once a week. However, this frequency may vary depending on the environment and season. During the summer months, plants may require more frequent watering, while in winter, it may need less water. Check the soil moisture before watering the plant. Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it is time to water the plant. If the soil is still moist, wait for a few more days to water again. Overwatering can cause root rot, which is a severe condition that can kill the plant. Underwatering can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. The plant may also drop the leaves, and growth may also slow down.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements
They thrive in temperatures between 65°F(18°C) and 85°F(29°C).It can not tolerate extreme high temperatures above 95°F and extreme low temperature below 50°F. They prefer high humidity but can survive in relatively dry air.However ,if the humidity is too low, the leaves may develop browning tips. Ideally, humidity levels should be above 50°F but plants can adapt to average humidity levels found in most homes.If humidity is too low, you can mist the leaves to increase humidity. Avoid placing neon Pothos plants in areas with extreme temperatures such as near heating or cooling vents,fireplaces, or drafty windows.
Fertilizer Requirements
They do not need frequent fertilization, but they benefit from regular feeding to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. It’s best to fertilize your neon pothos plant during the growing season (spring and summer) every 4-6 weeks. Use a balanced,water soluble fertilizer with a ratio of 20 -20-20 or a fertilizer specifically formulated for tropical plants or houseplants. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent burning the roots. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Potting and Reporting
Neon plants do not require frequent repotting as they prefer to be slightly root-bound. You should repot your neon pothos plants every 1-2 years in spring when it becomes pot bound, meaning the roots have filled the pot.You can determine if your plant needs repotting by checking its roots. Choose a pot that is only 1-2 sizes larger than the previous one. Make sure the pot has good drainage holes at the bottom. Use a well-draining potting mix specifically designed for houseplants. When repotting, gently remove the plant from the pot, taking care not to damage the roots. Trim any circling or tangled roots with sterile scissors and place the plant in its new pot. Water thoroughly after repotting.
PROPAGATING NEON POTHOS PLANTS
Propagating neon Pothos plants is a relatively easy process that can be done through stem cuttings, air-layering, and division.The most commonly used method is stem cuttings, which involves cutting the section of the stem and rooting it to create a new plant. Here’s a stem by step guide on how to propagate neon pothos plants using stem cuttings:
Step 1: Select a healthy stem with at least two nodes (the joint where the leaf meets the stem) and a few leaves. Avoid taking cuttings from weak or damaged stems.
Stem 2: Cut the stem about 1-2 inches below a node using a clean, sharp knife or pruning scissors.Make the cut at 45 degrees angle, and remove any lower leaves that will be submerged in water or soil.
Step 3: Place the cutting in a glass of water or propagation tray filled with water. Roots will develop within 1-2 weeks.Alternatively, you can plant the cutting directly into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix, burying it up to the node.
Step 4: Cover the cutting with a clear plastic bag or cloche to maintain high humidity and promote rooting. Place the cutting in a bright, indirectly lit area, but not in direct sunlight.
Step 5: Once roots have developed and new growth appears, transfer the cutting to pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Harden off the plant by gradually exposing it to direct sunlight over the course of 7-10 days.
COMMON PROBLEMS WITH NEON POTHOS PLANTS
They are generally low maintaining and easy to care for, but like any plant, they can encounter problems. Here are some common issues, their reasons, and solutions.
Brown Tips Or Edges
Browning tips or edges on neon Pothos plants can be caused by low humidity, dry air, or extreme temperatures.To combat this, increase the humidity around the plant by placing it on a tray filled with water and pebbles or using a humidifier. Mist the plant regularly, especially during dry winter months.Additionally, ensure that the plant is not exposed to extreme temperatures such as near heating or cooling vents, fireplaces or drafty windows.
Droopy Or Wilted Leaves
This can be a sign of underwatering, root bound, or too much direct sunlight.Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.If the plant is root bound, consider repotting it into a larger pot filled with fresh potting mix. Also, ensure that the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight, which can cause scorching. Instead,provide filtered sunlight through a sheer curtain or shade.
Slow Growth
It can be caused by a lack of nutrients, inadequate light, or insufficient pruning. Fertilizer your plant with a ballanced water soluble fertilizer.Provide bright indirect light and prune long stems to encourage growth.Pruning will also help maintain the plant’s desired shape and promote a fuller appearance.
COMMON PETS AND PLANT DISEASES
Pets like mealybugs, spider mites, and scales can infest neon Pothos plants,causing damage and discolouration. Isolate the plant to prevent the infestations from spreading to other plants. Treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil,following the products instructions. Improve air circulation around the plants to prevent future infestations. In terms of disease, it can only be susceptible to root rot in case of overwatering.Let the soil dry out completely before watering again.