Philodendron Lemon Lime vs Neon Pothos (What is What 2022)

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

Neon Pothos and Philodendron are two common houseplants usually bought due to their low-maintenance nature. 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.

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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 and require weekly watering, whereas 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.

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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!

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. While they both have leaves in the shape of a heart, Philodendrons have a more defined heart shape design, and the leaves are thinner, whereas the Pothos plant has thicker leaves that are larger. Moreover, the texture of Lemon Lime leaves is softer, but Neon Pothos’ leaves have a waxier feel.

Also, there is a difference in the petiole where it joins to the base of the leaves; Neon Pothos has a straight base, whereas Lemon Lime curves in a dramatic manner and is more inwards.

Size Of Leaf

Another difference between the two is the size of the leaves. If you compare these two plants, you will find that the Pothos leaves have a flatter base which is flatter and straighter, whereas Philodendron leaves have a more broadened shape and are larger in length. These measure around 10 inches. On the other hand, Neon Pothos’ leaves are long and slim.

Growth Habit

Both Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos are fast-growing plants and have aerial bases. Even though they both can climb on walls, the difference between these plants is that Neon Pothos only has one aerial root attached to a stem, but lemon-lime has numerous aerial roots on a single stem, giving a jungle effect.

Moreover, both plants have vines that grow quickly, but unlike Pothos, which only grows in warmer weather and has slower growth during the winter months, Lemon-lime can quickly grow in all weather conditions. Also, if it gets too cold, then the leaves for Pothos turn black as an indication.

Foliage Color

When it comes to the foliage color of the two plants, Pothos has incredibly bright, green neon colored leaves and gives a highly tropical look, whereas Lemon Lime has light green colored leaves with a pink or brownish tint.

Flowers

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

Growth Requirements

Pothos is versatile and can grow quickly in your room, but Philodendrons need extra care to thrive when it comes to the requirements needed for these two houseplants to grow. Pothos will even grow in a basket in the corner of the room, and they can also grow outside and bloom without requiring regular maintenance, but Lemon Lime needs routine maintenance, pruning, and care.

Furthermore, Pothos can also grow in water without needing any soil; all you need to do is place this plant in a pot filled with water and place it indoors where the sunlight is not directly on the plant. 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.

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.

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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.

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.

Light Requirements

Another similarity that comes to mind when comparing Lemon Lime vs. Neon Pothos is that these plants are incredibly versatile and can grow quickly in shaded areas and even places where the light is low. 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.

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.

Temperature

Both of these houseplants cannot grow well in extreme weather conditions, so, ideally, you keep them away from heaters in the cold weather and air conditioners in the summer.

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 scale insects and mealybugs, which can easily be treated using neem oil on the foliage.

To make the solution, all you need is two teaspoons of neem oil, one teaspoon of dish soap, and one liter of warm water; mix it all in a spraying bottle and use it on the plant foliage and stem weekly. This will keep the bugs away.

On the other hand, a common disease that can affect both of these houseplants is root rotting, and the reason behind this issue is simply overwatering the plants. Excessively wet soil can make the houseplant get fungal infections of the leaf.

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 since both these plants are maintenance-free, they can grow perfectly well without needing extra nutrients. Instead, use high-quality soil filled with nutrients so that these houseplants can grow well.

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

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FAQ

We have gone ahead and answered some of the most comment questions people have when pondering the philodendron lemon lime vs neon pothos debate.

Is Neon Pothos the Same as Lemon Lime Philodendron?

The answer to this question is no; Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos are entirely different. Even though they look the same and are both indoor plants, they have many differences.

Is Philodendron Lemon Lime an Indoor Plant?

While you can grow Lemon Lime outdoors, it is usually found indoors due to its low maintenance.

Is Neon Pothos Philodendron?

Neon Pothos is from the Pothos family, and philodendrons and pothos are different plants. While they exist under the same family of Araceae, they have different genera; Pothos belongs to the Epipremnum genus, whereas Philodendron is from the Philodendron genus.

What are Pothos Plants Good For?

Pothos plants are known for their easy growth abilities and easily thrive in low light. These plants cleanse the air from benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide and at the same time keep odor away. It also helps in soothing eye irritation if you spend more time on your gadgets than usual.

Is Lemon Lime Philodendron toxic?

Yes, lemon-lime contains calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic and can cause allergic reactions to pets and kids.

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Final Thoughts

With the above information, we hope we were able to teach you information about the Philodendron Lemon Lime vs Neon Pothos debate so you can choose the ideal plant for your home. Both plants are low-maintenance. Just remember not to overwater them.