Article Description: Explore the differences between Pothos and Philodendron to find the perfect houseplant for your home.
If you’re trying to decide between pothos or philodendron for your home, you’re not alone. These plants are really popular houseplants but they each have their own personality. Pothos grows fast and is easy to care for, while philodendron has beautiful heart-shaped leaves. Understanding how they’re different will help you pick the perfect plant pal.
This guide breaks down what makes these two green beauties unique. You’ll learn about their leaf shapes, growth patterns, and care needs. There’s also tips for keeping them safe around pets. By the end, you’ll know exactly which plant best fits your space. Keep reading below to discover the traits of pothos vs philodendron. Finding the right plant friend is the first step to growing a lush indoor jungle!
Key Takeaway
- Pothos has thicker, waxy leaves and is more drought-tolerant.
- Philodendron features heart-shaped leaves and prefers lower light.
- Both plants are low-maintenance and great for indoor gardening.
Telling the Plants Apart
Leaf Shapes and Feel
Pothos leaves are quite thick and shiny. They often have a shovel shape with a clear line down the middle. This shape is perfect for catching lots of sunlight. Pothos leaves come in different sizes too. Some get really big, so they really stand out in a room. Most have bright green leaves, but some varieties like Golden Pothos have nice yellow splotches too.
Philodendron leaves are heart-shaped and feel smoother. They tend to be thinner than pothos leaves. This makes them look more delicate. The leaf stems are round and lighter than the leaves, so the heart pops. Philodendron leaves can be deep greens or even reds sometimes. The different leaf textures and shapes make these plants easy to tell apart(1).
How They Grow
Pothos grows really fast. New leaves sprout right from old leaves, so it fills areas quickly. Baby pothos leaves are usually a lighter green at first. As they get bigger, they darken to a deeper color. This means a pothos plant looks full very fast.
Philodendron grows differently. New leaves form inside brown, papery cases that protect them. When the leaves are ready to come out, the cases fall away. Sometimes the new leaves are pink or red before turning green. While philodendron takes longer than pothos, watching its leaves unfold is still neat.
Both plants have unique ways of growing. Pothos spreads quickly into a lush display. Philodendron adds colors as its leaves emerge slowly from their cases. So in summary, pothos grows thick and fast while philodendron has a more gradual colorful process. Their different growth styles make each special in their own way.
Air Roots
Pothos plants usually have one thick air root at each section. These roots grow fast and are really strong. They help the plant hang onto things as it climbs. This is why pothos often trails from hanging pots or climbs trellises. The thick air roots also take in water and nutrients from the air, helping the plant grow well.
You really notice these roots on Devil’s Ivy, where they can get big. When you grow pothos in water, the air roots do great. Just cut off a stem with leaves and place it in water. Soon new roots will form, letting you easily plant it in soil.
Philodendron plants typically have several thin air roots at each section. While not as thick as pothos roots, they serve a similar purpose. The thin roots help the plant climb and attach to nearby surfaces. They can wrap around supports so philodendron grows upwards nicely.
The air roots also collect moisture which philodendron likes since it grows well in humid places. Both pothos and philodendron use their air roots to adapt to their surroundings, just in a bit different ways.
Care Requirements
Light Preferences
Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light. They love to soak up sunlight but can also adapt to lower light conditions(2). This makes them perfect for various spots in the home. Placing a Pothos near a sunny window is ideal, as it encourages healthy growth and vibrant leaves. However, if the light is too harsh, the leaves may scorch.
In contrast, Philodendron is more tolerant of low light. It can survive in dimmer areas of the house, making it a great choice for rooms with less natural light. However, even though it can handle lower light, Philodendron can suffer from sunburn if exposed to direct sunlight for too long. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Philodendron generally prefers warmer environments, so keeping it in a cozy spot will help it thrive.
Both plants can adapt to different lighting situations, but it’s essential to monitor their health. If the leaves start to droop or lose color, it may be time to adjust their location.
Watering Needs
Pothos is known for being drought-tolerant. This means it doesn’t need frequent watering. It’s best to let the top layer of soil dry out before giving it more water. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is harmful to the plant. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil moisture with your finger. If it feels dry an inch below the surface, it’s time to water.
Philodendron, on the other hand, requires more regular watering. It needs enough moisture to prevent wilting, especially in drier conditions. If the plant doesn’t get enough water, its leaves may brown at the edges, which is a sign of stress. It’s important to keep an eye on the soil. Water the Philodendron when the top inch feels dry.
Both plants benefit from proper watering habits. Finding the right balance will keep them healthy and thriving. Adjusting the watering schedule based on the season can also help. In warmer months, they may need more water, while in cooler months, less is usually sufficient.
Safety Around Pets
Both pothos and philodendron can make dogs and cats sick if eaten. They contain crystals that can irritate the mouth and throat. Signs could include drooling, throwing up, or trouble swallowing.
It’s best to put these plants where pets can’t get to them. Hanging pots or high shelves work great. If a pet does eat some leaves, watch closely for symptoms. Call the vet right away if you see anything.
Luckily, there are many non-toxic plant options for pet owners too. Spider plants, Boston ferns, and bamboo palms are all safe around dogs and cats. These plants add green without risk to furry friends.
In summary, pothos and philodendron look beautiful indoors. But their effect on pets is important to consider. Keeping them up high and knowing what to watch for helps keep both plants and pets happy and healthy.
Conclusion
In summary, choose pothos if you want something hardy that spreads fast. Or pick philodendron if you like plants that do well with less light and have neat heart leaves. Both need similar care and are low-effort options. So if you want an easy houseplant, you can’t go wrong with pothos or philodendron.
FAQ
What are the main differences between pothos and philodendron plants when it comes to leaf shape and texture?
Pothos leaves have a waxy leaves with a bumpy texture, while philodendron leaves feel thinner and smoother. Pothos typically show heart shaped leaves that are thicker, while philodendron leaves tend to be more diverse in shape. The leaf shape and texture differences help distinguish these popular houseplants.
How do pothos and philodendron differ in their growth habits and care requirements?
Both vining plants are low maintenance tropical plants that grow well in indoor conditions. Pothos tends to have a more trailing growth habit, making them perfect for hanging baskets. While both tolerate lower light conditions, philodendrons prefer bright indirect light. Both plants thrive in warm temperatures and are drought tolerant.
What distinguishes the root system and aerial roots between these two plants?
Pothos roots are thick and robust, while philodendron roots and petioles tend to be more delicate. Aerial roots on pothos appear knobby and fewer in number, while philodendrons produce more numerous, thinner aerial roots. This difference in root system development affects how they climb and grow.
How can you tell pothos vs philodendron apart by their variegation and color patterns?
Pothos varieties like marble queen pothos and golden pothos display yellow markings and white variegation, while philodendron brasil and pink princess philodendron show different color patterns. Pothos typically have bright green to dark green leaves, while philodendrons may show lighter green hues.
What growing conditions and propagation methods work best for these plants?
Both plants flourish in indirect sunlight and well-draining potting mix. You can propagate pothos and care for philodendron through leaf node cuttings. Both belong to the araceae family but differ in their growing conditions – philodendrons need slightly higher humidity. Watch for root rot by not overwatering either plant.
What’s the origin and classification of these popular houseplants?
Devil’s ivy (epipremnum aureum) and the philodendron genus both originate from South America. The philodendrons belong to a different classification than pothos, though both are tropical plants. The main stem and growth patterns of each plant reflect their native habitat adaptations.
How do you properly maintain these plants in hanging pots?
Both make excellent house plants for hanging baskets. The pothos vine and vining philodendrons like philodendron cordatum trail beautifully. A sheath called cataphyll protects new philodendron leaves as they grow, while pothos leaves emerge differently. Both can grow and care well in pothos in water or soil.
What are some popular varieties to consider for indoor growing?
Jade pothos and satin pothos are loved for their shiny leaves, while philodendron birkin and heartleaf philodendron (philodendron hederaceum) offer unique appeal. Both make popular houseplants for those seeking low maintenance indoor plants that tolerate lower lighting conditions.
References
- https://www.plantsforallseasons.co.uk/blogs/houseplant-tips-tricks/pothos-vs-philodendron
- https://www.wellandgood.com/pothos-vs-philodendron/
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