Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’)
Botanical Classification:
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Monocots
- Order: Alismatales
- Family: Araceae
- Genus: Epipremnum
- Species: Epipremnum aureum
- Cultivar: ‘Neon’
Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’ is a cultivar of the species Epipremnum aureum, part of the Araceae family, which includes many popular foliage plants known for their decorative leaves. The Neon Pothos is a cultivar selected for its vivid, neon-green foliage, which stands out from other variegated forms of Epipremnum aureum. While the exact origin of its cultivation isn’t well-documented, it’s believed to have been developed through selective breeding to enhance the color intensity, appealing to modern interior design trends.
Since its introduction into the horticultural market, Neon Pothos has quickly gained popularity for its bright and bold foliage, becoming a favorite among plant enthusiasts looking to add a splash of color to their indoor spaces or gardens. Its vibrant leaves make it a standout in mixed plant arrangements or as a solo specimen. Like its parent species, Neon Pothos has spread globally as an ornamental plant, appreciated for both its aesthetic appeal and ease of care. It’s found in homes, offices, and public spaces where indoor plants are desired.
Neon Pothos, like all Epipremnum aureum cultivars, is not suited for outdoor cultivation in most USDA Hardiness Zones due to its tropical nature. It thrives in Zones 10-11, where frost is rare or nonexistent, allowing for outdoor growth in very warm climates. In zones colder than 10, Neon Pothos is primarily grown indoors. It’s adaptable to a wide range of indoor environments, from low to bright indirect light, making it suitable for various indoor conditions across all USDA zones.
While Neon Pothos is a cultivar, its parent species, Epipremnum aureum, is native to the Society Islands of French Polynesia, growing in the understory of tropical rainforests. The ‘Neon’ cultivar does not exist in the wild but shares similar habitat preferences in cultivation.
Neon Pothos has a worldwide cultivated range, found in nearly every country where indoor plants are popular. Its bright foliage makes it a favored choice for both residential and commercial settings, particularly in urban environments where natural light can vary.
Although not as aggressive as some other cultivars or species of Epipremnum, Neon Pothos can potentially become invasive in tropical or subtropical climates if it escapes cultivation. However, its bright leaves might make it less camouflaged in natural settings, potentially limiting its invasiveness compared to the more subdued green varieties.
Its adaptability to different light conditions, from low to bright indirect light, along with its tolerance for occasional neglect in watering, makes it a versatile choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. It’s particularly appreciated in spaces where vibrant foliage can brighten up darker corners or add contrast to other plant colors.
Characteristics
- Foliage: Neon Pothos is distinguished by its vibrant, neon-green leaves that do not have the variegation common in other Epipremnum aureum cultivars. The leaves are heart-shaped, glossy, and maintain their bright color even in lower light, though they become even more vivid in brighter conditions.
- Growth Habit: Like other Pothos varieties, Neon Pothos is a vigorous grower, either climbing with aerial roots or trailing if left unsupported. It can reach lengths of several meters if allowed, providing a lush, tropical look.
- Size: Leaves can grow to about 4 inches (10 cm) wide, with the plant itself capable of significant length if not pruned. Its growth can be managed to suit smaller spaces or allowed to spread in larger ones.
- Flowers: Rarely blooms indoors, but if it does, it will produce a small, typical Araceae spadix and spathe, much like its parent species.
Cultivation
- Light: Neon Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light for the most vivid leaf color, but it’s adaptable, tolerating lower light conditions where it will grow slower and might not be as bright. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
- Soil: Prefers a well-draining potting mix. A blend of peat, perlite, and bark or a commercial houseplant mix works well. The key is to ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil has dried out. It’s relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from consistent moisture, especially in bright light conditions. Avoid overwatering to prevent root issues.
- Humidity: While it can adapt to average household humidity, Neon Pothos appreciates higher humidity, reminiscent of its tropical origins. Misting or using a pebble tray with water can help increase humidity around the plant.
- Temperature: Ideal growth occurs between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It’s sensitive to cold, with growth slowing below 50°F (10°C), and it can be damaged by frost.
- Fertilization: Feed with a balanced, liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or halt feeding in autumn and winter when growth slows.
- Pruning: Prune to manage size, encourage bushier growth, or remove any dead or yellow leaves. Pruning also provides cuttings for propagation.
Propagation
- Stem Cuttings: This is the most effective and popular method for Neon Pothos:
- Select a healthy stem and cut just below a node (the point where leaves emerge). Each cutting should have at least one node.
- You can root the cutting in water or directly in soil.
- Water Method: Place the cutting in water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water weekly to keep it fresh. Roots usually form within a few weeks, after which you can pot the cutting.
- Soil Method: Plant the cutting in moist soil, ensuring the node is covered. Keep the soil consistently damp until rooting occurs, which can take a few weeks.
- Layering: Similar to other Epipremnum species, you can encourage roots to form on a stem while it’s still attached to the plant by pinning a section of stem to the soil or wrapping it in moist sphagnum moss. Once rooted, it can be cut and potted.
- Division: For mature plants with multiple stems, you can divide the root ball during repotting, ensuring each section has roots and shoots, then pot each division separately.