Neon Pothos vs Lemon Lime Philodendron

Neon Pothos vs Lemon Lime Philodendron (Differences, Similarities & Growing Guide 2023)

Despite the fact that neon pothos vs lemon lime philodendron look almost identical, it’s quite surprising to find out that these two houseplants belong to different genuses! But what else do they not have in common, and how are they similar? We’re here to share with you all the details!

Neon Pothos vs Lemon Lime Philodendron: A Summary

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Neon pothos vs lemon lime philodendron can be wrapped up in two major differences: leaf size and shape and foliage colour..

In the case of neon pothos plants, those are famous for their heart-shaped, larger, and slightly thicker leaves. As the name suggests, the leaves are neon green.

On the other hand, lemon lime philodendrons have slightly thinner and softer leaves. Those leaves aren’t brightly coloured; they’re a muted shade of lime green.

A Quick Comparison Between Neon Pothos vs Lemon Lime Philodendron

PlantNeon PothosLemon Lime Philodemdron
Leaf ColorNeon greenMuted lime-green ( Sometimes with a brown or pink tint )
Stem ColorNeon green, light green, or slightly dark greenLime-green
VariegationBright yellow or lime-greenDark green or silver
FlowerDoesn’t flower indoors ( but produces white blooms in the wild )Rarely flowers indoors ( but produces white or light green flowers in the wild )

Neon Pothos vs Lemon Lime Philodendron Differences

We know that it can be tough to tell these two pretty houseplants apart. Yet, upon a closer look at their origins, taxonomy, size, colour, and more, you’ll quickly discover that their differences are more than meets the eye.

1. Origin and Name

Neon pothos origins lie in Polynesia; it grows naturally in countries like Tahiti and Moorea. Besides its rather unique name, this plant has even more interesting nicknames, such as:

  • Golden pothos
  • Ceylon creeper
  • Devil’s ivy

As for lemon lime philodendron plants, you can find those in abundance in South America, specifically in Venezuela and Colombia. Some even grow in parts of Asia.

Their common names include:

  • Sweetheart vine
  • Golden Brazil
  • Lemon lime heartleaf philodendron

2. Taxonomy

Despite belonging to the same family, neon pothos vs lemon lime philodendron still have minor taxonomy differences.

Neon Pothos Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Division: Tracheophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Order: Alismatales 
  • Family: Araceae
  • Genus: Epipremnum Schott

Lemon Lime Philodendron Taxonomy

Kingdom: Plantae

  • Division: Tracheophyta
  • Class: Magnoliopsida
  • Order: Alismatales
  • Family: Araceae
  • Genus: Philodendron Schott

3. Shape & Appearance

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Both plants produce vines, but there are tiny differences in their appearance that many professional botanists use to tell them apart.

For example, while both of them have heart-shaped leaves, this feature is more prominent in lemon lime philodendrons. On the contrary, it’s less pronounced in neon pothos as its leaves curve inwards.

4. Differences in Colour

As we’ve previously pointed out, neon pothos plants are beautiful in shades of neon green that can add a splash of vibrant colour to your windowsill plant collection.

Alternatively, lemon lime philodendron plants come in a muted green hue that’s best described as light green.

5. Leaf Size and Texture

These two buddies also have different leaf sizes and textures.

If you take a look at neon pothos leaves, you’ll notice that they’re larger and thicker with a waxy feel to them. To make the picture even clearer, bear in mind that each leaf grows to be around four to eight inches in length.

Lemon lime philodendron leaves are a bit softer to the touch. They’re usually seven to ten inches in length.

6. Height

Even though both plants produce leafy vines that can reach great heights, those heights can vary.

For example, neon pothos plants boast a maximum height of 12 to 15 inches indoors and produce vines that can be six to ten feet tall. But don’t rush your pretty lady because it might take years to reach these impressive heights.

On the other hand, the lemon lime philodendron can grow to around eight to 12 inches. However, its vines have the ability to extend to 15 feet!

7. Growth Pattern

Both neon pothos and lemon lime philodendron differ in the manner and time they grow. Often, the neon pothos grow during the summer months and limit their growth in the winter to save energy. On the other hand, lemon lime philodendron continues to grow from summer to winter.

In terms of root systems, the neon pothos has a sturdy, aerial root per node, which encourages proper growth. Lemon lime philodendron has tiny and thin roots on each node, which usually grow fast, making the plant grow bushy.

Neon Pothos vs Lemon Lime Philodendron Similarities

Because pothos vs lemon lime philodendron plants share a lot of family characteristics and grow in tropical regions, you’ll find that they’re similar in many ways.

The things that they have in common include ideal temperature levels, sun requirements, water needs, and more.

1. Sunlight

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To mimic the weather of their tropical homelands, people who want to keep either plant must provide it with bright sunlight.

However, this light must be filtered to resemble the plants’ natural growth conditions as they often grow in the partial shade of trees. You can easily do this by keeping your neon pothos or lemon lime philodendron in front of a window that’s covered by light curtains.

In addition, both plants don’t mind low light or shaded areas.

2. Watering

These two fellows have similar water needs as well since they both like some extra moisture!

In summer, they must be watered once a week, and ensure you soak the plants in water until the water gets out of the pot’s drainage holes. You’ll have to water them again when the top one to two inches of the soil dries out.

3. Humidity & Temperature

Neon pothos vs lemon lime philodendron like their humidity a bit high; they thrive in levels from 65 to 80%.

As for their ideal room temperature, try to keep it between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

4. Potting and Soil

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Another thing that these two plants have in common is their soil preference. Dry, well-draining soil should be a perfect base for pothos and philodendron plants.

Their most suitable soil pH levels are quite close, too, ranging from 6.1 to 6.4.

The soil must also be rich in nutrients. So, your best bet is to use a mix of houseplant soil, peat moss, and perlite to create the ultimate soil recipe!

5. Fertilizer

When it comes to their fertilization needs, you’ll find that both plants don’t require additional nutrients to be added to their soil. They’re low-maintenance like that!

Still, if you wish to enhance their growth rate a bit, we suggest you shower them with diluted houseplant fertilizer every two or three months.

6. Flowering

Unfortunately, both plants rarely flower indoors because of the limits on their sunlight, water, and soil intake. However, this can change in the wild.

Neon pothos and lemon lime philodendron flowers are usually white. They have a distinct, elongated shape that isn’t exactly attractive, and this is why they’re mainly kept for their lovely foliage!

Common Problems for Both Plants

Thankfully, neon pothos vs lemon lime philodendron don’t usually face many issues with pests and diseases. However, they still might be subject to some insects, root rot, rotting stems, and black leaf spots.

Let’s discuss each one of these problems in great detail.

1. Curled, Black-Spotted, or Yellow Leaves

Unhealthy neon pothos and lemon lime philodendron leaves that appear curled, spotted with black, or sickly yellow are pretty common. 

Usually, the culprit is one or more of the following:

  • Overwatering or underwatering
  • Being in low light settings for a long time
  • Improper soil drainage 

2. Root Rot

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Any houseplant is prone to root rot, and neon pothos and lemon lime philodendron are no exception.

Root rot simply happens when the soil around the roots is soggy, which is directly related to overwatering. Therefore, you must ensure you don’t water your plants too often.

3. Infestations of Insects

While they aren’t normally victims of most indoor plant pests, our two plants can still fall under siege by scale insects or mealybugs.

However, it’s pretty easy to deal with these parasites by spraying the plants with neem oil. That should deter the insects and keep them from returning.

4. Rotting Stems

Rotting stems are also another problem that both plants are prone to, but only if you leave them in soaking wet soil.

Again, this can be avoidable if you maintain a balanced watering schedule.

5. Cold Stress

Both neon pothos and lemon lime philodendron prefer warm, humid environments. Placing the plants in rooms with low temperatures can cause damage. Symptoms of cold stress in these two plants include brown spots on the leaves, leaf discoloration, and wilting.

They may also experience stunted growth, poor water and nutrient absorption, and death. Keep the neon pothos and lemon lime philodendron away from places where they can get exposed to the cold, especially in winter.

See another comparison: Crystallinum vs Clarinervium

To Sum It Up

Neon pothos vs lemon lime philodendron is a comparison you probably haven’t realized you wanted. But now, after learning all the facts, it turns out that those plants aren’t identical after all!

Their differences mostly show in the shape, colour, and texture of their leaves. While neon pothos has neon green, waxy leaves, lemon lime philodendron boasts lime-green leaves that are softer to the touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a neon pothos the same as a lemon lime philodendron?

No. Despite how identical they look, a neon pothos isn’t the same as a lemon lime philodendron.

Even though they both have heart-shaped leaves, those of the lemon lime philodendron are more pronounced. They’re also softer and more slender.

Which is better philodendron or pothos?

Both plants are pretty low-maintenance. Still, a neon pothos can be a slightly better choice because it’s hardier than its relative. It also grows a bit faster, even though both plants are considered fast-growing.

If you care more about aesthetics, you might prefer to grow a lemon lime philodendron instead. This is because its leaves are more uniformly green.

After all, it depends on your taste.

Can I Plant Pothos With Philodendron?

Yes, you can grow both plants together, as they make good companions. Not only that, the pothos and philodendron can tolerate extreme conditions and also have the same growth needs. In addition, both plants can make your indoor environment outstanding with their beauty.

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