Lemon Lime Philodendron vs Neon Pothos (Key Differences)

When it comes to choosing the perfect houseplant, there are a lot of different options.

Two of the most popular choices are Philodendrons and pothos plants, whose representatives are sometimes mistaken for each other, say Lemon lime Philodendron and Neon Pothos.

In this post, you can get information about both plants and some tips to distinguish between them.

Both plants are perfect for those who want an easy-care, low-maintenance pet that can thrive in just about any condition.

So, what’s the difference between Philodendron and pothos plants? Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between these two popular houseplants.

Is Lemon Lime Philodendron the same as Neon Pothos?

Philodendron Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos are arguably some of the most popular houseplants and often get confused with each other because of their similarity in appearance. Still, they are not necessarily the same as each other. 

The two plants have many of the same growth requirements, but they’re also different in character and needs after being identified by their distinct characteristics.

The Pothos and Philodendron family includes a variety of plants with bright leaves that grow on vines.

The vines of these plants can wrap around structures in the surrounding area. The preferred living condition for these plants lies in indirect sunlight. 

Compare Neon Pothos vs Lemon Lime Philodendron

Neon Pothos and Lemon Lime Philodendrons are two of the most popular houseplants.

Neon Pothos is a vining plant that can grow up to 10 feet long, while Lemon Lime Philodendron is a vining plant that can grow up to 20 feet long. They are both easy to care for and thrive in low-light conditions.

The pothos representative looks very tropical with its bright neon green leaves whereas its Philodendron counterpart has leaves with a lighter shade of green or a muted lime green. They also have this subtle brownish or pink tint.

If you want to keep your plant healthy, it’s crucial that the soil is well-drained and has good aeration. It would be best if you also fertilized with peat moss once every week or two weeks.

	Neon Pothos	Lemon Lime Philodendron
Origin	Solomon Islands	West Indies and Central and South America
Scientific Name	Epipremnum Aureum	Philodendron Hederaceum Aureum
Height	6 and 10 ft	8 -12 inches
Width	4 – 6 inches	7 – 10 inches
Growth Habit	aerial roots and petioles	aerial roots and petioles
Growth rate	Fast growing in warm weather	Fast growing in the right conditions
Foliage color	Bright neon leaves	Slight, muted lime green
Variegation	No variegated leaves	No variegated leaves
Light	bright, indirect light	bright, indirect light
Soil	Dry, well-aerated	Dry, well-aerated
Watering	Weekly ( in summer)Less (in winter)	Weekly ( in summer)Less (in winter)
Pests	Houseplant pests	Houseplant pests
Diseases	Root rot and leaf spot	Root rot and leaf spot

Difference between Lemon Lime Philodendron and Neon Pothos 

The different features between these two plants include:

Leaf Shape and Texture

The leaves’ shape differentiates the Philodendron Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos. The leaves of both plants are heart-shaped, but Philodendrons have thinner and softer leaves while Neon Pothos plants have thicker and larger leaves with waxy surfaces.

There is also a difference in the petiole connecting it to the leaf’s base. The neon leaf is slightly more straightforward than its cousin; the Lemon-lime Philodendron leaf curves dramatically inwards. 

Leaf Size

When you compare these leaves, it is easy to see that Neon Pothos has a flatter, more extensive base that is less rounded.

Philodendron plants are typically 7-10 inches long and ½ inch wide, while neon has thinner, more elongated leaves.

Foliage Color

One of the most noticeable differences between Philodendrons and pothos plants is their foliage.

The leaves of a Pothos plant are heart-shaped, while those from Philodendron typically have lobed or deeply divided edges.

The Lemon Lime Philodendrons are slightly lighter in color and are a muted lime green with a tint that ranges from brown to pink whereas the Neon Pothos’ leaves are solid neon green.

Read more: Neon Pothos Brown Spots: 4 Causes & How to Fix Them

Growth Habit

The Philodendron Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos may seem like a soothing option for your home’s surfaces, but remember that these plants have rapidly growing roots and trailing vines that can climb around on any available foundation.

Philodendrons grow many smaller roots per node, but Neon plants have only a single aerial root on each node, which results in that philodendrons look wilder. 

Some plants can grow year-round, lemon-lime Philodendrons is one of those. While Neon Pothos will proliferate when it’s warm outside and slows down or even stops growing in winter.

If the weather is too cold, Neon leaves will turn black as they struggle to photosynthesize well in this challenging environment. 

Flowers

One of the most significant differences between these two plants is that Philodendrons produce flowers, while pothos plants do not (Though the Neon Pothos plant produces beautiful white flowers, it’s unlikely that they will flower indoors).

The Lemon Lime Philodendron’s flowers are yellow and typically bear on long, spindly stems.

Height and Structure

The Neon Pothos is a versatile plant that can grow to impressive heights. Vines will reach between 6- 10 feet when grown indoors, but it could take several years before the vine matures enough for its measurement. While Lemon Lime Philodendron can be grown from 12″ to 24″.

Read more: How To Propagate Neon Pothos? Let’s Find Out!

Soil Requirements

Although both plants are common houseplants, they have different ideal growing conditions. The Neon Pothos prefers low light and slightly moist soil, while the Lemon Lime Philodendron does best in bright, indirect light and moist, but not soggy, soil.

In addition, the Pothos is easier to care for as it can tolerate lower light levels.

Both plants prefer well-draining soil, but the Neon is slightly more tolerant of different soil types than the Lemon Lime.

The Neon Pothos is native to rainforests, where the soil is often more swamp-like. The Lemon Lime Philodendron, however, is native to South America, where the soil is typically drier.

Watering

Both plants like to have their soil kept moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant.

The Neon Pothos is a little more tolerant of being overwatered than the Lemon Lime Philodendron – although both plants will suffer if their roots are constantly wet.

Vulnerability

Both plants are susceptible to common houseplant pests, such as mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. They can also be affected by common diseases, such as root rot and leaf spot.

The pothos plant is slightly more resistant to pests and diseases than the Philodendron, possibly because it is native to a more hostile environment (the rainforest).

The Lemon Lime Philodendron, on the other hand, is native to a more temperate climate, so it is not as accustomed to dealing with pests and diseases.

Toxicity

It’s important to note that both plants are considered poisonous if ingested. The Neon Pothos’ leaves and stems contain saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation if eaten.

The Lemon Lime philodendron’s leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause burning and swelling of the mouth and throat if ingested. So, it is essential to keep these plants out of reach of children and pets.

Which is better, pothos or Philodendron?

As you can see, there are many differences between Neon Pothos and Lemon Lime philodendron plants.

While both are easy to care for as houseplants, they have different ideal growing conditions and produce different flowers (or no flowers at all, in the case of the Pothos plant).

However, the better option is ultimately up to the individual grower. For example, Neon Pothos is a great option if you want a plant that is easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.

On the other hand, Lemon Lime is a better choice if you are looking for a plant with showy flowers that add a pop of color to your home.

Conclusion

So, which Lemon Lime Philodendron or Neon Pothos should you get? It depends on your preferences and what type of appearance you’re going for in your indoor space. You will be much happier with your purchase if you get a plan that meets your needs and preferences.