Lemon Lime Philodendron Care and Growing Guide

By Andrea Beck | Updated: May 13, 2023

lemon-lime-philodendron-featured
Scientific name

Philodendron hederaceum 'Lemon Lime'

Common name

Philodendron Lemon Lime

Origin

Cultivated via Central and South America

Checked by Jennifer Schutter, Certified Master Gardener

Philodendron Lemon Lime

Water

When the top half inch of soil feels dry

Light

Medium to bright light

Soil

Well-draining potting mix with peat moss and perlite

Placement

East- or north-facing windows, away from direct sunlight

Difficulty

Easy

Fertilizer

Balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season

Light

Medium to bright light

Difficulty

Easy

Fertilizer

Balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season

If you’re looking for a cheerful bright green companion to brighten up your home and Kermit isn’t available, the Lemon Lime Philodendron might just be for you.

We’ll dive into the world of Philodendron Lemon Lime care and explore the ideal environment for this vivacious little friend. You’re about to embark on a green adventure, learning tips and tricks that will transform you into a philodendron connoisseur.

Lemon Lime Philodendron Plant Care Guide

History, Habitat, and Characteristics

Lemon Lime Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon Lime’) is a bright green houseplant that’s hard to resist. It has striking elongated, heart-shaped leaves that are lime green and can exhibit a hint of copper when they’re new. Its cascading stems can also show off a fancy orange or red color.

While Philodendron Lemon Lime is cultivated from a species that hails from Central and South America, this fast-growing beauty has made its way into the hearts of indoor gardeners around the globe.

There are two types of Lemon Lime Philodendrons that you might encounter. One grows upright and is also known as Malay or Malay Gold, though there’s a bit of debate on whether it’s a separate plant altogether. There’s also a variety that has a trailing or climbing habit, with elongated leaves.

Fun fact: The Philodendron Lemon Lime isn’t just a pretty face — it’s also known for its air-purifying properties, making it a breath of fresh air for your indoor garden. So go ahead and add a splash of lemon lime to your plant collection; it’s a-peel-ing in more ways than one!

How Does Lemon Lime Philodendron Differ From Neon Pothos?

Lemon Lime Philodendron and Neon Pothos may appear quite similar at first glance due to their bright, chartreuse-colored leaves, but they have some key differences. Although they’re both tropical plants in the same family, Araceae, the Neon Pothos belongs in the genus Epipremnum while our lemon lime friend is a true Philodendron.

Additionally, as new leaves unfurl, pothos leaves emerge directly from another leaf, while Lemon Lime Philodendron leaves grow from the stem with a separate petiole from a cataphyll.

Here are some more tips to help you differentiate between the two:

  • Leaf Shape: Lemon Lime Philodendron has elongated, heart-shaped leaves, whereas Neon Pothos has more oval or teardrop-shaped leaves.
  • Leaf Glossiness: Lemon Lime Philodendron leaves are known for their glossy finish, while Neon Pothos leaves typically have a slightly matte appearance.
  • Growth Habit: Lemon Lime Philodendrons generally have a more compact growth habit, while Neon Pothos tends to grow more vigorously and spread out.

Light

When it comes to the Lemon Lime Philodendron, light can make all the difference in helping the plant show off its vibrant colors. Let’s dive into the ideal lighting conditions for your plant, and how to recognize if it’s basking in the perfect amount of light or begging for a change.

This tropical plant is a fan of bright, indirect sunlight. The more sunlight it receives, the more the leaves will show that amazing yellow-green color.

But be careful — direct sun can leave your philodendron looking sunburnt with fading, scorching, or brown and crispy leaf edges (ouch!). On the flip side, if it’s tucked away in a gloomy corner, it might experience slow growth, leggy stems, and a disappointing loss of color.

Our lighting tips:

  • Embrace bright, indirect sunlight to help your Lemon Lime Philodendron dazzle with its gorgeous hues.
  • Keep your plant away from areas with too much light to prevent leaf burn and color fading (nobody wants a sunburnt Lemon Lime Philodendron).
  • If your plant seems to be missing its lime green charm, give it some extra light to help bring the colors back to life. If you notice a lighter green color, this can be completely normal.

Water

Philodendron Lemon Lime has pretty similar water preferences to a pothos plant — while it loves water, it does like a bit of neglect too.

Our suggestion is to water your Philodendron Lemon Lime really thoroughly. Let the container slowly fill with water, saturating the soil and roots. Once you water it, however, it’s time to forget about it. These tropical plants thrive with a bit of neglect, so you’ll want to wait until the soil gets dry before giving it another drink.

Not receiving enough water can cause your Lemon Lime Philodendron’s leaves to droop or wilt, eventually turning yellow. If your plant seems a little down, try upping the water frequency and removing any damaged leaves to ward off potential pest problems.

Receiving too much water, however, could lead to root rot, with mushy roots and perpetually damp soil. Yellowing leaves are also a symptom of overwatering. Should you suspect your plant’s a bit too saturated, cut back on watering and let the soil dry out before the next session.

Our watering tips:

  • To strike a balance, let the soil dry pretty deeply. We often say an inch or two, but really as far as your finger can go, depending on the container, should feel dry.
  • If you have wet soil that just doesn’t seem to dry out, you’ll need to check out our “Soil” section below.
  • Ensure your Lemon Lime Philodendron doesn’t dry out for too long or sit in excess water, as either extreme can lead to an unhappy tropical plant.

Temperature and Humidity

Caring for your Lemon Lime Philodendron involves creating a comfortable environment that caters to its temperature and humidity needs.

When it comes to temperature, the Philodendron Lemon Lime grows best in a warm environment. Aim for temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Keep in mind that sudden temperature changes can stress your plant, so be cautious of drafts, air conditioning units, and radiators.

Protect your plant from cold or dry air to avoid shocking it, especially when bringing it home during the winter. This is also when it will tend to enter a dormant stage and slow its growth.

Humidity is equally essential. A humidity level of 40-60% is ideal. If humidity is too low, you might see drooping leaves or brown leaf tips; excessive humidity can lead to yellow leaves or mold issues. Although the average household humidity typically suffices, additional measures can enhance growing conditions for your Philodendron Lemon Lime.

To raise humidity:

  • Use a pebble tray beneath the plant to create a humid microclimate. Typically a pebble tray can raise local humidity levels by 4-7% without making your room feel overly tropical.
  • Group your Philodendron Lemon Lime with other plants to share moisture through transpiration.

Soil and Planting

Now let’s get into choosing the right soil mix and using an appropriate pot for your Philodendron Lemon Lime.

For that, first ensure you have moisture-retaining soil. Opt for a combination of potting soil, peat moss, and perlite to create the perfect balance between drainage and moisture retention. Proper drainage is crucial for an indoor plant to prevent issues associated with overly damp or soggy soil.

When it comes to pots, consider opting for terracotta pots. These containers wick away excess moisture from the soil, which will help to keep those roots healthy!

Make sure to repot your Philodendron Lemon Lime when the roots start to come out of the bottom of its pot, or the plant shows other signs of outgrowing its current container.

To repot, gently remove the plant from its existing pot and place it in a slightly larger container filled with a fresh, moisture-retaining soil mix.

Fertilizer

Using the right fertilizers can make a significant difference in your Philodendron Lemon Lime’s health. Incorporate worm castings and fish emulsion to ensure your plant gets the nutrients it needs. To do this, mix about a half to a full capful of fish emulsion in a gallon of water, and apply it during every watering session.

If you’re using a balanced liquid fertilizer, keep an eye out for signs of overfertilization, such as yellowing or browning leaves, leaf drop, or a decline in the plant’s overall health. If you notice any of these signs, pause the fertilizing process for a few weeks to let the plant recover, and resume at a reduced rate.

(You can also flush any excess fertilizer out of the soil by really saturating it with water and letting it drain out.)

Don’t forget to continue fertilizing throughout the growing season, which is really as long as you continue to see new growth on your Lemon Lime Philodendron plant.

Propagation

Propagating Philodendron Lemon Lime plants using stem cuttings is super easy, so let’s get started!

Propagate Philodendron Lemon Lime via stem cuttings:

  1. Pick a healthy stem: Find a robust, bushy stem that’s ready for a trim. Choose a spot on the stem with plenty of leaves and leaf nodes where you’d like to see new growth after the cut.
  2. Snip a stem cutting: Grab your scissors or gardening shears, sterilize them, and confidently cut a 4-6 inch segment just below a leaf node on your Lemon Lime Philodendron. Make sure your cutting has at least 2-3 healthy leaves on it.
  3. Prep the cutting: Gently remove any leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting to prevent them from decaying in water and to allow room for new roots.
  4. Pop the cutting in water: Fill a small container with filtered water and carefully place the cutting inside. Change the water every 2-3 days and put the container in a spot that gets bright indirect sunlight.
  5. Time to pot the cutting: Once your cutting has roots around 2 inches long, grab a pot with drainage holes and fill it with moisture-retaining soil. Make a hole for your cutting, gently place it in the soil, making sure not to bury any leaves, and water it.

Common Issues

Lemon Lime Philodendrons might experience some issues, but with attentive care and a watchful eye, you can easily resolve them. Let’s take a closer look at the most frequent problems, as well as how to identify and fix them.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves on your Lemon Lime Philodendron could indicate minerals in the water, a lack of nutrients, or even rot from overwatering. To pinpoint the issue, pay attention to the overall condition of the plant and the soil’s moisture level.

If the soil is consistently damp and the leaves are turning yellow, it’s likely a sign of overwatering. To address this, let the soil dry out between waterings and ensure your pot has drainage holes (a crucial factor in preventing rot).

If water quality is the issue, switch to filtered or distilled water. In the case of nutrient deficiency, apply a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Crispy Leaf Tips

Crispy brown leaves on your Philodendron Lemon Lime are often a result of underwatering, dry air, or too much fertilizer.

Be sure to check the soil’s moisture level to ensure your plant is receiving ample water; when the top inch or two of soil dries out, it’s time to water thoroughly. To combat dry air conditions, consider placing a humidifier near your Lemon Lime Philodendron plant or occasionally misting the foliage.

If too much fertilizer seems to be the cause, reduce the frequency of feeding and always adhere to the recommended dosages for your particular plant. In any event, trim those crispy leaves to encourage fresh, healthy growth, and watch your Lemon Lime Philodendron thrive in indirect light.

Pests and Diseases

Lemon Lime Philodendron is generally fuss-free, but sometimes it might face pests and diseases. We’re here to help you identify and fix these issues fast.

Root Rot

Look for signs like yellowish leaves, wilting, or a musty smell coming from the soil. This usually happens if the Lemon Lime Philodendron plant is sitting in damp soil or has poor drainage. To fix this issue, follow these easy steps:

  1. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and take a look at the roots. Darker brown, mushy roots? That’s a sign of rot.
  2. Grab some sterilized scissors, cut away the affected roots, and don’t forget to clean your tools before and after use (you don’t want to spread any pathogens!).
  3. Time to give your Philodendron Lemon Lime a fresh start! Repot it in fresh soil with good drainage and airflow (adding perlite, peat moss or coco coir can do the trick).
  4. Keep an eye on your watering habits. Water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry and avoid letting it sit in standing water. Your plant will thank you!

Aphids, Spider Mites, and Other Pests

Sometimes, tiny unwelcome guests like aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, or spider mites might find their way to your Lemon Lime Philodendron. Spot these small critters by looking for them on the leaves, webbing under the leaves, or sticky residue around the plant.

Here’s what you can do to get rid of bugs:

  1. Keep the affected Philodendron Lemon Lime plant away from your other plants (these little pests can spread quickly!).
  2. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth or cotton ball soaked in water to remove as many pests as you can.
  3. Neem oil is your new best friend! It’s a natural pesticide that’s safe for you and your indoor plants. Apply it to the leaves (top and bottom) according to the package instructions.
  4. Keep a close watch on your Philodendron Lemon Lime plant for a few weeks. Reapply neem oil if needed and continue wiping off visible pests.

Conclusion

That’s a wrap on our Lemon Lime Philodendron care guide!

With its vibrant colors and easy-to-maintain nature, the Lemon Lime Philodendron is a must-have for any indoor garden. We’re confident that with the knowledge and tips provided in this guide, you’re ready to care for this amazing houseplant and enjoy its cheerful presence for many years to come.

Lemon Lime Philodendron care summary:

  • Provide bright, indirect light to ensure your Philodendron Lemon Lime plant maintains its stunning colors.
  • Create a comfortable environment with temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and humidity levels around 40-60%.
  • Use well-draining soil and terracotta pots to prevent root rot and maintain healthy roots.
  • Propagate via stem cuttings for an easy way to expand your plant collection.
  • Keep an eye out for issues like root rot or pests and address them promptly with appropriate remedies like neem oil.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable information to grow and care for your Lemon Lime Philodendron plants. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us. And if you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it with fellow plant enthusiasts!

Take care, and happy gardening!

FAQ

Is Philodendron Lemon Lime toxic?

Yes. According to the ASPCA, Lemon Lime Philodendrons are toxic to both humans and pets. These houseplants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation or a burning sensation if ingested. Keep your Lemon Lime Philodendron away from small children and pets like cats or dogs to prevent any accidental ingestion.

Are Philodendron Lemon Lime related to the Lemon Lime Dracaena?

Although the Lemon Lime Philodendron and Lemon Lime Dracaena share similarities in color, they are not closely related in the plant world. Lemon Lime Philodendron belongs to the Araceae family, while Lemon Lime Dracaena is part of the Asparagaceae family.

These tropical plants have different care requirements and growth habits. While a philodendron is a trailing plant, known for its vining growth, dracaena have a cane-like, vertical growth pattern.

How is Lemon Lime Philodendron different than Moonlight Philodendron?

Leaf color is usually the first clue. Lemon Lime Philodendron has bright, lime-green leaves . . . but Philodendron Moonlight have almost the same color. So that’s not very helpful at first, but they do look slightly different as they age, since the ‘Moonlight’ tends to get a bit darker.

So let’s turn to leaf shape, where Moonlight Philodendron looks like an entirely different plant. It has much longer leaves that almost don’t look like a philo at all. You’ll see the traditional heart-shaped leaves on the Philodendron Lemon Lime, and this is how you know which plant you really have.

Care is basically the same. Both Moonlight and Lemon Lime Philodendron like warm temperatures, only a little bit of direct light, and well-draining soil.

Can you use hanging baskets or a moss pole?

Absolutely! Lemon Lime Philodendron is a super versatile plant and is happy in both hanging baskets or climbing up with a moss pole for support.

Hanging baskets are a fantastic option if you’re looking to showcase your Lemon Lime Philodendron as a cascading plant. Place the hanging basket in an area with bright, indirect light, and watch as your plant’s tunning lime-green leaves drape beautifully over the sides.

For a pole, attach the vines using gardening ties or plant clips. As your Lemon Lime Philodendron grows, it will gradually anchor itself to the moss pole, reaching new heights and providing a lovely, natural aesthetic.

Sources

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Our Expert
Jennifer Schutter

Jennifer Schutter is a certified master gardener with over 14 years of gardening experience. Her expertise is in indoor plant propagation and home ecology.