The neon pothos “Epipremnum aereum” belong to the Araceae family. The species originate from the southwestern Pacific Ocean country, Southern Islands.
The main difference between the neon philodendron and neon pothos is the size of each plant, with the pothos being the smallest of the two. Also, If the leaves are waxy, you have neon pothos plants. The philodendrons will have thinner, softer leaves.
Color Variations
The philodendron foliage coloration varies, depending on the species. The White Knight has a mixture of white and dark-green variegated leaves.
The Green Heartleaf Philodendron has dark-green foliage while the Philodendron Brasil has multi-colored leaves of dark green and lemon.
The pothos species are of varying colors. The Golden Pothos has dark-green foliage sprinkled with yellow variegation.
The Marble Queen Pothos has dark-green foliage sprinkled with white variegation while the Jade Pothos foliage that is a solid dark green. The Neon Pothos is one of the most vibrant of the species.
The vivid yellowish-green foliage can liven any indoor garden.
[Related Article: Top 10 Plants That Grow Well In Cinder Blocks]
Potential Problems
Whether you’re growing neon philodendron plants or neon pothos, you need to be cautious about diseases. Both may experience a variety of problems.
Therefore, you should take steps to ensure that your plants are well cared for. Neither is particularly vulnerable to pests. However, there is a chance that your plant will encounter scale insects or mealybugs.
Potential diseases include root rot and fungal diseases.
Learn more about these issues so you can protect your plant to the fullest. Doing so is the best way to grow either without experiencing devastating problems.
Soil pH Recommendations
To ensure that your plant thrives, it should be planted in the right soil. Getting the right soil pH will prove to be very helpful in the long run.
Ultimately, this is one of the key areas where the plants are different. Individuals interested in growing neon pothos will need to provide a soil pH between 6.1 and 6.5.
If you’re going to grow philodendron plants, it is pertinent to increase the pH a little. It should be around 6.4 to 7.3 pH. Several techniques can be used to change the soil’s pH level.
For instance, you can use sulfur or sulfuric acid to reduce the pH level.
Growth Rate
If you’re going to grow plants, you’ll likely want to know how long they’ll take to grow. How long will it take before you see the fruits of your labor?
Ultimately, each plant is different. Therefore, you should learn more about both before picking the plant that is right for you. Typically, neon pothos plants tend to be faster growers.
When grown in warmer conditions, the plant will grow rapidly. As for the neon philodendron plant, it can grow quickly in certain conditions too.
However, it is generally easier to grow neon pothos plants quicker.
Width At Maturity
One of the primary differences between these plants is their width at maturity. You have to take this into consideration to ensure that you have plenty of space for your plant to grow.
On average, you can expect your neon pothos plants to grow up to six inches in width. At the minimum, they’ll be four inches in width. The other plant is much wider.
You can expect the leaves to reach up to 10 inches in length. They are often half an inch in width. You’ll also find that the neon philodendron plants are going to be much taller.
Both are going to grow petioles and aerial roots.
Average Height
What is the average height of the plant that you’re going to grow? You likely don’t want to move the plant around too much.
Therefore, you should take extra effort to make sure that you position it correctly. Knowing the height when the plant matures will prove to be very helpful.
If you want to grow a smaller plant, you should choose neon pothos. They went to be thinner and shorter.
However, both can reach surprising heights. You can expect your indoor neon pothos to grow between six and 10 feet. The neon philodendron tends to be taller and wider.
It is common for this plant to grow up to 12 inches in height. Vines may reach up to 15 feet. Suffice to say, you need to make sure that you have plenty of room for your plants to grow.
Plant Hardiness Zone
Before choosing one of these plants, you need to make sure that it is going to thrive in your area. One of the best ways to achieve this goal is by checking the plant’s hardiness rating.
Ultimately, this can help you determine whether the plant will grow well in your area. Check the USDA hardiness zones to determine which plants are best for your home.
Neon pothos has a hardiness zone rating between 10 and 11. Neon philodendron plants are between nine and 11. These plants tend to grow well in the same conditions.
The primary difference is that the philodendron can grow well in other areas too. For the best results, grow these plants in warm conditions.
If you’re going to grow them outside, check the USDA plant hardiness zone map to ensure they’ll do well in your garden.
Shape & Texture
If you want to determine which plant you’re dealing with, it is wise to check the leaves. Doing so can help you identify the plant quickly. The shape can be helpful for determining whether you have pothos or philodendrons.
While both have heart-shaped leaves, there is one difference. The philodendron plant leaves tend to look more like hearts. Furthermore, they’re thinner and softer.
If you’re looking at a neon pothos plant, you’ll notice that the leaves are thicker and larger. When you touch the leaves, you’ll detect a waxy texture.
You can also identify the plant by checking the petiole. A philodendron plant will have a slightly curved petiole. The neon pothos plant’s petiole is straight.
Overall
While both plants are similar, it is easy to determine the difference. Check the leaves. If you focus on the shape and texture of the leaf, you should have no trouble determining what you’re dealing with.
