Pothos vs Philodendron: What's the Difference?

Plants are a great addition to any home or office. Not only do they add beauty to the space, but they also help purify the air. Two popular indoor plants that you may have heard of are pothos and philodendron. While they may look similar, they are actually quite different. In this article, we will explore the differences between pothos and philodendron.

What are Pothos?

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a trailing vine plant that is native to the Solomon Islands. It is a popular houseplant due to its ease of care and ability to thrive in low light conditions. The leaves of pothos are heart-shaped and typically green, although there are variegated varieties available that have white or yellow markings on the leaves.

One of the benefits of pothos is that it is very easy to propagate. Simply cut a stem from the plant and place it in water until roots form. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be potted and grown on its own.

A pothos plant

What are Philodendron?

Philodendron is a genus of plants that includes over 500 species. They are native to tropical regions of Central and South America. Like pothos, philodendron is a popular houseplant due to its ease of care and attractive foliage. However, philodendron tends to prefer brighter light than pothos.

The leaves of philodendron are typically larger than those of pothos and come in a wider variety of shapes. Some philodendron leaves are heart-shaped, while others are more elongated or even lobed. The color of the leaves can range from dark green to almost black.

A philodendron plant

Differences Between Pothos and Philodendron

While pothos and philodendron may look similar at first glance, there are several notable differences between the two plants:

Light Requirements

As previously mentioned, pothos can thrive in low light conditions, making it an ideal houseplant for those with less-than-ideal lighting situations. Philodendron, on the other hand, prefers bright, indirect light. While it can still survive in lower light conditions, it may not grow as quickly or produce as many leaves.

Leaf Shape and Color

While both pothos and philodendron have attractive foliage, the shape and color of the leaves are different. Pothos leaves are typically heart-shaped and solid green, although variegated varieties are available. Philodendron leaves come in a wider variety of shapes, including heart-shaped, elongated, and lobed. The color of the leaves can range from dark green to almost black.

Growth Habits

Both pothos and philodendron are trailing vine plants, but their growth habits are slightly different. Pothos vines tend to be more delicate and wispy, while philodendron vines are thicker and more substantial. Additionally, philodendron can grow to be much larger than pothos, with some varieties reaching up to 10 feet in height.

Caring for Pothos and Philodendron

Both pothos and philodendron are relatively easy to care for and make great houseplants. Here are some general tips for caring for these plants:

Watering

Both pothos and philodendron prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems. When watering, make sure to thoroughly saturate the soil and allow any excess water to drain away.

Lighting

Pothos can thrive in low light conditions, while philodendron prefers bright, indirect light. Make sure to place your plants in an appropriate location based on their light requirements.

Fertilizing

Both pothos and philodendron benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to encourage healthy growth.

Propagation

Both pothos and philodendron are easy to propagate through stem cuttings. Cut a stem from the parent plant and place it in water until roots form. Once the roots have developed, the new plant can be potted and grown on its own.

While pothos and philodendron may look similar, they are actually quite different. Pothos is a trailing vine plant that prefers low light conditions, while philodendron is a genus of plants that includes over 500 species and prefers brighter light. Knowing the differences between these two plants can help you choose the right one for your home or office.

#plants #indoorplants #homedecor #gardening #pothos #philodendron #houseplants #plantcare