Philodendron vs. Pothos

Written by Em Casalena
Updated: March 11, 2023
Share on:

Advertisement


Philodendrons and pothos are beloved household plants that are somewhat similar but are ultimately quite different plants. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the key differences between philodendrons and pothos.

Comparing Philodendron vs. Pothos

PhilodendronPothos
ClassificationGenus PhilodendronGenus Epipremnum
Alternative NamesN/ADevil’s Ivy, Devil’s Vine, Money Plant
OriginWest Indies, South AmericaSolomon Islands, French Polynesia
DescriptionA large genus of flowering plants in the plant family Araceae that are commonly used as houseplants.A genus of vining and flowering plants in the plant family Araceae that are commonly used as houseplants.
UsesHouseplantsHouseplants
Growth TipsAlways use well-draining soil that can retain a little bit of water.Place in bright, indirect sunlight, especially if the species is variegated.
Interesting FeaturesMany philodendrons boast fenestration or large cuts in their leaves to ward against strong winds.Most Epipremnum species are mildly toxic when ingested by animals or people.

The Key Differences Between Philodendron and Pothos

Philodendrons are plants that belong to the Philodendron genus. Pothos plants are species that belong to the Epipremnum genus. Both genera are part of the Araceae plant family and are quite similar. However, there are some important distinctions to make about these plants.

Of all houseplants, pothos plants are among the most popular. They go by a variety of names, such as the devil’s ivy or the money plant. Both of these names pertain to the same plant, Epipremnum aureum.

The genus Philodendron, of which Philodendron hederaceum is a member, is large and diversified. Because of the resemblance in general appearance, this philodendron, also known as the heartleaf philodendron, is the species most often mistaken for a pothos.

These two plants are regarded as climbing, low-maintenance houseplants. They both have vines with heart-shaped green or variegated leaves and have similar maintenance needs. Retailers may even name these plants incorrectly in the store, which further adds to the confusion.

The general form and texture of the leaves are the strongest indicators of the difference between pothos and philodendrons. Pothos plants feature petioles with deep grooves and thick, glossy, occasionally variegated leaves. The leaves of the heartleaf philodendron are longer, more matte, and heart-shaped, with a smooth petiole.

A philodendron’s new growth is also likely to be an entirely different color and will be shielded by its characteristic cataphylls when compared to pothos. Lastly, unlike philodendrons, which have more stringy and grouped aerial roots, pothos plants have single stubby aerial roots.

There are care variations between these two genera of plants to consider as well. Unlike philodendrons, pothos plants can withstand a little bit of direct sunshine without burning. But, if exposed to intense direct light all day, they will eventually start to burn. Moreover, they can withstand drought better than philodendron plants can. Their ideal setting would include frequent watering and bright, indirect sunshine. A pothos tends to lose its variegation in the shade as it tries to preserve more chlorophyll in its leaves because they do favor indirect light. They will exhibit greater variegation with the more sunshine they receive.

While pothos are hard to kill, philodendrons need distinct maintenance and growth procedures. Compared to pothos, a heartleaf philodendron is more suited to surviving in significantly lower light levels. They don’t need to reduce their variegation as much as pothos do in the shade as a consequence. Yet, if left in direct sunlight, philodendrons can burn very badly. Low light levels and routine watering are preferred. They can withstand colder temperatures better than pothos can as well.

While shopping for either of these plants, there are a few essential characteristics to keep an eye out for if you are having trouble telling a pothos from a philodendron. When determining if a vine is a pothos or a philodendron, you should start by examining the shape of the leaves. A heartleaf philodendron’s leaves often have a longer, more pointed tip with a more pronounced, rounded heart form at the apex. Pothos leaves often have a less regular shape and a blunter tip.

Pothos plants have glossy leaves that have an almost waxy appearance. The leaves’ smooth surface reflects sunlight, giving off a soft waxy shine not dissimilar to a new car. Its leaves are thicker as well, with the top slightly bumpier and more texturized than the bottom. Compared to pothos leaves, philodendron leaves are significantly softer. They absorb light more efficiently because of their smooth matte texture.

Large philodendron imperial red with big green and red leaves.

Philodendrons (pictured) can come in a wide range of colors, depending on the species.

©Kryan3/Shutterstock.com

Philodendron vs. Pothos: Classification

Philodendrons are any species that fall under the Philodendron genus. However, in the plant trade, the term “philodendron” most commonly refers to the specific Philodendron hederaceum species, or heartleaf philodendron.

Pothos plants are any species that fall under the Epipremnum genus. However, in the plant trade, the term “pothos” most commonly refers to the specific Epipremnum aureum species, or golden pothos.

Both of these plants share the plant family Araceae, which includes over 140 genera of monocotyledonous (or “grass-like”) flowering plants. As members of this plant family, philodendrons and pothos are nearby cousins of plants such as the arrowleaf elephant ear, the snake lily, the peace lily, and many more species.

Philodendron vs. Pothos: Description

In the family Araceae, the genus Philodendron contains 489 species of stout-stemmed climbing plants that are indigenous to the tropical Americas and West Indies. Several species start out as vines and develop into epiphytes, or plants that grow on other plants, as they mature. Young philodendrons are common potted plants for homes and businesses since they are accustomed to the low-medium light conditions of rainforests.

Philodendron leaves are often green, but they can also be coppery, crimson, or purple. Parallel leaf veins are typically green, but they can also occasionally be red or white. Species and plant age have a significant impact on the shape, size, and texture of the leaves. Some philodendron species can also produce white or orange berries. It is very hard to distinguish between distinct species of small philodendron species since the juvenile and adult stages are different.

The majority of philodendrons are excellent climbers, typically growing upward by encircling the tree trunks with their modified roots. They often convert themselves into epiphytes after they have reached the canopy. These plants are referred to as secondary hemiepiphytes. Hemiepiphytes, in contrast to other plants, develop their seedlings toward a tree trunk rather than the sun. Once there, they switch to a light-seeking tactic and use modified roots to ascend to the top. At some point, the stem at the base of the tree dies, cutting off its connection to the ground.

Pothos are flowering plants belonging to the genus Epipremnum and are found in tropical forests from China, the Himalayas, and Southeast Asia to Australia and the western Pacific. They are members of the family Araceae. They are perennial evergreen vines that ascent via aerial roots.

Due mostly to trichosclereids and raphides, all portions of pothos plants are poisonous. Although this genus’s plants can reach heights of over 130 feet and have leaves up to 10 feet long, its growth is significantly diminished in pots. In fact, potted indoor pothos stay exclusively in their juvenile stage. Young leaves are brilliant green and can have sporadic yellow or white variegation. Skototropism will often be used by them to locate host trees in the wild.

Pothos plants can be grown inside with little effort as houseplants. These tropical indoor plants look gorgeous growing in pots or in hanging baskets. There are several common and scientific names for pothos plants. Hence, a particular variety’s identification is typically based on the sort of variegation seen on its glossy, leathery leaves, and may not always be correct.

Watering a pothos plant

Despite being vining plants, pothos (pictured) need some type of support in order to climb surfaces.

©iStock.com/Margarita Khamidulina

Philodendron vs. Pothos: Uses

Both philodendrons and pothos plants are almost exclusively used as potted plants for aesthetics. In addition to looking pretty, both of these plants are excellent at indoor air purification, though it would take quite a few of both plants to see any noticeable difference in air quality. Both plants can absorb carbon dioxide and other toxins found in homes and offices.

Philodendron vs. Pothos: Origin

Philodendrons are native to the tropical Americas and the West Indies. Pothos are native to the Solomon Islands. Both genera of plants have species that have been naturalized in places like southern Asia, the United States, Australia, and other places. Pothos, in particular, can be an invasive species in some areas outside of its native habitat.

Giant jade pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum) growing wild

Pothos (pictured) can grow quite massive in the wild.

©iStock.com/Suprabhat Dutta

Philodendron vs. Pothos: How to Grow

Due to their typically minimal care requirements, philodendrons make excellent houseplants, but it’s still crucial to maintain ideal growing conditions to keep your plant healthy. Aim to replicate the philodendron’s native tropical habitat when taking care of it. Next to a window with sunlight, provide your philodendron with lots of warmth and moisture. Philodendron houseplants can occasionally enjoy some fresh air and natural light by being placed outside during warm weather in a shaded location. Avoid direct sunlight since it might damage this plant’s delicate foliage.

Wipe the leaves of your philodendron clean with a moist cloth on a daily basis to keep them looking and operating at their best. There are no significant pest or disease problems with these plants. Nevertheless, they can be vulnerable to pests that commonly infest houseplants, including aphids, mealybugs, scale, and mites. Use neem oil or a natural insecticidal soap to get rid of pests.

Pothos are a bit easier to care for. These vines can be taught to grow on poles to give them a more “vining” look, as they lack the ability to physically stick to surfaces. You can hang basically any pothos species on hooks or supports to allow them to develop into longer vines. Shake your pothos vines loose every once in a while to prevent them from becoming tangled up since vines left to grow on their own may become highly knotted.

Pothos is a great choice for workplaces and dorm rooms since, although it prefers bright, indirect light, it can still survive in low-light conditions or in environments with just fluorescent illumination. Pothos like both sun and shade, but you must keep an eye on it if there is too much of either.

Both philodendrons and pothos are absolutely fantastic plants to keep as houseplants. If you’re looking for something more low-maintenance and tolerant of neglect, we recommend opting for a pothos species or cultivar. If you want a plant with big leaves that draw a lot of attention, a philodendron might be the better choice. Either way, these lovely little (and big) plants would both make an excellent addition to your indoor plant collection, provided you can give them the attention they need.

Want to learn more about the eye-catching pothos houseplant? Check out our in-depth guide to everything you need to know about pothos!

The photo featured at the top of this post is ©


Share on:
About the Author

Em Casalena is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on plants, gardening, and sustainability. Em has been writing and researching about plants for nearly a decade and is a proud Southwest Institute of Healing Arts graduate and certified Urban Farming instructor. Em is a resident of Arizona and enjoys learning about eco-conscious living, thrifting at local shops, and caring for their Siamese cat Vladimir.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a philodendron?

A philodendron is any of the 489 different species of flowering plants in the Philodendron genus.

What is a pothos?

Pothos are any variety or cultivar of the Epipremnum aureum species of vining plants.

Are pothos and philodendrons the same plant?

No. They share a plant family, but these two plants are completely different from one another despite their similar appearance.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.