Pothos vs Philodendron: What’s the Difference?

Pothos and philodendron are two popular houseplants that are known for their beautiful foliage and easy care. Although they look similar, there are some key differences between them. But how can you tell the difference between these two types of houseplants to help you choose the ideal plant for your home? In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between pothos vs philodendrons in detail to help you choose the ideal indoor plant for your home.

Overview of Pothos and Philodendron

What are the Similarities Between a Pothos and a Philodendron?

Pothos and philodendron plants are both popular houseplants because of their low maintenance and decorative appeal. Although they have some differences, some similarities can easily lead to confusion. In this answer, we’ll explore some of the key similarities between pothos and philodendron plants.

Care Requirements

• They both like bright, indirect sunlight.
• Require warm temperatures.
• Need regular but not excessive watering.
• Require well-draining soil.
• Need a balanced fertilizer schedule.

Adaptability to Light Conditions

• These plants can adapt to lower light conditions.
• In low light, they need less frequent watering.
• During the growing season, they need consistently moist soil.
• Ensure the soil dries out more between waterings during the winter.

Climbing Abilities

• Pothos and Philodendrons can climb up trellises or a moss pole
• They use aerial roots to cling to climbing surfaces.

Propagation Methods

• Propagated from stem cuttings placed in a jar of water.
• Or Propagated by planting cuttings directly in the potting mix rooting hormone for quicker growth.

The Difference between Pothos vs Philodendron

Take a look at the more obvious differences between pothos vs philodendron. We have provided you with a table that lists the different parts when comparing pothos to philodendrons.

Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the branch of science concerned with the classification of biological organisms. It is used to name plants and animals and classify them into genera and families. When it comes to plants, taxonomy mainly involves botanical nomenclature.

Pothos vs Philodendron are two separate and distinct plants belonging to different genera. Pothos vs Philodendron are members of the genus Epipremnum and Philodendron, respectively. However, they belong to the same family, as pothos and philodendron are both members of the Araceae family.

Shape Of The Leaves

When trying to tell whether a vine is a pothos or a philodendron, the first thing to notice is the shape of the leaves.

Heart-shaped philodendron leaves usually have a rounder, typically more heart-shaped and pronounced at the top, with a longer, thinner, spout-like tip. Pothos leaves, on the other hand, are often less uniformly shaped, with shorter and less pointed tips.

Besides, Pothos leaves also have a deep, well-defined ridge in the center because the petioles are thick and ridged. Philodendron does not have this ridge and has a flatter petiole.

Texture Of The Leaves

The leaves of the Pothos plant are shiny, resembling a layer of wax. They are also thicker, slightly raised, or bumpy on the upper surface compared to the lower surface.

In contrast, Philodendron leaves are much softer than Pothos leaves. They have a smooth, matte finish that helps them absorb light better.

Growth Habits And New Foliage

Another way to differentiate between these two plants is to observe their growth habits. This describes the different ways they each sprout new leaves. A new pothos leaf will fall off the last leaf currently on the vine. However, the portion of the vine protected by the philodendron will unfold new philodendron leaves.

Cataphyll is essentially a modified little leaf that, when it forms, acts as a thin, waxy protective layer over the fragile new leaves. Up until the young leaf is ready to grow on its own, the chlorophyll will keep photosynthesizing surrounding it to support its growth. The catalyst now becomes papery and brown, and it ultimately falls off on its own.

New growth on a philodendron plant can also aid in identification, as it tends to be a slightly different color than the rest of the plant. New leaves are usually pink or brown in tint, becoming their true color as they mature.

The new leaves of the Pothos plant will not be fancy. New leaves may appear a slightly lighter green than other leaves, changing rapidly depending on maturity. However, there won’t be a completely different color.

Aerial Roots And Stems

The aerial roots of Pothos are thick black nubs with only one at each node. They can be very aggressive and will stick to any rough surface, sometimes leaving black marks on walls or furniture when removed. Unless you want your plant to climb, be sure to keep it contained.

Meanwhile, the aerial roots of Philodendron are thinner, more stringy, linear, and clustered. They are more like roots above ground.

In addition to the aerial roots, there are a few other differences between pothos and philodendron stems. The stems of Pothos are thicker than those of philodendron and usually look relatively the same color as the leaves. Philodendron, on the other hand, has a more delicate-looking stem with a brownish-orange color.

The Petiole

The leaf’s connection to the plant’s main stem is made up of a short stem called a petiole. Compared to philodendron, pothos petioles are thicker and have the same or a slightly paler green hue as the rest of the leaf. As a result, a ridge with a deep groove runs parallel to the leaf stem.

In Philodendron, the petioles are more rounded and smooth throughout the length of the leaf. It will also often take on a more brown color than the leaves as new growth.

In Care Requirements

Which is a better plant? Pothos or philodendron?

The eternal Pothos vs Philodendron debate makes plant lovers wonder which is the better choice for their indoor. Essentially, “better” in this case is subjective. If you’re looking for an easy-care, adaptable plant, pothos may be your first choice. However, if you want a wider variety of leaf shapes and are willing to care for your specific needs, Philodendron may be a better choice. 

Ultimately, both plants bring green beauty to indoor spaces, and the “better” plant is the one that best suits your preferences and specific environment.

Can you mix pothos vs philodendron together?

It seems like a feasible idea to group different houseplants together in one large pot, especially if they have similar care requirements. Pothos and philodendron are both easy-care plants that can coexist harmoniously:

• Both Pothos and Philodendron are adapted to low-light conditions, although they prefer bright, indirect light when possible.
• If you grow Pothos or Philodendron and notice that the variegation is decreasing, it may be due to a lack of light. Move the plant to a sunny location, and you should see the leaves regain their bright color.
• As a general rule,  it is necessary to wait until the topsoil is dry before the next water after letting the soil to dry out between applications. This procedure is crucial for pothos since their roots may be susceptible to decay if the soil is continually damp.

Final Considerations

To sum up, after all factors are considered, it can be said that knowing the difference between Pothos vs Philodendrons is crucial for any indoor gardening enthusiast. Although both plants belong to the Araceae family and share some similarities, their properties differ. Understanding these differences will help you select the perfect green companion for your home and enjoy the benefits of each type of plant that it can bring.