Golden Pothos vs Neon Pothos
Neon pothos is solid chartreuse rather than variegated, so it keeps golden pothos' speed but wants medium light to stay bright rather than dull green.
Golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. Neon Pothos wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun.
What they share: both are toxic to cats and dogs, both are rated easy, both take low watering, both are happy in the same humidity and both stay medium.
Choose
Golden Pothos if…
- ✓your spot is the dimmer of the two - it manages on low to medium light
- ✓the look is what you are after: One of the easiest houseplants to grow. Trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves. Thrives in almost any condition.
Choose
Neon Pothos if…
- ✓you have a bright window to give it (medium indirect light)
- ✓the look is what you are after: Bright chartreuse leaves that glow. Very eye-catching.
Golden Pothos vs Neon Pothos: side by side
| Attribute |
Golden Pothos
|
Neon Pothos
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Trailing | Trailing |
| Difficulty | easy | easy |
| Light | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low to medium light |
●●●○○ 3/5 Medium indirect light |
| Water | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low |
●●○○○ 2/5 Low |
| Humidity | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low |
●●○○○ 2/5 Low |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Mature size | Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Air purifying | Yes | Yes |
| Native to | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia |
Key differences between Golden Pothos and Neon Pothos
Golden Pothos copes with less light
Golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. Neon Pothos wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun.
How to tell Golden Pothos and Neon Pothos apart
Neon pothos is solid chartreuse rather than variegated, so it keeps golden pothos' speed and toughness while reading as a much brighter plant in a dim room. Give neon medium light -- in deep shade the colour dulls toward ordinary green.
Care at a glance
Golden Pothos
Devil's Ivy, Money Plant
One of the easiest houseplants to grow. Trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves. Thrives in almost any condition.
Care in one line: Low to bright indirect light, water when dry, very forgiving.
Full Golden Pothos care guide →
Neon Pothos
Lime Pothos
Bright chartreuse leaves that glow. Very eye-catching.
Care in one line: Medium light for best color, water when dry.
Full Neon Pothos care guide →Golden Pothos vs Neon Pothos: common questions
What is the difference between Golden Pothos and Neon Pothos? +
Neon pothos is solid chartreuse rather than variegated, so it keeps golden pothos' speed and toughness while reading as a much brighter plant in a dim room. Give neon medium light -- in deep shade the colour dulls toward ordinary green. On care, golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. Neon Pothos wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which is easier to care for, Golden Pothos or Neon Pothos? +
Neither - both are rated easy. The practical difference is golden pothos copes with less light.
Is Golden Pothos or Neon Pothos safe for cats and dogs? +
Neither. Golden Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs and Neon Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs. Both need a spot pets cannot reach.
Which needs less light, Golden Pothos or Neon Pothos? +
Golden Pothos. It scores 2/5 for light and fine a few metres back from a window. Neon Pothos scores 3/5 and near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which needs more water, Golden Pothos or Neon Pothos? +
Neither - both score 2/5. For each one, water when the top 3-5 cm of soil has dried out.
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