Article Description:
Learn the differences between philodendron and pothos, along with essential care tips for your indoor plants.
Are you wondering which plant to choose: philodendron or pothos? These two favorites can puzzle some plant parents since they look similar. But while they’re both climbers in the same plant family, philodendrons and pothos each have their own traits. Understanding how they differ will help you pick out the perfect plant for your space.
These plants come with heart-shaped or waxy leaves, unique roots and stems, and preferences for light and humidity. Philodendrons even have a neat feature – new leaves emerge wrapped in a sheath. Pothos just unfurl their bright colors right away.
This guide will break down their key characteristics so you can give the right one the home it will thrive in. Keep reading to learn all about philodendron and pothos care, growth habits, and what makes these indoor greens special. With a little know-how, you’ll be an expert at choosing which plant best suits your needs.
Key Takeaway
- Philodendrons have thinner, heart-shaped leaves, while pothos leaves are thicker and waxy.
- Pothos can tolerate lower light better than philodendrons, which prefer bright indirect light.
- Both plants have aerial roots, but philodendrons typically have multiple thin roots per node.
Types of Popular Houseplants
Source : NailzByA
Philodendrons and pothos are both common plants found in many homes. While they look similar, they actually belong to different groups within the plant family.
Philodendrons are in the Philodendron group. They get their name “heartleaf” because their leaves are shaped like hearts. Philodendron leaves come in various shades of green and feel smooth. They do well in low light, which makes them great for places in your home that don’t get much sunshine.
Pothos is another plant you’ll see often. Its leaves are thicker and waxy. This helps them hold onto water better. Pothos leaves also sometimes have pretty patterns of gold and white mixed in with the green. Pothos is known as “devil’s ivy” since it grows well in many situations.
Knowing which group these plants belong to can help you take good care of them. Philodendrons usually do better in shadier areas, while pothos tolerates brighter light. Think about where you will put your plant before choosing. A philodendron may do better in your kitchen, while a pothos could work well in a sunnier spot like your living room. Understanding the differences between these popular houseplants will help you pick the right one for your home(1).
Leaf Features
Shapes and Textures
Philodendron leaves are known for their thin, heart-like shape. They feel smooth and nice to touch. Most have pointed tips and you can’t see the veins as well as on other plants. This gives them an elegant look. They come in different shades of green.
Pothos leaves are thicker and have a waxy feel that helps them hold water. Their leaves also have a bumpy texture that makes them unique. The veins make the leaves look like spades, so it’s easy to identify them. Golden pothos leaves stand out with their pretty yellow and green colors, adding brightness to any room.
The shape and texture help each plant live where it does best. Philodendrons like lower light areas, while pothos does fine in brighter spots. Knowing these differences helps take good care of the plants(2).
Air Roots and Stems
Philodendrons climb using their many thin air roots. These grow from each node to help the plant reach sunlight. The leaf stems are rounded and thinner than pothos stems. They blend in with the plant’s color.
Pothos usually has one thick air root per node to support its climbing. The leaf stems are also thicker and indented toward the main stem. They match the leaf color.
These air root and stem differences make each plant easy to identify. Philodendrons have multiple thin roots and rounded stems. Pothos has one thick root and thicker stems. Understanding helps care for the plants so they stay healthy indoors.
What the Plants Need
Light
Philodendrons do well with lower light. They grow nicely in areas with bright indirect sunlight but can also tolerate dimmer spots. This makes them great for rooms without much sun. Just be careful not to leave them in direct sun, which can burn their leaves and make them yellow or brown.
Pothos plants like brighter light to thrive. They do okay in lower light but will grow best near a window where they get plenty of sun without being right in the strongest rays. Pothos are very flexible and do fine even in rooms with not as much natural light, so they work for many areas in the home.
To keep the plants healthy, check their light now and then. If a philodendron is stretching for the window, it may want brighter light. And pothos leaves could lose their nice color if it’s not getting enough sun. Paying attention helps you give each plant what it needs.
Humidity Preferences
Philodendrons adapt well to average humidity levels found in most homes. They don’t need extra humidity to grow, which is convenient since humidity isn’t always easy to control indoors. If it gets very dry, especially in winter, an occasional misting can perk the leaves up.
Pothos thrive with higher humidity. For people in dry climates, misting the plant regularly or using a humidifier nearby helps it the most. Putting the pothos near other plants also increases the moisture in the air since plants give off water.
Keeping humidity at the right level is important for both types of plants. Healthy humidity prevents issues like brown or wilted leaves. Understanding what each plant prefers helps owners care for them so they stay green and growing well indoors.
Water Requirements
When it comes to watering, philodendrons need more attention. These plants thrive when their soil is kept consistently moist. This means checking the soil regularly and watering when the top inch feels dry. If philodendrons do not receive enough water, they may show signs of stress. Browning leaves and wilting are common indicators that the plant is thirsty. It’s important to act quickly to restore moisture to the soil.
On the other hand, pothos plants are more forgiving when it comes to watering. They can tolerate some dryness, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. This makes pothos a great choice for busy plant owners or those who may forget to water regularly. However, it’s still crucial to find a balance. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a serious condition that can harm the plant. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a mushy stem.
To keep both plants healthy, it’s essential to understand their watering needs. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil moisture before watering. Using pots with drainage holes can also help prevent overwatering. By paying attention to these watering requirements, plant owners can ensure their philodendrons and pothos thrive.
How the Plants Grow
Both philodendrons and pothos like to climb, which makes them great for hanging pots or poles. This helps them reach sunlight, which is important.
Philodendrons have a neat feature – new leaves come out covered in a sheath that protects them as they develop. Once the leaves are ready, the sheath dries up and falls off, leaving the nice leaf behind.
Pothos unfurl leaves directly from the stem without any cover. So the colorful leaves show up right away. Pothos also spreads quickly, so it adds greenery fast.
These differences make each plant easy to identify. Philodendrons tend to have a neater growth since the sheaths give leaves room to form. Pothos has a more free-flowing look as it expands.
Understanding how they grow is good for caring for them properly. Giving them ways to climb lets both plants thrive and make any space look nicer with their foliage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, philodendrons and pothos each have their own traits that make them great houseplants. Philodendrons like thinner leaves and lower light areas, while pothos leaves are thicker and waxy so they do fine in brighter spots too. Knowing these differences will help you care for them properly so they stay green and healthy indoors. Both plants are wonderful additions to any home, so feel confident choosing either a philodendron or pothos!
FAQ
How do I tell the difference between pothos and philodendron plants?
Pothos and philodendron plants have some key differences. Pothos leaves are usually thicker with a waxy texture, while philodendron leaves are thinner. Pothos petioles (leaf stems) are grooved, whereas philodendron petioles are round. Pothos belong to the Epipremnum genus, while philodendrons are in the Philodendron genus. Both are part of the Araceae family. Pothos typically have more varied leaf colors and patterns, including golden pothos and marble queen pothos. Philodendrons often have heart-shaped leaves, especially the heartleaf philodendron.
What are the care requirements for pothos and philodendron plants?
Both pothos and philodendron plants are low maintenance house plants that tolerate lower light conditions. They prefer bright indirect light but can adapt to lower lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves. These tropical plants thrive in warm temperatures. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Both plants are prone to root rot if overwatered. Pothos care and philodendron care are similar, making them popular houseplants for beginners. They can be grown in hanging baskets or allowed to climb.
How do pothos and philodendron growth habits differ?
Pothos and philodendron plants are both vining plants with similar growth habits. They grow from a main stem, producing leaves at each leaf node. Pothos typically have a more trailing habit, making them great for hanging pots. Philodendrons, especially vining philodendrons like the heartleaf philodendron, can climb more readily. Both plants produce aerial roots to help them climb in their natural habitats. As they grow, their leaves may change shape – juvenile leaves often differ from adult leaves.
What varieties of pothos and philodendron are popular?
Popular pothos varieties include golden pothos, marble queen pothos, and satin pothos. These often have variegated leaves with yellow markings or lighter green patches. Common philodendron varieties include the heartleaf philodendron, philodendron brasil, philodendron birkin, and the sought-after pink princess philodendron. Philodendron scandens is another vining type. Each variety has unique leaf shapes, colors, and textures, from dark green leaves to ones with pink or silver tones.
How do I propagate pothos and philodendron plants?
Propagating pothos and philodendron plants is easy. Cut a piece of the vine with at least one leaf node. For pothos, you can root the cutting in water. Philodendrons can be rooted in water or moist soil. Once roots develop, plant the cutting in soil. Both plants have a robust root system that develops quickly. This process works for most types of pothos and philodendrons, including the popular heartleaf philodendrons. Keep reading about plant care to ensure your new plants thrive.
References
- https://www.proflowers.com/blog/pothos-vs-philodendron
- https://www.thespruce.com/pothos-vs-philodendron-differences-5069402
Related Article
- https://knowngarden.com/philo-radiatum/
- https://knowngarden.com/philodendron-for-low-light/
- https://knowngarden.com/philodendron-dripping-water/