The Lemon Meringue Pothos is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant known for its unique variegated leaves. This care guide will help you keep your Lemon Meringue Pothos thriving.
Quick Look
- 🌞 Lighting needs: Bright, indirect light
- 💧 Watering needs: Moderate; allow top inch of soil to dry out
- 📏 Mature height: 6-10 feet (with support)
- 🌱 How to propagate: Stem cuttings in water or soil
- 🚫 Toxic/non-toxic: Toxic to pets and humans
- 🌸 Flowering: No
Lemon Meringue Pothos Plant Care Guide
The Lemon Meringue Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Lemon Meringue’) is a distinctive variety of pothos with curled, crinkly variegated leaves.
Named for its yellow variegation, this plant combines beauty with easy maintenance, making it a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts.
Lighting
Lemon Meringue Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light. Adequate light maintains its variegation, while low light can cause the leaves to revert to a solid green.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. A north or east-facing window is ideal.
Watering
Water your Lemon Meringue Pothos moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Ensure the pot has proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Adjust watering frequency based on your plant’s environment, more frequently in warm areas and less in cooler or darker spots.
Humidity and Temperature
This plant prefers high humidity but adapts well to average indoor conditions. Increase humidity by misting the leaves, using a humidity tray, or placing a small humidifier nearby.
Optimal temperatures are between 65-85°F (18-29°C), avoiding cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Soil and Potting
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as one formulated for houseplants or a mix of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark.
The Lemon Meringue Pothos prefers slightly snug pots but should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent extreme root-binding.
Providing a moss pole or trellis can encourage upright growth and larger leaves.
Fertilizing
Feed your Lemon Meringue Pothos with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Reduce fertilization during fall and winter. Over-fertilizing can cause yellow leaves and damage the plant.
Propagation
Propagating the Lemon Meringue Pothos is easy and can be done in water:
- Identify a healthy branch with new growth.
- Snip the branch with sharp scissors, ensuring at least one node is underwater.
- Remove lower leaves and place the cutting in water.
- Change the water weekly and wait for roots to develop (2-4 weeks).
- Once roots are 2-3 inches long, plant the cutting in soil.
Note: Propagation for sale is prohibited due to Costa Farms’ patent, but personal propagation is allowed.
Toxicity
The Lemon Meringue Pothos is toxic to pets and humans if ingested, causing oral irritation and stomach upset. Keep it out of reach of children and animals.
Common Problems
- Brown, crispy leaf edges: Increase humidity and ensure the plant is not exposed to dry air or drafts.
- Loss of variegation: Ensure the plant receives sufficient indirect light.
- Yellow leaves: Often due to overwatering or poor drainage; adjust watering practices.
- Leggy growth: Indicates insufficient light; move to a brighter location.
- Slow growth: Ensure adequate light, proper watering, and fertilization; consider repotting if root-bound.
By following these care guidelines, your Lemon Meringue Pothos will flourish, adding vibrant color and unique texture to your indoor garden. Enjoy the ease and beauty of this delightful houseplant!
