Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lime’ ('Neon')

Tropical American origins of Lime and Neon

‘Lime’ and ‘Neon’ are chartreuse forms of Philodendron hederaceum with yellow to lime-green leaves. The species ranges from Mexico through tropical America, where it climbs through wet forest and roots along tree trunks.

Care for supported climbing aroids

• Light: For dense chartreuse growth, place it in bright indirect light. Lower light slows the vine and lengthens the spaces between leaves; strong sun can bleach or scorch it.
• Water: Wait for the upper mix to start drying before soaking the pot thoroughly, then empty any water collected in the saucer or outer pot. The mix dries faster in stronger light, warmer conditions or a pot full of roots.
• Humidity and airflow: Average indoor humidity is usually enough, while slightly higher humidity helps new leaves open smoothly. Avoid still, constantly damp foliage.
• Feeding: During active growth, use a low to moderate fertilizer strength. More fertilizer cannot correct insufficient light.
• Repotting: Repot when roots are crowded or water no longer moves evenly through the mix, increasing pot size gradually.

Troubleshooting Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lime’ ('Neon'): normal changes and damage

• Shipping-related yellowing: Heartleaf philodendrons can yellow and shed leaves after ethylene or other transport stress, sometimes after a delay. Check if roots and new growth remain firm before treating the symptom as rot or infection.
• Chartreuse colour versus yellowing: Even lime or chartreuse leaves are normal for this selection. Stress yellowing is more likely to start on older leaves, appear between veins or arrive with soft roots, stalled growth or sudden leaf drop.
• Greener shoots: A greener stem can grow more strongly than the chartreuse parts. If the original colour is the aim, trim the green shoot back to a well-coloured node and continue to watch the new growth.
• Leggy growth: Long gaps and progressively smaller leaves usually reflect weak light or lack of climbing contact. Move gradually into brighter filtered light or guide the vine onto a support; fertiliser cannot replace missing light.
• Wet spots and stem rot: Water-soaked leaf lesions, yellow haloes or a dark soft stem need rapid attention. Separate the plant, keep foliage dry, remove dead tissue with clean tools and restore air around the roots.
• Pests along chartreuse vines: Thrips scar new leaves, mites stipple the lower surface and mealybugs or scale collect at nodes. Inspect the nearest vines as well, remove visible colonies and use a treatment labelled for the identified pest at the repeat interval on its label.

Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lime’ (‘Neon’) is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

Who first published Philodendron hederaceum, and what does the name mean?

Philodendron combines Greek philein, meaning “to love,” with dendron, meaning “tree.” Hederaceum is Latin for ivy-like and refers to the plant’s trailing and climbing habit.

Heinrich Wilhelm Schott established the genus Philodendron in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.

Nicolaus Joseph von Jacquin first described it as Arum hederaceum in 1760 in Enumeratio Systematica Plantarum, page 31. Heinrich Wilhelm Schott later placed it in Philodendron as Philodendron hederaceum in 1829 in Wiener Zeitschrift für Kunst, Literatur, Theater und Mode, volume 3, page 780.