Neon Pothos vs Golden Pothos

Pothos are great plants for lush, trailing greenery. But what are the differences between Neon Pothos vs Golden Pothos?

Neon Pothos and Golden Pothos are both members of the Epipremnum Aureum genus. They are known for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions. The main difference between the two is their leaf coloration. As the name suggests, Golden Pothos has golden or yellow variegated leaves, while Neon Pothos has bright, neon green leaves.

Understanding these differences can help you choose the best plant for your space and lifestyle. In the following paragraphs, we’ll take a closer look at the care requirements, growth habits, and benefits of Neon Pothos and Golden Pothos.

Neon Pothos

The leaves of the Neon Pothos are neon-green in color or a very light green, with a glossy finish. They are heart-shaped and have a pointed tip. The plant has a trailing habit, which makes it perfect for hanging baskets or training up a trellis. It can grow up to 6 feet in length.

Neon Pothos is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low-light conditions. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Neon Pothos will do well in a variety of temperatures, but it prefers to be in a warm, humid environment. Fertilize the plant every 2-3 months with a balanced fertilizer.

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos has heart-shaped leaves that are typically green with white or yellow variegation. The leaves can grow up to 30 inches long and the plant can reach up to 6-8 feet long if given the proper care.

Golden Pothos is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for beginners. It can tolerate low light conditions but will put it its best growth if it receives bright light. The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so letting the soil dry out between waterings is important. Read more on this plant here.

Differences Between Neon Pothos & Golden Pothos

While these two plants share many similarities, the differences are what you should pay attention to to see what plant is best for you. 

Appearance: Neon Pothos and Golden Pothos’ appearance is the most obvious difference. Neon Pothos has solid bright green/chartreuse leaves, while Golden Pothos has darker green leaves with yellow or white variegation. This means that Neon Pothos is generally more vibrant and eye-catching, while Golden Pothos is more underappreciated yet a more popular option.

Growth: Another key difference between the two is their growth habits. Neon Pothos tends to be more compact and bushy, while Golden Pothos is more vine-like and can grow quite long if left to its own devices. This means that Neon Pothos is better suited to smaller spaces, while Golden Pothos is great for hanging baskets or trailing down bookshelves.

Care: When it comes to care, both of these Pothos plants are relatively easy to look after. They both prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, and should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. However, Neon Pothos is generally more sensitive to overwatering than Golden Pothos, so it’s important to keep its soil from becoming waterlogged.

In summary, while Neon Pothos and Golden Pothos share many similarities, there are some things that differentiate the two. 

Similarities Between Neon Pothos & Golden Pothos

When it comes to these two types of Pothos cultivars, there are several similarities between the two types of plants. Here are a few key similarities:

Appearance: Both Neon Pothos and Golden Pothos are known for their striking foliage. Pothos leaves of both plants are heart-shaped and have a glossy, waxy texture. Additionally, both plants have a vine-like growth habit, which means that they can be trained to climb up a trellis or other support.

Care: Neon Pothos and Golden Pothos are quite similar regarding care requirements. Both plants prefer bright, indirect light. Both of these plants also prefer well-draining soil. Water when the top inch or so of soil feels dry when you stick your finger into the soil.

Toxicity: It’s important to note that both Neon Pothos and Golden Pothos are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The leaves of both plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat if eaten or skin irritation if the sap gets on the skin.