Pothos and philodendrons are two of the most popular houseplants around, and for good reason. Both are durable, easy to care for, and come in many varieties that add tons of character to indoor spaces.
But despite their similarities, pothos and philodendrons have some notable differences when it comes to their appearance and care. Read on to learn more about how to tell these plants apart and properly care for each species.
An Overview of Pothos vs. Philodendron
Pothos and philodendrons both belong to the Araceae family of plants. This means they are related to other common houseplants like peace lilies, anthuriums, and monsteras.
However, pothos belong to the Epipremnum genus while philodendrons are in the Philodendron genus. There are over 400 species of philodendron worldwide compared to just a handful of recognized pothos species.
Some key differences between pothos vs. philodendrons:
- Leaf shape/size: Pothos leaves are smooth, heart-shaped, and smaller, while philodendron leaves are more teardrop shaped and can grow quite large.
- Growth habit: Pothos are vining plants that grow rapidly and like to trail. Philodendrons have a more shrub-like growth pattern and climb more slowly.
- Light requirements: Pothos do best in bright, indirect light while philodendrons can tolerate lower light conditions.
- Hardiness: Pothos are very tolerant of neglect, while philodendrons require a bit more care not to droop.
Now let’s explore these differences in more depth!
Appearance: Key Differences in Leaves and Growth Habit
One of the easiest ways to tell pothos and philodendrons apart is by examining their leaves.
Pothos Leaves
Pothos leaves are small, smooth, and heart-shaped. They emerge from thin, winding stems and typically grow to around 3-6 inches in length.
The most common pothos variety, golden pothos or Epipremnum aureum, has leaves that are a vibrant golden green color. But there are also varieties with variegated leaves of yellow or white.
Pothos leaves feel thinner and papery compared to philodendron leaves. Their small size and heart shape make them instantly recognizable.
Philodendron Leaves
There are hundreds of philodendron varieties, which means plenty of differences when it comes to leaf size, texture, and shape. But a few traits help distinguish them from pothos leaves:
- Large and lobed: Many philodendrons have leaves measuring 12 inches or longer. And the leaves often have a teardrop appearance, with some varieties deeply lobed.
- Thick and stiff: Philodendron leaves tend to be thicker and stiffer than pothos leaves. They feel more leather-like.
- Varied colors/patterns: While pothos stick to solid greens or yellow variegation, philodendrons come in a rainbow of colors like red, orange, or black. Different leaf patterns like speckles are also common.
So in summary, look for large, tear-dropped shaped leaves with varied colors to identify philodendrons. Pothos leaves stay under 6 inches and keep that classic heart silhouette.
Growth Patterns
In addition to leaf differences, pothos and philodendrons grow quite differently as houseplants.
Pothos are rapid growers that like to vine and trail. They emerge from the soil as a tangle of long stems covered in many small leaves all along their length.
As pothos mature, these vines can easily grow to 6 feet or longer, cascading beautifully out of hanging baskets or off shelf edges.
Meanwhile, philodendrons grow in a more structured, shrub-like pattern. A few stems emerge from the soil, growing upright at first. The large, lush leaves emerge at intervals along these stems.
Many philodendrons then begin vining or climbing as they reach maturity. But they always maintain that orderly clump of stems, rather than the wild, abundant growth of pothos.
So in summary:
- Pothos = long, rapidly growing vines covered in many small leaves
- Philodendrons = Upright, orderly clumps with large, wide leaves emerging along stems
Once you are familiar with these growth habits, it becomes easy to differentiate pothos vs. philodendrons at a glance!
Care Needs: Light, Water, and Maintenance Requirements
In addition to appearance, the care needs of these plants also differs in a few key ways.
Light Requirements
When it comes to light for pothos vs. philodendrons, the main thing to remember is:
- Pothos do best in bright, indirect light
- Philodendrons can tolerate lower light conditions
Here is a more in-depth look at how to provide the right amount of light for each plant:
Pothos Light Needs
Pothos prefer bright conditions without direct sun, which can scorch their leaves. Indirect light from a southern or western window is ideal.
In lower light spots like northern windows, pothos may struggle and fail to grow quickly. Their leaf color also fades without adequate brightness.
If keeping pothos in lower light spots, consider supplementing with a grow light. Avoid direct sun shining on the plants except for a couple hours early in the day.
Philodendron Light Needs
Philodendrons are better adapted to lower light levels indoors. They can thrive and produce lush leaves even in northern or eastern windows.
Philodendrons also tolerate partial direct sun, though their leaves may fade in color without bright light. Too much direct sun will burn the leaves.
So feel free to place philodendrons in those darker corners of the room. Just watch for overly droopy leaves, which indicates insufficient light. Pothos will not thrive in the same low light spots that a philodendron can handle.
Water Needs
Overwatering is the downfall of many houseplants. To keep pothos and philodendrons looking their best, follow these watering guidelines:
Pothos Water Requirements
- Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Pothos should not sit in wet soil.
- Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. Avoid just dribbling water in.
- Drooping leaves often indicate under-watering. But yellow, translucent leaves can mean overwatering.
- Increase water slightly in hot, dry weather. Cut back in cool months.
Philodendron Water Requirements
- Allow the top several inches of soil to dry before watering philodendrons. They prefer slightly drier soil.
- Water less frequently in winter when growth slows.
- Thinner-leaved philodendrons may need more water than thick-leaved varieties. Adjust based on droopiness.
- Never let philodendrons sit in water. Drainage is vital to prevent root rot.
With both plants, the weight of the pot often serves as the best gauge for water needs. Light, dry-feeling pots can likely be watered. Never water on a strict schedule – always check soil dryness first!
Fertilizer and Maintenance
To keep pothos and philodendrons looking lush and vibrant, fertilize them regularly during the growing season. And perform occasional grooming and pruning to guide their growth.
Pothos Care Tips
- Fertilize monthly in spring through summer using a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Discontinue in fall and winter.
- Prune anytime to remove dead or damaged leaves and stems. Pruning also helps direct and contain growth.
- Wipe dust from leaves periodically and trim any excessively long vines.
- Repot every 2-3 years in the spring as needed to provide fresh soil and room for root growth.
Philodendron Care Tips
- Fertilize a few times during the growing season from spring through summer. More frequent feeding may burn leaves.
- Prune off dead, dying, or damaged leaves and stems at the base. Don’t cut into healthy green tissue.
- Dust philodendron leaves as needed to allow proper photosynthesis.
- Repot every 2-4 years as needed into slightly larger containers. Carefully loosen the roots when repotting to avoid damage.
Following these care guidelines will keep your pothos or philodendrons thriving for many years to come! Consistent watering, occasional fertilizing, and pruning are key.
Common Varieties of Pothos vs. Philodendrons
Beyond the differences in care, understanding the unique varieties of each plant helps identify them. Here are some of the most popular types of pothos vs. philodendrons you may encounter:
Popular Pothos Varieties
- Golden pothos: This classic variety has heart-shaped, green and yellow variegated leaves. It’s easy to find and grow.
- Jade pothos: With smaller, solid green leaves, this variety tolerates lower light well but grows more slowly.
- Neon pothos: Neon varieties have vibrant, Kelly green leaves. They need brighter light than golden pothos.
- Marble Queen: A very popular variegated variety with white and green leaves. Care is the same as golden pothos.
- Silver pothos: This is not actually a true pothos variety but a different genus, Scindapsus pictus. It has metallic silver markings on small, elongated leaves.
Common Philodendron Varieties
- Heartleaf philodendron: One of the most popular, with small, heart-shaped leaves that emerge bronze and then turn green.
- Brasil philodendron: Loved for its vibrant yellow-green and dark green variegated leaves. Tends to stay more compact.
- Split leaf philodendron: A vining variety with large, lobed leaves that emerge with splits and holes in the leaf blades. Requires more space with maturity.
- Micans philodendron: Dark green, velvety leaves with a shimmering effect. Slower growing and great for dim spots.
- Pink Princess: A trendy variety known for its pink leaves that emerge as the plant matures. Requires bright light to achieve best leaf color.
There are countless more unique varieties of both pothos and philodendron out there. Learning about the different types helps with proper identification and care.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Pothos and philodendrons share some of the same vulnerabilities when grown as houseplants. Here are troubleshooting tips for some common problems:
Yellow, Drooping Leaves
Yellowing and drooping leaves can have several causes:
- Underwatering: Check soil dryness and water plants if the soil is bone dry. With proper watering, leaves should perk back up.
- Overwatering: If soil is wet, avoid watering. Trim off mushy yellow leaves and any rotted roots to help plants recover.
- Insufficient light: Move plants closer to bright, indirect light sources. Supplement with grow lights if additional light is not possible.
Sparse, Leggy Growth
When pothos or philodendrons get sparse and leggy with large gaps between leaves, it usually indicates inadequate light.
- Gradually introduce plants to brighter light conditions.
- Prune back excessively long, bare stems to encourage bushier regrowth.
- Increase duration of grow light exposure if increasing natural light is not an option.
Leaf Spotting and Discoloration
Unusual spots, lesions, or brown edges on the leaves can indicate:
- Water quality issues from fluoride or chlorine – use filtered water if possible.
- Bacterial/fungal leaf infections – prune affected leaves.
- Sunburn from too much direct light – move plant away from intense afternoon sun.
- Salt buildup from fertilizer – flush soil every few months and reduce fertilizer amounts.
Cats Chewing Leaves
Cats love chewing on the long vines and leaves of pothos and philodendrons! Prevent cat damage by:
- Keeping plants up and out of reach of feline friends. Hang them or place on high shelves.
- Using scent deterrents around plants like citrus peels, aluminum foil, or cat-safe essential oils.
- Providing cat grass or other “sacrificial” plants for pets to chew instead.
With some adjustments to their care, both pothos and philodendrons can remain healthy and look fabulous for years as houseplants!
Conclusion
Pothos and philodendrons have certainly earned their place among the most beloved indoor plants. Once you learn how to differentiate the two, you can better tailor care routines to keep them thriving in your home.
To quickly recap the key differences:
- Pothos have smaller, heart-shaped leaves on long, trailing vines. They need bright, indirect light but tolerate some neglect.
- Philodendrons have larger, teardrop-shaped leaves. They can handle lower light conditions but require slightly more careful watering.
Choose pothos to make a statement with flowing curtains of vibrant greenery. Pick philodendrons for their stately, structural presence and diverse leaf shapes and colors.
With the proper care and occasional troubleshooting, both offer a lifetime of easy, enjoyable indoor growing. They help purify indoor air while bringing warmth and vitality to any space.
Whichever you choose, you can be sure your pothos or philodendron will quickly become a favorite houseplant!