I’m passionate about plant identification and taxonomy. But a few years ago, I used to find it challenging to tell the difference between philodendron lemon-lime and neon pothos. These vining houseplants have close similarities.
So, what is the main difference between philodendron lemon-lime and neon pothos? Lemon-lime philodendrons have more heart-shaped foliages with a slightly softer texture, whereas neon pothos has larger and thicker leaves with waxier texture.
These attractive indoor plants are excellent to hang from a shelf or used in hanging baskets. The striking foliages and bloom make a lasting impression in any space. If you want to find out more about these plants, check this comprehensive comparison guide.
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Comparison Table (Philodendron Lemon-Lime Vs Neon Pothos)
| Basic Terms | Philodendron Lemon-Lime | Neon Pothos |
| Botanical Names | Philodendron Hederaceum Aureum | Epipremnum Aureum |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9 to 11 | 10 to 11 |
| Mature Height | 8 to 12 inches tall with vines up to 15 feet. | Vine up to 6 to 10 feet. |
| Growth Rate | Fast growth under appropriate conditions. | Rapid growth during warmer climate. |
| Light Requirements | Prefer artificial fluorescent light for the best coloration. | Thrives under bright indirect sunlight. |
| Soil pH Range | 6.4 to 7.3 | 6.0 to 6.5 |
| Watering Frequency | Twice or thrice a week in summer and less in winter. | Once or twice a week in summer and less in winter. |
| Leaf Shape and Texture | Thinner and more heart-shaped with a soft texture. | Larger, thicker, and waxier. |
| Leaf Color | Muted lime green | Bright neon green |
| Bloom | Do not produce flowers | Producing stunning white flowers under the light. |
| Leaf Size | 7 to 10 inches in length and a half-inch wide. | 4 to 6 inches in length. |
| Growth Habit | Have several smaller roots on each node. | Have a single aerial root on each node. |
| Pruning | Require regular pruning to enhance compact growth. | Minimal to none pruning requirement. |
| Potting Medium | Strictly well-draining soil. | Water or well-draining soil |
| Growth Pattern | Grow all year round | Stringent growth pattern |
What Is Philodendron Lemon Lime?
The lemon-lime philodendron (philodendron hederaceum) is a tropical plant native to the South American rainforest. The philodendron species can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
The striking heart-shaped foliages with green-yellowish colors are the reason behind the plant’s popularity in many American homes. Thanks to its ability to tolerate low light conditions.
The heart-shaped leaves can reach 7 to 8 inches in length and a half-inch wide. The vines can grow up to 10-12 inches under appropriate conditions.
The long stem elongates and bends downwards to form cascading vines to the ground. The leaves are relatively thinner, and juvenile growths are pinkish-yellow.
The lemon-lime philodendron brings a positive impact on mental health by reducing anxiety and stress levels. It also helps to purify air at home or office.
Philodendron lemon-lime propagation is simple and done through stem cuttings. The many aerial roots make growing and propagation straightforward.
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What Is Neon Pothos?
The neon pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant native to French Polynesia like Tahiti and Moorea. Thanks to its stunning leaf color and hardiness.
The slightly heart-shaped chartreuse neon leaves tend to set it apart from other pothos and philodendron varieties. This indoor plant is hardy and requires minimal attention.
Neon pothos is a selective cultivar and a member of the Araceae family. It can reach six or more feet in the air when grown in the hanging baskets.
The houseplant produces flowers without noticeable fragrance under bright indirect sunlight. It is a perfect option for the office or shared living areas.
Neon pothos propagation is a no-brainer task due to the presence of aerial roots on the stem nodes. Cut a stem node with aerial root and multiple leaves for easy propagation.
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Main Differences between Philodendron Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos
Leaf Shape and Texture
Both plants have heart-shaped leaves. But the leaf shape and texture helps to tell a crucial difference between these two indoor plants.
Lemon-lime philodendrons have thinner and more heart-shaped foliages with a softer texture. Neon pothos has larger, thicker, and waxier leaves that are slightly heart-shaped.
Besides that, neon pothos has a straight leaf base for petiole connection, and philodendron lemon-lime has a curved leaf base.
Growth Habit
Lemon-lime philodendron and neon pothos are fast-growing tropical plants. The aerial roots enable these houseplants to climb and vine around the house surface.
Neon pothos has a single aerial root on each node, and lemon-lime philodendron has many smaller aerial roots per node to bring the tropical rainforest feeling.
Philodendron lemon-lime plant grows all year round, while neon pothos has a stringent growth habit. Neon pothos has a spurt growth in warm weather climates and a decline in winter.
Foliage Colors
Neon pothos has bright neon green leaves for bringing tropical vibes. On the other hand, lemon-lime philodendron has slightly light and muted lime green leaves.
Some philodendron lemon-lime cultivars have a slight brownish or pink tint that matches the many smaller roots on the nodes. Lemon-lime philodendrons are wilder than neon pothos.
Leaf Size
Neon pothos plants have a flatter leaf base for easy petiole attachment. Besides that, the leaves are flatter, slightly broad, and less round. It can reach 4 to 6 inches in length.
Philodendron lemon-lime leaves are broader and relatively thinner with a soft-touch texture. The leaf can reach 7 to 10 inches in length and a half-inch width.
Height and Pattern
Neon pothos plants are leafy vines with impressive lengths. Vines can reach 6 to 10 feet long when grown indoors. The houseplant will take a few years to reach maturity and height.
Philodendron lemon-lime is also a leafy vine with exciting colorations. The vines can reach 15 feet long at maturity. The houseplant enthusiast needs to prune it more often.
Growing Requirements
Neon pothos is a hardier and versatile houseplant. It thrives under bright indirect sunlight and requires minimal care requirements. It is the best species for growing in hanging baskets.
Philodendron lemon-lime has a compact growth habit. The philodendron species require regular pruning to create a tropical table-top decoration.
Neon pothos can also be grown in water without potting soil. But water needs regular change to enhance better growth and health. Lemon-lime philodendron is vulnerable to root rot.
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Similarities between Philodendron Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos
Light Requirements
Both philodendron lemon-lime and neon pothos can tolerate low-light conditions. These houseplants thrive under bright indirect sunlight.
Low-light conditions make these indoor plants experience stunted growth, have leggy stems and small leaves formations.
Watering Needs
Lemon-lime philodendron and neon pothos love slightly moist soil. I recommend watering these indoor plants once a week during the summer months and reducing the frequency in winter.
Inspect the topsoil 2-3 inch moisture before watering. Neon pothos plants are drought-resistant and easier to handle than lemon-lime philodendron.
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Potting Soil Requirements
Both neon pothos and philodendron lemon-lime thrives in loose well-draining potting soil. The fertility and drainage enhance better vegetative growth.
I recommend mixing an equal amount of peat moss and perlite or charcoal. Peat moss increases fertility and perlite improve drainage.
Temperature Range
Neon pothos and lemon-lime philodendrons thrive in rooms without sudden temperature fluctuations. Vines cover an adequate distance in summer than winter.
Be sure to keep your houseplant away from heaters, radiators, and air vents during the winter months. These hot and cold drafts can harm or damage your favorite indoor plant.
Fertilizer Application
Both neon pothos and philodendron lemon-lime are tropical plants that are not heavy feeders like others. But fertilizer nutrients and minerals foster vegetative growth.
Use dilute fertilizer every four weeks during spring and summer. Peat moss is a perfect organic fertilizer for houseplants since it helps the roots stay moist.
Pests and Diseases
Neon pothos and lemon-lime philodendron are less vulnerable to pests or diseases. But this does not imply that these houseplants are invincible.
Mealybugs and scales do attack neon pothos and philodendron lemon-lime plants. Use neem oil or horticultural soap to get rid of these sap-sucking creatures.
Root rot and black leaf spot are the most common plant diseases affecting neon pothos and lemon-lime philodendrons. Reduce the potting mix moisture to prevent these fungal diseases.
Toxicity
Both neon pothos and philodendron lemon-lime plants are toxic to cats and dogs. These plants contain soluble calcium oxalate that causes vomiting and oral irritation if ingested.
Keep these houseplants away from toddlers and pets. The golden rule is to prevent poisoning pets or toddlers and plant destruction.
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Conclusion
The lemon-lime philodendron is different from neon pothos in many ways. But it lacks outstanding bright green foliages shown by neon pothos.
Philodendron lemon-lime plant has more benefits than neon pothos. It is worth buying since the indoor plant can match any décor and purify the air. (Check the Best Deals on Amazon).
Neon pothos is a stress-free houseplant due to low maintenance requirements. The eye-catching bright neon green leaves can fit both indoors and outdoors. (Check the Best Deals on Amazon).