Is It Philodendron or Pothos? Key Differences to Help You Decide

Article Description:
Learn to tell apart Philodendron and Pothos plants with easy tips and fun facts to help your indoor garden thrive.

Is it Philodendron or Pothos? Many plant lovers often mix these two popular houseplants. Both are beautiful and easy to care for, but they have different characteristics. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right plant for your home. Keep reading to discover how to tell them apart and care for them!

Key Takeaway

1. Pothos leaves are thick and waxy, while Philodendron leaves are thinner and heart-shaped.
2. Pothos prefers brighter light, while Philodendron thrives in lower light conditions.
3. Both plants are low-maintenance, making them perfect for indoor gardens.

Telling Plants Apart: Names Give Clues

Pothos and philodendron are both part of the plant family called Araceae. But they come from different groups. Pothos, also called Devil’s Ivy, belongs to the Epipremnum genus. It’s known for thriving in many conditions, making it popular for indoor spaces.

Philodendron refers to a bunch of plants in the Philodendron genus. There are lots of types within this group. Each has its own traits. While pothos and philodendron share a family, their genus shows they act differently.

Understanding a plant’s name can help choose one for your home. Knowing pothos and philodendron are different prevents confusion when shopping. They also have separate care needs and how they grow, affecting how well they do in your place.

When picking a plant, think about the care you can provide. Pothos often does fine with less attention. Philodendron may need a little more help. By learning names and groups, gardeners can make smarter choices.

Leaf Characteristics: A Closer Look

When it comes to leaves, Pothos and Philodendron have distinct features that set them apart. Pothos leaves are thick and waxy, giving them a shiny appearance. This texture helps the plant retain moisture, making it more drought-tolerant. The leaves are typically spade-like with a straight base, which adds to their unique look(1).

In contrast, Philodendron leaves are thinner and smoother. They are shaped like a heart, with a curved base that indents inward. This heart shape is not only attractive but also helps the plant capture light more effectively.

Here are some key differences in their leaves:

• Pothos Leaves:
  • Thick and waxy
  • Spade-like shape
  • Often has a bumpy texture
• Philodendron Leaves:
  • Thinner and smoother
  • Heart-shaped with a curved base
  • Typically uniform in color unless variegated

These differences can help anyone identify which plant they have. Gardeners should pay attention to the leaf shape and texture when caring for their plants. Understanding these characteristics can also guide them in providing the right light and water conditions. Each plant’s leaves tell a story about its needs and preferences.

Growth Habits: How They Grow

Pothos plants have a unique way of growing that makes them special. New leaves appear from the previous leaf, and they start off lighter in color. As they mature, the leaves darken and become more vibrant. Pothos has thicker stems that support its climbing nature. Each node on a Pothos plant has one aerial root, which helps it cling to surfaces as it grows. This climbing ability allows it to reach for light, making it a great choice for hanging pots or shelves.

Philodendrons, on the other hand, have a different growth habit. They grow new leaves from a protective sheath called a cataphyll. This sheath helps shield the new leaves until they are ready to unfurl. Philodendrons tend to have thinner stems compared to Pothos. Each node on a Philodendron can have multiple aerial roots, which also help the plant climb and spread out.

These growth habits are important to consider when caring for each plant. Pothos may need support as it grows, while Philodendrons can spread more freely. Understanding how each plant grows helps gardeners provide the right environment for them to thrive(2).

What They Need to Grow Well

Pothos plants like getting lots of light but are also okay in some direct sun. This flexibility lets you put them in different spots at home. They don’t need much water and can go a while between drinks. That’s handy for busy people who may forget to water plants regularly.

Philodendrons prefer areas with filtered light. They do well in places that don’t get a lot of direct sun, so they work for rooms with less light. Philodendrons need more consistent moisture than pothos. Keep the soil moist without letting it get soggy. Direct sun can burn philodendron leaves.

Knowing what light and care each plant likes is important for keeping them healthy. Pothos thrive in brighter areas, while philodendrons enjoy shade better. By putting the plant where it will be happiest, gardeners can help them grow beautifully.

Summary of Differences

Here’s a quick comparison of Pothos and Philodendron:

Identifying Your Plant: Key Facts

To determine if your plant is a Pothos or a Philodendron, consider these key facts:

Leaf Shape and Texture

Pothos leaves are thicker and have a waxy feel. This shiny surface helps them retain moisture, making them more drought-resistant. Often, Pothos leaves are marked with gold or white, adding to their beauty. They can also be larger than Philodendron leaves, which gives them a bold appearance.

In contrast, Philodendron leaves are typically thinner and smoother. They are usually heart-shaped, which makes them distinct. This heart shape allows Philodendrons to capture light effectively. Most Philodendron leaves are uniformly green, but some varieties have variegated patterns. These patterns can add extra charm to the plant.

When trying to identify your plant, look closely at the leaves. The thickness, texture, and shape can provide important clues. Pothos leaves will feel sturdy and glossy, while Philodendron leaves will feel softer and more delicate. Understanding these differences can help you recognize which plant you have.

How They Climb and Grow

Pothos plants have one thick aerial root at each stem segment. This helps the plant climb and hang onto surfaces so it can grow up. The leaf stems (petioles) of pothos curve a little toward the main stem. This slight curve gives it a unique look.

Philodendrons may have several thinner aerial roots at each segment. These are more flexible so the plant can spread out as it climbs. Philodendron petioles are fully round and thinner than pothos petioles. This difference in how the leaf stems look can provide another clue to what plant you have.

Taking a look at aerial roots and petioles shows how each plant climbs and grows. Pothos uses one strong aerial root for support. Philodendrons rely on multiple smaller roots to spread across and climb. Observing these features makes it easier to tell the plants apart.

Leaf Protection

Pothos plants don’t have coverings for new leaves. This means leaves grow right from old leaves without anything in between. While this makes pothos easier to care for, it also leaves new leaves exposed to things like pests or weather changes. They can get damaged easily.

Philodendrons have brown papery parts called cataphylls. These act like little shields for developing leaves. They protect leaves until they’re ready to open. This lets leaves grow without getting hurt. Once leaves are full size, the cataphylls dry up and fall off.

Knowing about leaf protection helps with care. Pothos need more watching since leaves have no cover. For philodendrons, seeing how cataphylls naturally shield leaves helps understand their growth. This knowledge helps keep both plants healthy.

How They Grow

Pothos have a neat growth pattern. New leaves come right from old leaves. So as it gets bigger, it makes a full, cascading look. The fresh leaves start light colored then darken as they mature. This lets pothos adjust to different light spots easily.

Philodendrons grow leaves from the papery cataphylls. This shields new leaves while they’re small. Once leaves are ready, they unfold into their heart shapes. Growing this way helps philodendrons make sturdy leaves that can handle different light and moisture.

Knowing how each grows can improve care. Pothos may need support as it expands. Philodendrons do best with stable conditions when leaves are developing. Both plants’ growth styles match their unique needs.

Where They Like to Grow Best

Pothos can live with lower light but prefer brighter places. They adapt well to different indoor spots. Still, they grow strongest with lots of filtered light. This light helps leaves stay vivid and lush. Pothos also forgives mistakes with watering, making it a great choice for new plant parents.

Philodendrons enjoy shadier areas more. They do fine in parts of the home without much sun, which suits rooms on the shadowy side. While they like warmth, philodendrons can handle a wider temperature range than pothos. This flexibility helps them adjust to different indoor climates.

Both usually thrive between 65°F to 80°F. Knowing what conditions each prefers is important for good care. Put pothos where light is bright but not direct. Philodendrons do well with light that’s diffused. This lets both plants flourish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pothos and philodendron each have their own traits. Pothos has thick leaves and does best with lots of filtered light. Philodendron has heart-shaped leaves and prefers shadier spots. Both are easy to care for and make nice plants for any home. Knowing how they differ lets you give each what it needs to stay healthy and look great for a long time.

FAQ

How can I tell if my vining plants are pothos vs philodendron based on their leaves?

Pothos leaves are typically waxy leaves with a thicker texture, while philodendron leaves feel thinner and smoother. Both have heart shaped leaves, but pothos leaves tend to be larger with more pronounced yellow markings. You’ll notice dark green leaves on many varieties, though some like marble queen pothos show unique patterns.

What makes the growth habits different between pothos and philodendron plants?

The main stem on philodendrons grows with a sheath called cataphyll that protects each new leaf. Pothos plants lack this sheath. Philodendrons tend to have more organized growth habits, while pothos can tolerate lower lighting and grow more randomly. Both are vining plants that develop aerial roots.

How do care requirements differ for pothos vs philodendron plants?

Both are low maintenance tropical plants that prefer bright indirect light and warm temperatures. While pothos are more drought tolerant, philodendrons need consistent moisture. They both thrive as indoor plants in hanging baskets with well-draining potting mix. Watch for root rot in both species if overwatered.

Which popular houseplants belong to each family?

Common pothos varieties include golden pothos, marble queen pothos, and satin pothos (though technically not a true pothos). Famous philodendrons include philodendron brasil, pink princess philodendron, philodendron birkin, and heartleaf philodendron. Both originated in South America and are beloved house plants.

What are the key differences in roots and petioles between these tropical vine species?

Pothos petiole (leaf stem) is grooved and uniform in size, while philodendron petiole is rounded. The aerial roots of pothos are thick and fewer in number compared to philodendron aerial roots. Their root system structures help determine growing conditions they prefer.

How do juvenile leaves differ from adult leaves in these plants?

The previous leaf shape changes as the plant grows. Juvenile leaves in both devil’s ivy (pothos) and philodendron hederaceum start smaller with different patterns. Adult leaves develop more distinctive bumpy texture and shiny leaves, especially in epipremnum aureum.

What light conditions do these plants need to thrive?

Both plants prefer bright indirect light but can adapt to lower lighting conditions. Avoid direct sunlight as it can damage the leaves. Pothos can tolerate varying light conditions better than philodendrons, making them more adaptable house plants according to the university of illinois.

How do higher temperatures affect these tropical plants?

These popular houseplants grow best in warm temperatures typical of their South American origins. The rest of the plant develops better in higher temperatures, though both pothos and philodendron plants can adapt to normal indoor temperatures. A houseplant expert would recommend keeping them away from cold drafts.

References

1. https://www.plantsforallseasons.co.uk/blogs/houseplant-tips-tricks/pothos-vs-philodendron 
2. https://www.stamenandstemblog.com/blog/pothos-vs-philodendron

Related Article

• https://knowngarden.com/difference-between-pothos-and-philodendron/
• https://knowngarden.com/philodendron-vs-pothos/
• https://knowngarden.com/philodendron-for-low-light/