Walk into almost any plant shop or scroll through plant inspiration online, and you're bound to see two leafy superstars everywhere: pothos and philodendron. They're both incredibly popular, super resilient, and fantastic for adding that lush, trailing greenery to any space. The thing is, pothos and philodendrons look so similar that even seasoned plant lovers sometimes mix them up! If you've ever wondered how to tell these two beautiful plants apart, or which one might be the best fit for your home, you're in the right place. Let's dive in and sort out the pothos versus philodendron mystery.
Pothos & Philodendron Basics
Both pothos and philodendron are tropical vining plants known for their heart-shaped leaves and easy-going nature. They're often seen trailing from shelves or hanging baskets, making them go-to choices for both new and experienced plant parents. Their adaptability to various indoor conditions makes them incredibly popular, but despite their similar looks, they have distinct features.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Often called "Devil's Ivy" because it's so hard to kill, pothos is known for its thick, waxy, somewhat rigid leaves. They come in many varieties, often variegated with splashes of yellow, white, or lime green.
Philodendron (philodendron hederaceum, often the 'Heartleaf' variety): The Heartleaf philodendron is recognized for its softer, thinner, and more delicate heart-shaped leaves. They tend to be a solid emerald green, though cultivated varieties can show bronze or pink hues.
The Great Divide: How to Spot the Differences
While they might seem like twins at first glance, a closer look reveals some clear distinctions that make identifying pothos vs. philodendron quite simple once you know what to look for:
Pothos vs. Philodendron Leaves
This is often the easiest giveaway.
Pothos: Leaves tend to be thicker, waxy, and have a more prominent texture. The base of a pothos leaf where it meets the stem is generally flatter. The variegation on pothos leaves often appears as flecks or streaks throughout the leaf.
Philodendron: Leaves are typically thinner, softer to the touch, and have a more pronounced heart shape with a deeper indentation where the stem meets the leaf base. Philodendron leaves are also generally a solid color or have variegation that is more clearly defined along the edges or veins. New philodendron leaves emerge encased in a papery sheath that eventually dries up and falls off. Pothos do not have this sheath.
Pothos vs. Philodendron Stems
The stems have slight, but noticeable differences.
Pothos: Stems are generally thicker and rounder than philodendron stems.
Philodendron: Stems are usually thinner and more vine-like.
Pothos vs. Philodendron Aerial Roots
Both plants produce aerial roots that help them climb or absorb moisture.
Pothos: The aerial roots on pothos appear thicker and less frequent, usually emerging directly from the stem nodes.
Philodendron: Philodendron aerial roots are thinner, more numerous, and often emerge from the leaf nodes, sometimes giving the stem a slightly fuzzy appearance.
Care Corner: Similarities and Subtle Differences
The cool thing about both pothos and philodendron is their resilience. They're both fantastic for beginners and pretty forgiving. Their care needs are quite similar, but understanding the nuances can help them truly flourish:
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Light: Both prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. In lower light, their growth might slow down, and any variegation could become less prominent. Direct, harsh sun can scorch their leaves.
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Watering: Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. They don't like soggy feet, so good drainage is essential. When in doubt, it's better to under-water slightly than over-water.
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Humidity: Coming from tropical homes, both plants appreciate higher humidity, but they generally adapt well to average household humidity levels.
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Soil: A well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture is ideal. A standard houseplant mix with some perlite or orchid bark works well.
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Pest Control: Both are generally pest-resistant, but keep an eye out for common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs, especially if conditions are dry.
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Propagation: Want to turn your place into an indoor jungle or spread the plant love? Pothos and philodendrons are super easy to root in water! For more tips on propagation, check out this University of Vermont Extension article.
Choosing Your Green Companion: Pothos or Philodendron?
Since both are fantastic, the choice often comes down to personal preference or specific styling goals:
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For the "Set It and Forget It" Type: Pothos might be your pick. Its slightly thicker leaves make it a bit more tolerant of missed waterings and fluctuating conditions.
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For Softer, More Delicate Aesthetics: Philodendron's thinner leaves and more frequent aerial roots can give a softer, airier feel to a space.
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For Maximum Variegation: If vibrant splashes of color are your priority, pothos varieties often offer a wider range of striking variegation (like 'Marble Queen' or 'Neon').
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For a More Uniform Green: Heartleaf philodendron offers a classic, deep green that can complement various decor styles seamlessly.
Low-Light Tolerant, Grow Light Preferred
While both pothos and philodendron are known for their tolerance to lower light conditions, that doesn't mean they prefer to be in the dark. In fact, providing them with brighter, indirect light encourages more vigorous growth, larger leaves, and more prominent variegation. If your home has limited natural light, or you want to see your pothos and philodendron truly thrive and produce lush, lengthy vines, supplemental grow lights can make all the difference.
The lighting solution will depend on where you want to style your plants. For a pothos or philodendron trailing from a shelf, a Versa™ Tabletop Grow Light placed above it or a Grove™ LED Bar Light mounted on the wall next to it will give them a gentle, consistent boost. If you've got larger or multiple plants in a darker corner, an Aspect™ Grow Light (or a Stello™ Pendant Stand Set for a freestanding option) offers powerful, targeted light that helps them grow lush and strong. These lights will make sure your plants aren't just getting by, but really thriving, showing off their best colors and leaf shapes.
The Verdict: No Bad Choices Here
Whether you choose a pothos or a philodendron, you're bringing home a resilient, beautiful vining plant that will add life and vibrancy to your space. Knowing their subtle differences in appearance and how a bit of extra light can make them shine will help you cultivate a truly thriving indoor jungle. Happy planting!
FAQ: Pothos vs. Philodendron
Can pothos and philodendrons be grown in water permanently?
Both pothos and philodendrons can root and grow in water for extended periods. However, for long-term health and optimal growth, periodically transferring them to soil, which provides more nutrients, is generally recommended. If kept in water, ensure regular water changes and consider adding a very diluted liquid fertilizer.
Are pothos and philodendrons toxic to pets?
Yes, both pothos and philodendron contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, burning in the mouth, swelling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested by pets. It's best to keep them out of reach of curious animals or choose truly pet-safe alternatives.
Which plant grows faster, pothos or philodendron?
Both are known for relatively fast growth under ideal conditions. Philodendrons might sometimes appear to grow slightly faster in length, but pothos can develop thicker, denser foliage more quickly. Growth rate largely depends on light, water, and nutrient availability.
Do pothos or philodendrons help purify the air?
Both pothos and philodendron were included in NASA's 1989 Clean Air Study and were shown to remove certain airborne toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. While they contribute to indoor air quality, a large number of plants would be needed to significantly purify the air in a typical home.
Can I propagate pothos and philodendrons from cuttings?
Yes, both plants are incredibly easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Simply snip a section of vine with a few leaves and a node (where a leaf attaches to the stem), remove any lower leaves that would be submerged, and place it in water or moist soil. Roots typically form within a few weeks.
What's the biggest mistake people make when caring for these plants?
The most common mistake for both pothos and philodendron is overwatering. Keeping the soil constantly soggy leads to root rot, which is often fatal. Allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings is crucial.
