Philodendron Lemon Lime vs Neon Pothos: Key Differences and Similarities

It’s time to settle the Philodendron Lemon Lime vs Neon Pothos debate. Which one should you buy?

Neon Pothos and Philodendron are popular houseplants. They are low-maintenance. However, while many people may get confused and think they are similar, that is not the case. 

The debate between Philodendron Lemon Lime vs Neon Pothos has always captured the attention of plant lovers. It can only be settled if you understand how they are different and similar.

So, if you want to decide on which houseplants to buy, you can read all about them below and choose the right one.

Philodendron Lemon Lime vs Neon Pothos

Lemon-lime Philodendron and neon pothos are both a part of the plant family called (Araceae) aroid family, and they are recognized by having bright colored leaves on vines. 

Pothos and Philodendron both have petioles and roots that are aerial. These roots prefer to grow indoors where there is no direct sunlight. These species can even survive well when the light is low, and the vines wrap around the surrounding structures giving a more aesthetic look.

These plants are low maintenance. They need weekly watering. The soil should be fertilized and well-aerated for good growth. To learn more about the requirements of these two plants, refer to the list below.

Philodendron Lemon Lime

• Scientific Name – Philodendron Hederaceum Aureum
• Height (Mature) – Six to ten feet.
• Width (Mature) – Four to six inches.
• Habit – Grows petioles and aerial roots.
• Rate of Growth – Grows quicker in warmer conditions.
• Requirement of Light – Indirect bright light as well as low light.
• Soil Type Needed – Dry and well-aerated.
• Watering Requirement – Weekly watering in summer. Less watering in winter.
• Pests – Scale insects or mealybugs.
• Diseases – Fungal diseases and root rot due to overwatering.
• USDA Hardiness Zone – Outdoor zones 10 to 11.

Neon Pothos

• Scientific Name – Epipremnum Aureum.
• Height (Mature) – Fifteen feet.
• Width (Mature) – Seven to ten inches.
• Habit – Grows petioles and aerial roots.
• Rate of Growth – Grows quicker in ideal conditions.
• Requirement of Light – Indirect bright light as well as low light.
• Soil Type Needed – Dry and well-aerated.
• Water Requirement – Weekly watering in summer and less watering in winter.
• Pests – Scale insects or mealybugs.
• Diseases – Fungal disease and root rot due to overwatering.
• USDA Hardiness Zone – Outdoor zones 9 to 11.

Differences Between Philodendron Lemon Lime vs Neon Pothos

When it comes to what sets these houseplants apart, many people tend to look at the slight variations in the texture of the leaf, the shape, and more. Below are the differences!

1. Leaf Texture And Shape

When comparing Philodendron Lemon Lime vs Neon Pothos, the first thing people tend to notice is how their leaves are shaped. Both have heart-shaped leaves. But, Philodendrons’ leaves are thinner and more defined. Pothos plants have thicker, larger leaves. Moreover, the texture of Lemon Lime leaves is softer, but Neon Pothos’ leaves have a waxier feel.

Also, the petiole where it joins the leaves is different. Neon Pothos has a straight base. Lemon Lime’s is a dramatic inward curve.

2. Size Of Leaf

Another difference between the two is the size of the leaves. The Pothos leaves have a flatter, straighter base. In contrast, Philodendron leaves are broader and longer. These measure around 10 inches. On the other hand, Neon Pothos’ leaves are long and slim.

3. Growth Habit

Both Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos are fast-growing plants and have aerial bases. Both can climb on walls. But, Neon Pothos has one aerial root on a stem. Lemon-lime has many aerial roots on a single stem. It gives a jungle effect.

Both plants have vines that grow quickly. But, unlike Pothos, which only grows in warm weather and slows in winter, Lemon-lime can grow quickly in any weather. Also, if it gets too cold, then the leaves for Pothos turn black as an indication.

4. Foliage Color

Pothos has bright, neon-green leaves. They look very tropical. In contrast, Lemon Lime has light green leaves with a pink or brown tint.

5. Flowers

Pothos can grow gorgeous white flowers if grown outdoors, but Lemon Lime does not have any flowers regardless of the growth environment.

6. Growth Requirements

Pothos is versatile. It can grow quickly in your room. But, Philodendrons need extra care to thrive. They have different growth requirements. 

Pothos will grow in a basket in the corner of the room. They can also grow and bloom outside with no maintenance. But, Lemon Lime needs regular pruning and care.

Also, Pothos can grow in just water, no soil. Just put it in a pot of water and place it indoors, out of direct sunlight. 

Over time, it will start to grow; but make sure you change the water every few weeks. This is probably the most significant difference between Philodendron Lemon Lime vs. Neon Pothos.

7. Height And Width

The height and width are also different when comparing Philodendron Lemon Lime vs. Neon Pothos. The Pothos is longer when grown inside, and they can extend to a maximum of ten feet. However, it can take longer for the Neon Pothos vine to fully mature and reach its maximum size.

Lemon Lime is more medium-sized, can reach up to fifteen feet long, and are longer and higher than Pothos.

Similarities Between Philodendron Lemon Lime vs. Neon Pothos

While Lemon Lime and Pothos are different from one another, they also have their similarities. Not only do they look slightly similar, but caring for them is similar as well. Read on below to learn about the similarities of Philodendron Lemon Lime vs. Neon Pothos so you can pick a winner at the end.

1. Watering Requirements

Neon Pothos and Lemon Lime have similar watering requirements, and they must be kept moist for proper growth. Water these only one time each week in the summers. Repeat only after the topsoil is dry. Neon Pothos are easier to look after due to their drought-tolerant nature.

However, you should consider the climate as well. Hot weather causes the water to dry up quickly, so if this is the case where you live, then you will have to water it often. When watering, check if the top layer of the soil is dry and wait until at least two inches of the topsoil is dry before you water it. Moreover, plants placed in terracotta pots dry out quicker than those in pots made of plastic, so you need to be mindful of that as well.

Some watering tips you should follow are:

• Water using only filtered water, which is at room temperature.
• Water only once a week in the summers.
• Keep the soil moist, and then dry thoroughly before watering it again.
• In the winters, do not water the plants often.
• Only water the plants when at least two inches or one out of three parts of the soil turns dry.

2. Light Requirements

Another similarity between Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos is their versatility. They can grow quickly in shady, low-light areas. They do not need direct light and grow best when kept in indirect sunlight. However, this does not mean that no daylight is the best for them. If they do not get adequate indirect lighting, these plants get leggy, especially lemon-lime, and will yield tiny foliage.

3. Soil

Neon Pothos and Philodendrons require aerated soil that provides good drainage to grow. These vines need to be ventilated. They need healthy soil filled with nutrients to bloom properly. So all you need to do is mix peat moss and potting soil in equal quantities and then add charcoal or perlite to make the soil mixture permeable. This allows the potted species to grow correctly. Also, keep in mind that these houseplants won’t grow properly in thick soil, so avoid that.

4. Temperature

Both houseplants cannot grow well in extreme weather. So, keep them away from heaters in winter and air conditioners in summer.

5. Pests And Diseases

When it comes to pests, Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos do not get damaged easily by pests that can harm other houseplants. However, they can suffer from  insects cales and mealybugs, which can easily be treated using neem oil on the foliage.

To make the solution, mix two teaspoons of neem oil, one teaspoon of dish soap, and one liter of warm water in a spray bottle. Use it on the plant’s foliage and stem weekly. This will keep the bugs away.

A common disease that can affect both houseplants is root rot. It is caused by overwatering. Excessively wet soil can make the houseplant get fungal infections of the leaf.

Lemon Lime Philodendron vs. Neon Pothos! SPOT THE DIFFERENCES EASILY!

6. Fertilizer

Another similarity between the two plants is that they do not require fertilizers since they are not heavy feeders. However, you can add peat moss since it makes the soil fertile and nourishes the plant’s vines. Peat moss is also very mild and allows the plant to stay hydrated for better growth.

If you want these houseplants to grow more quickly, then add a potted plant’s fertilizer (diluted) to these houseplants once in three to four months. This will make them grow rapidly. But, these plants are maintenance-free. They can grow well without extra nutrients. Instead, use high-quality soil filled with nutrients so that these houseplants can grow well.

7. Toxicity

Neon Pothos and Lemon Lime are both incredibly toxic to dogs and cats. So, if you own any pets, you should avoid buying these houseplants. Also, other plants of the Araceae family can be fatal to pets if ingested, so you need to be wary about that. The reason behind their toxic nature is that they contain insoluble calcium oxalates. Many symptoms like the ones below can be seen if household pets ingest these:

• Extreme vomiting
• Burning of mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Swelling of tongue
• Difficulty in swallowing

Final Thoughts

We hope we taught you about the Philodendron Lemon Lime vs Neon Pothos debate. You can now choose the best plant for your home. Both plants are low-maintenance. Just remember not to overwater them.

FAQ

We have answered some common questions about the philodendron lemon lime vs. neon pothos debate.