How To Grow Neon Money Plant – A Step-By-Step Guide For Lush,

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever scrolled through social media and felt a pang of envy seeing those stunning indoor jungles, filled with vibrant, cascading plants? You might think achieving that look requires a magical green thumb, but what if I told you one of the most eye-catching plants is also one of the easiest to care for?

I promise you, the Neon Money Plant, with its electrifying chartreuse leaves, is the perfect plant to bring that pop of color into your home without all the fuss. Don’t worry—these beauties are perfect for beginners! It’s a plant that gives so much and asks for so little in return.

In this complete guide, we’re going to walk through everything you need to know about how to grow neon money plant successfully. From finding the perfect spot and mastering watering to creating new plants for free and troubleshooting common issues, you’ll have all the confidence you need to watch your plant thrive. Let’s get growing!

Why the Neon Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’) is a Must-Have

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” Known officially as Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’, this plant is often called Neon Pothos or Money Plant. It’s a cultivar of the classic Golden Pothos, but with a personality all its own.

Its most captivating feature is, without a doubt, its color. The heart-shaped leaves are a brilliant, almost fluorescent, lime green. This splash of color can brighten up any dim corner or provide a stunning contrast against darker foliage or furniture. It’s living art!

But the benefits of how to grow neon money plant go beyond aesthetics. Like its Pothos cousins, the Neon is a powerhouse air purifier. It’s known to filter common indoor toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air, creating a healthier living space for you and your family.

Best of all, it’s incredibly forgiving. Did you forget to water it for a week? It will likely droop to let you know, then perk right back up after a drink. This resilience makes it the ideal starting point for anyone new to houseplants.

Setting Up for Success: The Perfect Environment for Your Neon Pothos

Like any relationship, starting off on the right foot is key. Giving your Neon Money Plant the right environment from day one is the simplest way to ensure a long, happy life. This is one of the most important how to grow neon money plant tips I can share.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

Neon Money Plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of a spot near an east-facing window where it gets gentle morning sun, or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window. This level of light keeps its neon color at its most vibrant.

If the light is too low, the leaves may become a duller green and the plant can become leggy as it stretches toward the light source. Conversely, direct, harsh sunlight will scorch its delicate leaves, leaving brown, crispy spots. It’s all about finding that happy medium.

The Right Soil Mix for Happy Roots

The number one enemy of almost any Pothos is root rot, which comes from soil that stays wet for too long. That’s why a well-draining potting mix is non-negotiable. You can buy a quality indoor potting mix, but I love to create my own custom blend.

Here’s a simple, foolproof recipe:

  • 2 parts standard potting mix
  • 1 part perlite (for aeration)
  • 1 part orchid bark (for chunkiness and drainage)

This mixture allows water to flow through easily while retaining just enough moisture for the roots to drink. It mimics the airy soil they’d experience in their native tropical habitat.

Choosing the Perfect Pot

This might seem basic, but it’s crucial: your pot must have drainage holes. Without them, excess water has nowhere to go, creating a swampy mess that will suffocate the roots. No exceptions!

Terracotta pots are a great choice as the porous material helps wick away excess moisture. However, plastic or glazed ceramic pots work perfectly fine too, as long as you’re mindful not to overwater. When it comes to size, choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current root ball.

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The Ultimate How to Grow Neon Money Plant Care Guide

Once your plant is settled in its new home, it’s time for the routine care that will keep it glowing. This how to grow neon money plant care guide breaks down the simple, repeatable steps for success. These are the best practices that will make all the difference.

Watering Wisely: The Golden Rule

The most common mistake gardeners make is overwatering. To avoid this, follow this simple rule: water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil are completely dry. Stick your finger into the soil to check—if it feels dry, it’s time to water. If you feel any moisture, wait a few more days.

When you do water, give the plant a good soak until water runs freely from the drainage holes. This ensures all the roots get a drink. Then, be sure to dump out any excess water from the saucer so the plant isn’t sitting in a puddle.

Feeding for That Electric Glow

While not heavy feeders, Neon Money Plants appreciate a little boost during their growing season (spring and summer). Feed your plant with a balanced, all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks.

Think of it as a gentle vitamin supplement, not a huge meal. During the fall and winter, when growth naturally slows, you can stop fertilizing altogether. Over-fertilizing can burn the roots, so less is definitely more here.

Humidity: A Tropical Treat

Coming from a tropical environment, Neon Pothos enjoys higher humidity. The good news is that they are incredibly adaptable and do just fine in average household humidity levels. So don’t stress about this part!

However, if you want to give your plant an extra treat (especially in dry winter months), you can boost the humidity in a few easy ways:

  • Mist the leaves with water every few days.
  • Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
  • Group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate.
  • Use a small room humidifier nearby.

Pruning and Propagating: How to Get More Plants for Free!

One of the most rewarding parts of owning a Pothos is how easy it is to propagate. A little trim not only keeps your parent plant looking full and bushy but also gives you cuttings to create brand new plants to keep or share.

The Art of Pruning for a Fuller Plant

If your plant’s vines are getting a little too long or sparse, don’t be afraid to give it a haircut! Pruning encourages the plant to branch out, creating a much bushier and more lush appearance. Simply use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to snip a vine just after a leaf node (the little bump where a leaf grows from).

Propagating in Water: A Beginner’s Dream

This is the easiest and most visually satisfying way to propagate. It’s a fantastic project for kids and adults alike!

  1. Take Your Cuttings: Take those pieces you just pruned. Make sure each cutting is about 4-6 inches long and has at least 2-3 leaves and a few nodes.
  2. Prepare the Cutting: Remove the leaf closest to the cut end. This is to ensure the node is submerged in water without a leaf rotting.
  3. Place in Water: Put the cuttings in a jar or vase of clean, room-temperature water. Make sure at least one node is underwater, as this is where the new roots will grow.
  4. Wait and Watch: Place the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly. In a few weeks, you’ll see little white roots begin to sprout!
  5. Plant Your New Baby: Once the roots are about an inch long, you can plant your new Neon Money Plant in soil and care for it just like the mother plant.

Troubleshooting: Solving Common Problems with How to Grow Neon Money Plant

Even the hardiest plants can face an issue now and then. Don’t panic! Here’s a quick guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common problems with how to grow neon money plant.

Why Are My Neon Pothos Leaves Turning Yellow?

This is almost always a sign of overwatering. The soil is staying too wet, and the roots can’t breathe. Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. If the problem persists, you may need to check the roots for rot and repot into fresh, dry soil.

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Dealing with Pests Like a Pro

Neon Pothos are fairly pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract mealybugs or spider mites. If you see tiny webs (spider mites) or small, white, cottony masses (mealybugs), isolate the plant immediately. You can treat them by wiping the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or by spraying the plant thoroughly with an insecticidal soap or neem oil solution.

What Do Brown Tips or Spots Mean?

Crispy brown tips are usually a sign of low humidity or inconsistent watering. Try one of the humidity-boosting tips from above. Brown spots, especially if they are large and mushy, could indicate a more serious fungal issue, often caused by—you guessed it—overwatering.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Neon Pothos Care

Part of the joy of gardening is connecting with nature, and we can extend that by making our practices more sustainable. Adopting an eco-friendly how to grow neon money plant approach is easy and rewarding.

Instead of buying new plastic pots, check out thrift stores for unique ceramic or terracotta containers. When you need to fertilize, consider making a simple compost tea at home or using the leftover (cooled) water from boiling vegetables. This reduces waste and gives your plants a natural nutrient boost.

The most sustainable practice of all? Sharing! Propagating your Neon Money Plant to give to friends is a wonderful way to spread the joy of gardening without creating consumer demand for new, commercially grown plants. This is a core part of sustainable how to grow neon money plant care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Neon Money Plant

Is the Neon Money Plant toxic to pets?

Yes, unfortunately, all parts of the Neon Money Plant (Pothos) are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting. It’s best to keep them in a hanging basket or on a high shelf, well out of reach of curious pets.

How fast does a Neon Money Plant grow?

In ideal conditions (bright, indirect light and proper care), a Neon Money Plant can be a fast grower, with vines extending 12-18 inches or more in a single year. In lower light, its growth will be significantly slower.

Can I grow a Neon Money Plant in just water?

Absolutely! While they won’t grow as robustly as they do in soil, Pothos can live happily in a vase of water for a very long time. Just be sure to change the water every 1-2 weeks and add a tiny drop of liquid fertilizer once a month to provide nutrients.

Why is my Neon Pothos losing its bright color?

The most common reason for a Neon Pothos losing its vibrant chartreuse color and reverting to a darker green is insufficient light. Move it to a spot with more bright, indirect sunlight, and you should see the new growth come in with that signature electric glow.

Your Journey to a Vibrant Indoor Garden Starts Now

There you have it—everything you need to know about how to grow a stunning Neon Money Plant. From its air-purifying benefits to its sheer, unadulterated beauty, this plant is a true gem in the houseplant world.

Remember the basics: provide bright, indirect light, water only when the soil is dry, and don’t be afraid to prune and propagate. By following this how to grow neon money plant guide, you’re not just growing a plant; you’re cultivating a little piece of joy and a healthier home.

So go ahead, bring home that vibrant vine you’ve been eyeing. You’ve got this. Happy planting!

Rimon Chowdhury
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