Last Updated on April 10, 2024 by Real Men Sow
Both Neon Pothos and Philodendron lemon-lime are popular house plants for their similarity in appearance. The Philodendron is a beautiful addition to any home with its heart-shaped leaves. Neon Pothos are white flowers with a beautiful lime green color.
Neon Pothos vs Lemon Lime Philodendron
All pothos and philodendron species belong to the Aroid (Araceae family) plant family. These bright leaves grow on vines and have bright leaves.
These plants have aerial roots and petioles and can wrap around structures in the area. Both plants prefer indirect sunlight but can live in low light.
You should water them once a week by soaking them and then letting them dry. The soil should be properly aerated, fertilized with peat moss, and kept well-drained.
Differences Between Lemon Lime Philodendron and Neon Pothos
Leaf Shape and Texture
The shape of the leaves is the main difference between lemon-lime and neon pothos. Both plants have heart-shaped foliage but lemon Lime Philodendrons’ leaves are larger, more heart-shaped, thinner, and have a slightly soft texture. Neon Pothos leaves are larger, thicker, and are also waxier to the touch.
These two plants also have differences in the way the petiole connects to the leaf’s base. The base of the neon pothos leaf is more straightforward than that of the lemon-lime Philodendron leaf which curves inwards.
Growth Habit
Lemon-lime and neon pothos have fast-growing aerial roots that can climb up and vine around your home. Neon pothos only has one aerial root per node while lemon-lime Philodendrons have many smaller roots per node which gives them a more wild look.
Lemon-lime Philodendrons can grow year-round, neon pothos is more sensitive to heat and has a slower growth rate in winter. Their leaves will turn black if it is too cold for Neon Pothos.
Leaf Size
The leaves of the neon pothos base are slightly flatter, larger, and less rounded. Philodendron leaves tend to be wider and can measure between 7 and 10 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide. Neon Pothos leaves tend to be shorter and more elongated.
Foliage Color
Neon pothos, as the name implies, have bright neon-colored leaves that look very tropical. The leaves of lemon lime Philodendron are lighter in color and have a muted lime-green hue. They can also be pink or brownish in color.
Flowers
Neon Pothos produces stunning white flowers but is unlikely to bloom indoors. Meanwhile, Lemon-lime philodendrons don’t produce flowers.
Height and Structure
Leafy vines can reach impressive heights with the Neon Pothos. Indoors, vines can grow to six-foot tall. It will likely take several years for the vine to reach maturity and grow to this length.
Growing Neon Pothos
Neon Pothos can be grown in almost any room in your house. They can be grown in a hanging basket, but they require little care. If the conditions are right, they can be grown outdoors and are more likely to bloom outside. The Lemon-lime Philodendron is more compact in growth. These plants require regular pruning but are medium-sized plants that can be used for tropical table decoration.
Even without soil, neon pothos can simply be grown in water. You can place a cutting in a vase filled with water and let it grow in indirect sunlight. The cutting will quickly grow roots and should be replaced with fresh water at least once every two weeks.
Similarities Between Neon Pothos and Lemon Lime Philodendron
Light Requirement
Neon Pothos and Lemon lime philodendron can be grown in low light conditions and thrive in shaded environments. They only need sufficient light to prevent them becoming leggy and thrive in indirect sunlight. This is especially true for lemon lime Philodendrons, which can become leggy and produce small leaves if they don’t get enough sunlight.
Watering Requirements For Neon Pothos and Lemon Lime
These houseplants need to be kept moist and therefore, should be watered at least once per week during the summer months. Before watering again, wait until the topsoil has dried out. Neon Pothos are easier to maintain because they are drought-tolerant.
When watering your plants, take the climate into account
- You will need to water more frequently in hot weather because water evaporates faster in hot temperatures.
- Soil in terracotta pots dry faster than plastic pots.
- Once the soil layer is dry, water both species. After the soil has dried to the top, soak the potting soil in water until it dries out.
Watering tips:
- Use Filtered Water at room temperature
- Allow the plants to dry before you water again.
- Water at least once a week during summer
- Water the plants only after one-third has dried out
- Less watering during winter
Soil For Neon Pothos
Neon Pothos, lemon lime Philodendron and other plants like this mix are best grown in loose, well-draining potting soil. These houseplants need fertile soil that is rich in nutrients and aerated. Mix one part houseplant soil with one portion peat moss to create the perfect soil. Add perlite or charcoal for drainage. Houseplants won’t thrive in heavy or compacted soil.
Temperature
It is best to avoid extreme temperature swings when caring for Neon Pothos and Lemon-lime Philodendron. In winter, keep the plants out of direct sunlight and heat radiators. The air conditioner should not be in direct contact with the vines during summer.
Fertilizer
Neon Pothos and Lemon-lime Philodendron don’t require much fertilizing because they aren’t heavy feeders.
- Because of its nutrients, peat moss feeds plants. It is light and keeps the roots moist.
- If you want your houseplant to grow quickly, you might like to use a diluted fertilizer once a month.
- Most Philodendron and Pothos plants can grow without additional nutrients.
- Get a high-quality potting soil to provide all the nutrients that your plants require.
Pest and Diseases
Philodendron lemon lime or Neon Pothos are not affected by pests and diseases. However, you may find that your plants are infested by mealybugs and scale insects. In these cases, you can apply a neem oil to the leaves once a week.
Neem Oil Pesticide
- 2 tsp. Neem oil
- 1 tsp. dish soap
- 1 quart (1l), warm water
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle.
- Spray the stems and leaves with the solution every week.
Root rot is the most common disease to affect Philodendron lemon-lime and Neon Pothos. Soggy soil can also lead to fungal leaf infections in houseplants, such as black leaf spots or rotting stems.
Toxicity
Both Neon Pothos and Lemon-lime Philodendron are toxic to dogs and cats. You should be cautious about giving your pets plants from the Araceae Family because they can be deadly if they are ingested.
These plants can be poisonous because they contain insoluble calcium oxides. They can cause the following symptoms when ingested:
- Burning sensation in your mouth, drooling and swelling of the tongue.
- Vomiting
- Difficulty swallowing
