While many confuse the Lemon Lime Philodendron with the Neon Pothos due to their almost similar appearance, these two are different plants. The main difference between the Lemon Lime Philodendron and Neon Pothos is the appearance of their leaves. It's pretty evident if you look at it closely. The Lemon Lime has heart-shaped, velvety soft leaves, while the Neon Pothos has larger and thicker leaves with a more waxy texture.

You can quickly tell the difference in their leaves' colors, as the Lemon Lime shows a lime green while the Neon Pothos often displays a neon green color. Once mature, the philodendron tends to have a longer vine as it grows fast, especially in favorable conditions. You can also try to look for white flowers in the Neon Pothos, but the Lemon Lime doesn't usually produce flowers.
This article will discuss all the differences you need to know between the Lemon Lime Philodendron and Neon Pothos, and help you choose which plant is right for you.
Lemon Lime Philodendron vs. Neon Pothos: All Their Differences

Family
While both plants are in the same family, they belong to different families. The Philodendron lemon lime belongs to the genus Philodendron, while Neon Pothos belongs to the genus Epipremnum.
Leaves
The most noticeable resemblance between the two plants is their most significant difference. Both plants have heart-shaped leaves. However, the Lemon Lime has slimmer leaves with a softer feel. On the other hand, the Neon Pothos has broader and thicker leaves. Their leaves are waxier, in contrast to the Lemon Lime's velvety feel.
Furthermore, the petiole attachment differs between the two plants. The Lemon Lime features inward bends, but the Neon Pothos leaf has a straight base. Aside from the shape and texture, you can also differentiate the two plants by their leaf size. The Neon Pothos plant leaves grow up to 12 inches in the wild, while the Lemon Lime Philodendron grows to a maximum of 10 inches.
Foliage Color

A deeper look at the leaves' foliage color is another simple way to distinguish these aroids distinctly. The Lemon Lime Philodendron leaf is significantly lighter green. Young ones have a bright pink-yellow or brownish color but seem pinker. They mature into a rich lemon yellow. They turn a lemon lime hue as they age and stay that color for a very long time, especially in favorable conditions.
On the other hand, the Neon Pothos' new leaves are brighter than the mature ones. These leaves have very few color variations. When fully grown, the Neon Pothos plant produces golden-yellow leaves with a distinctive neon light glow. Unlike the Golden Pothos, the Neon Pothos has no variegation and is greener.
Growth Habits
Like the Sweetheart Vine, Heartleaf Philodendron, and Philodendron Brasil, these plants grow fast and form a vine. These plants differ in that the Neon Pothos has a single aerial root on each node, but the Lemon Lime Philodendrons have several smaller roots per node, giving them a more wild appearance.
Both plants have vines that proliferate. The Lemon Lime Philodendrons grow all year, but the Neon Pothos has a growth burst in the summer and then slows down in the winter or if kept away from direct sunlight. However, the Neon Pothos leaves turn black when exposed to freezing temperatures.
Height and Width
The thick vines of Neon Pothos grow to astounding lengths as a houseplant. The vines may grow up to 10 feet tall and 3 feet wide in potted containers. They reach 60 inches in their natural habitat, but it would take them a few years to grow 10 feet indoors in their home climate. You can give your Neon Pothos plant a pole or trellis that it can climb on to assist its growth.
Lemon Lime Philodendrons exhibit unique compact growth patterns despite being medium-sized plants. They may grow 12 to 24 inches tall with proper care. In pots, they can reach a width of 10 to 12 inches. The Lemon Lime Philodendrons require frequent pruning to promote regulated growth.
Soil Requirement

As a part of the plant care guide, the pH of the potting soil should be somewhat acidic, between 6.5 and 7.5 for the Lemon Lime Philodendron. The optimal soil pH for the Neon Pothos is likewise somewhat acidic, ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. If your Neon Pothos or Lemon Lime show stunted or slow growth, you should consider adding compost or sulfur potting mix to enhance the soil's acidity.
However, both of them may flourish in slightly acidic or natural environments. The Neon Pothos can even survive with just water. You just have to make sure to change the water often, and this method is excellent if you intend to keep the plant compact.
Light Requirements
Both the Lemon Lime Philodendron and Neon Pothos plants need sunlight to maintain their bright colors. However, between the two, the Lemon Lime tends to survive in low-light settings. Some owners even set up artificial lighting when there is no frequent sunlight, and their Lemon Lime does excellent with it.
On the other hand, the Neon Pothos needs more bright, indirect sunlight as its source. With its leaves' very bright colors, they could turn pale when there is not enough sunlight. However, exposing them to too much direct sunlight may damage their leaves, leaving them dull and dark.
To avoid burning the leaves of your Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos plants, you can place them somewhere with an excellent indirect light source. You can put them near a window with drapes or use LED or smart lights as artificial sources.
Water Requirements

The Neon Pothos and Lemon Lime Philodendron prefer somewhat damp potting soil. It's recommended you water this houseplant once a week in summer and less frequently in winter. Before watering them, check the topsoil for 2-3 inches of wetness, as overwatering tends to cause the roots to rot.
The Neon Pothos plants are drought-tolerant and less challenging to care for than the Lemon Lime Philodendron. If you have the Neon Pothos or are planning on owning one, you can water them every other week. However, the Lemon Lime Philodendron needs more watering to maintain its soft leaves.
Temperature Requirements
As tropical plants, the Neon Pothos and Lemon Lime flourish in spaces with consistent temperatures. Summer vines cover a greater distance than winter vines. However, during the winter, you should keep these plants away from heaters, radiators, or air vents. These drafts, both hot and cold, can injure or kill your favorite indoor plant.
During winter, you should also avoid placing these plants near the windows, where they are susceptible to the cold breeze. You can also place them near heating pads when the temperature drops drastically. During the summer season, you can stop them from wilting or keep them from dehydrating by placing a water-filled tray under them.
Feeding Schedule
The Lemon Lime Philodendron and the Neon Pothos do not require frequent fertilizing as they are not heavy eaters. Using natural organic materials like peat moss gives adequate fertilization nutrients while keeping the correct soil composition to keep the plant hydrated.
Additionally, applying a home fertilizer mixed with water every few months promotes plant development. When using fertilizers, you should dilute them with water to avoid scorching the new leaves.
Despite the lack of fertilizers, using an appropriate soil combination is more crucial for the growth of these plants as it acts as their primary source of nutrients.
Flower Production

Although the neon plants bloom, it might not be an excellent way to spot their difference. Like other arum plants, mature Neon Pothos produce flower stalks. However, it does not often bloom when kept as a houseplant. On the other hand, the Lemon Lime Philodendron plant is considered non-flowering.
Vulnerability to Diseases and Pests
Pests and diseases that damage many home plants do not affect the Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos. In rare circumstances where mealybugs or scale insects infest your plants, you can eradicate them by applying a neem oil solution weekly.
To make the neem oil solution, mix two teaspoons of neem oil, one teaspoon of dishwashing soap, and 1 liter of water.
Toxicity
Cats and dogs are both poisoned by Lemon Lime and Neon Pothos. If you have pets, avoid planting plants of the Araceae family since they can be lethal if consumed. However, if you still want to own these plants, just place them somewhere safe from your pets.
Related Questions
No. While both belong to the same family, they are in different genera, making them other plants.
Both plants are great household plants, but Neon Pothos is easier to manage and has fewer demanding watering requirements.
While both have a lot of similarities, the main difference between Neon Pothos and Lemon Lime Philodendrons is their leaf shape, color, and texture. Lemon lime has heart-shaped leaves with velvety soft leaves that appear light green, almost approaching yellow. On the other hand, Neon Pothos leaves are thicker, have a waxy texture, and show a stunning neon green color.
The Lemon Lime Philodendron plant is not rare. They are easy to tend to and have no special growth requirements. Among the rarest philodendrons are Philodendron Hastatum or Silver Sword, Moonlight Philodendron, Philodendron Erubescens or Pink Princess, Philodendron Mamei, Philodendron 69686, Philodendron Joepii, variegated Philodendron Billietiae, and the Philodendron Spiritus Sancti.
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