Neon pothos is a striking houseplant with its bright and bold foliage. However, to keep your neon pothos thriving and prevent it from losing its vibrancy, it’s essential to understand its light requirements. In this article, we’ll share expert tips on providing optimal light for your neon pothos.
Neon Pothos Overview
The Neon Pothos is a popular indoor houseplant known for its vibrant, bright green foliage. Its attractive chartreuse hue adds a pop of color to any home interior. The plant originates from warm, humid environments, making it an excellent choice for indoor spaces with temperatures between 55 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 35 degrees Celsius) (The Spruce) .
This versatile plant can thrive in a wide range of indoor settings due to its adaptable light requirements. While it prefers moderate light conditions, it can also survive in low light areas or in locations with minimal direct sunlight (Gardening Know How).
When it comes to outdoor placement, Neon Pothos benefits from at least partial shade to protect it from scorching (Bean Growing). Although the plant can tolerate lower light conditions, maintaining access to moderate or high light will yield the best results, keeping its unique color vibrant and growth rate steady (Joy Us Garden).
Light Requirements
Ideal Light Conditions
Neon Pothos thrives in bright indirect lighting. These plants prefer moderate to bright light, and can even adapt to high light if positioned at least 8 feet away from the window. To promote even growth, occasionally rotate your Neon Pothos so that all sides receive light, as the leaves tend to tilt towards the light source.
Effects of Low Light
When Neon Pothos is exposed to insufficient light, it may experience slow growth and altered foliage color. In low-light conditions, new growth might be darker and less vibrant, resembling the color of Jade Pothos. To maintain the distinctive neon color and ensure healthy growth, it’s crucial to provide adequate lighting conditions.
Effects of Too Much Light
While Neon Pothos is generally adaptable to various light conditions, it can be affected by excessive light exposure. When subjected to too much light, the usually bright green leaves may become pale yellow and scorched. To prevent leaf damage and preserve the plant’s overall health, it’s essential to monitor and adjust the light exposure as needed.
Adjusting Light Exposure
Neon pothos plants have specific light requirements for optimal growth and vibrant foliage. By being mindful of indoor and outdoor placements, you can ensure your plant receives the ideal light exposure.
Indoor Placement
For thriving indoor growth, neon pothos should receive moderate to bright indirect light.(source) It’s ideal to place the plant at least 8 feet away from a south or west-facing window to avoid direct sunlight.(source) Direct sunlight can burn the plant’s leaves, while insufficient light can cause the leaves to lose their vibrant color.(source)
Remember to rotate the plant occasionally, as the leaves naturally tilt toward the light source. This helps to maintain even growth and prevent one-sided development.
Outdoor Placement
If you choose to grow your neon pothos outdoors, it is crucial to protect it from direct sunlight. Select a location that provides indirect bright light or filtered sunlight. Keep in mind that neon pothos plants thrive in temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C – 29°C).(source)
Take note of weather changes and consider moving the plant indoors if temperatures fall outside the ideal range. Consistently monitoring the neon pothos light exposure and environment will help maintain its overall health and appearance.
Common Problems and Solutions
Yellow Leaves
One issue that neon pothos owners may encounter is yellowing leaves. This problem can arise from several factors, including overwatering, underwatering, or exposure to direct sunlight. To correctly diagnose the cause, it’s crucial to assess the plant’s care and environment.
When overwatering is the problem, the yellowing leaves will often appear soft and mushy. To prevent this, ensure the plant is watered only when the top inch of soil feels dry. On the other hand, underwatering may cause the leaves to become crispy and turn yellow. In this case, consistent, adequate watering is required to restore your neon pothos’ health. Lastly, placing pothos plants in direct sunlight can lead to scorching, causing the leaves to turn yellow or brown. To avoid this, position the plant in a spot with bright, indirect light.
Stunted Growth
Stunted growth in neon pothos may be attributed to inadequate lighting. These plants prefer bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Inadequate light can cause the leaves to turn pale green and grow smaller. To improve growth, place your neon pothos near a window where the sunlight is bright and indirect. Avoid placing the plant in a dark corner, as it may lose its vibrant coloration.
Another factor that may contribute to stunted growth is insufficient nutrients. Regularly fertilizing the pothos with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) can promote healthy growth. Additionally, maintaining a humidity level of 60% to 70% can lead to larger, shinier leaves.
Helpful Video
My name is Daniel Elrod, and I have been houseplant love ever since I was 17. I love how much joy they bring to any room in the home. I’ve always been amazed at how a few pots of flowing leaves can turn a drab and sterile office into an inviting place where people love to work at.
