What Is The Difference Between A Pothos Plant And A Philodendron?

Did you know, what is the difference between a pothos plant and a philodendron? Philodendrons and pothos plants are two common houseplants known for their ease of care. Both pothos and philodendrons are members of the aroid plant family.

Both have heart-shaped leaves and can climb, but there are some significant differences. Unlike philodendrons, pothos plants are more tolerant of low light conditions. Philodendrons tolerate higher humidity levels better than pothos plants. If ingested, both plants are poisonous, but philodendrons are more dangerous.

This article will focus on the key differences between pothos plants and philodendrons, including their care requirements, habitat preferences, and potential dangers.

What is a Pothos Plant?

Pothos is a tropical vine that can grow up to 30 feet long. Its leaves are large and heart-shaped, with a sharp point on one end. The flowers are small and green, and the fruit is a pod that contains seeds. Pothos plants are easy to care for, needing little water or fertilizer. They are popular as indoor plants because of their size and do not require much light to grow.

What is a Philodendron?

Philodendrons are a type of succulent plant that is native to South America. They have heart-shaped leaves and small, white or pink flowers. The leaves are arranged in pairs on long stems, and the flowers can be in clusters or individual flowers. Philodendrons prefer high humidity levels and moderate sunlight, but they can tolerate low light with adequate water. They are not as tolerant of cold temperatures as pothos plants, so they should be kept indoors during the winter.

The Differences Between Pothos vs. Philodendron

Pothos plants are typically a little shorter and bushier than philodendrons. Pothos also has larger leaves that are folded inward and pendulous. On the other hand, Philodendrons usually have longer and narrower leaves, often straight or slightly curved. They also tend to be a little taller and have more slender stems. Finally, philodendrons often bear flowers in clusters at the top of their stems, while pothos flowers singly or in pairs at the base of their branches.

Length of Plant

Pothos- Pothos plants are typically shorter than philodendrons and have thicker leaves. They also tend to have more spikes on their stem, which makes them look more like thorns.

Philodendrons- Philodendrons can grow up to three feet tall and have long leaves often folded back like a fan. They don’t usually have as many spikes on their stems as pothos plants do, and they don’t usually have leaves that are folded back like a fan.

Leaf Shape and Color 

Leaf shape and color are some of the main differences between a pothos plant and a philodendron.

Pothos- Pothos plants typically have narrower leaves that are very flexible and can be bent in any direction. Pothos leaves also come in various colors: green, brown, yellow, red, and purple.

Philodendrons- Philodendrons typically have wider leaves that are less flexible and more rigid. Their leaves generally come in one color, but they may have variegated edges or spots.

Texture of Leaves 

Pothos- Pothos leaves are typically shorter and more narrow than those of a philodendron. They also have a more wrinkled surface texture due to the irregularity of the veins.

Philodendrons- Philodendron plants have longer and wider leaves that are smooth on the top and have a slightly serrated surface texture.

Vines and Twigs 

Pothos- Pothos vines are typically shorter and thinner than those of a philodendron. Their vines also tend to be more flexible, which allows them to coil around objects easily.

Philodendrons- Philodendron plants have longer and thicker vines that can grow up to 12 feet long. Additionally, their twigs are often bristle-like and have small hooks at the end.

Flowers and Fruit 

Pothos flowers are typically smaller and have a more compact shape than a philodendron. Their petals also tend to be narrower and less pointed than a philodendron. In addition, pothos flowers typically lack sepals, which are the protective petals found on philodendrons. The flowers of pothos plants may contain small white or yellow edible seeds.

Petiole Differences

The main difference between a pothos plant and a philodendron is that the pothos has shorter petioles (the stem that connects the leaves to the trunk) and larger leaves. On the other hand, the philodendron has longer petioles and smaller leaves. Additionally, a pothos typically has several long roots coming out of its tuber, while a philodendron usually only has one or two roots.

Aerial Roots

Aerial roots are a distinguishing feature of pothos plants and philodendrons. The roots grow high up into the plant’s stem, branching and spreading out. However, the main difference between pothos and philodendrons is that pothos plants have more aerial roots than philodendrons. This makes them more efficient at getting their soil nutrients and helps them cling to surfaces.

Stem Difference

Pothos is a plant that typically has a short stem with numerous short, stubby leaves. On the other hand, philodendron has a long stem and large leaves. Additionally, philodendrons typically have more than one leaf on the stem.

Light Needs

A pothos plant needs bright indirect light and indirect sunlight to grow, while a philodendron can do well in low light conditions. Pothos also need high humidity levels, while philodendrons do not. Finally, pothos will grow rapidly and produce large leaves, while a philodendron may take many years to reach the size of a pot and tend to have smaller leaves.

Water Retention

Water retention and growth rate are two main differences between pothos plants and philodendrons. Pothos plants tend to retain a lot of water, which helps them grow quickly. On the other hand, Philodendrons tend to lose water rapidly, slowing their growth.

There are many other differences between these two types of plants, but these are some of the most important distinctions. If you are looking for a plant with similar features to pothos and philodendrons, I recommend checking out the lantana plant.

How to Care for Your Pothos Plant vs. Your Philodendron Plant

There is a big difference between pothos vs philodendron cares. Pothos plants are typically low-maintenance and can be grown in various conditions, while philodendrons require more care and attention but can be much more decorative. Here are some tips for caring for each type of plant:

Pothos Plants

1. Choose the right light. Pothos plants thrive in indirect sunlight, so place them in a location that receives at least some sunlight but isn’t directly exposed to the sun.

2. Water regularly. Keep pothos plants moist but not waterlogged, so water them once a week when the soil is dry to the touch and again when new growth begins to appear. Avoid overwatering since this can cause the plant to become rootbound and susceptible to pests and diseases.

3. Feed occasionally. A balanced fertilizer will help pothos plants grow quickly and maintain their color.

Philodendrons

1. Choose the right light. Philodendrons require bright, direct sunlight to thrive, so place them away from windows where they will not get enough light.

2. Water regularly. Philodendrons need less water than pothos plants but still water them once a week when the soil is dry to the touch and again when new growth begins to appear. Do not overwater since this can cause the plant to become rootbound and susceptible to pests and diseases.

3. Feed occasionally. A balanced fertilizer will help philodendrons grow quickly and maintain their color.

Which Is Better Pothos Or Philodendron?

There are many popular options to choose from when it comes to houseplants. Two of the most common plants are the Pothos and Philodendron. Both plants are easy to care for, but they have different needs. So, which one is better for small spaces?

The pothos is a trailing plant that grows long vines. It does well in low-light conditions and can be easily trained to grow in a pot or hanging basket. On the other hand, the philodendron is a climbing plant that needs bright light. Depending on your type, it can be grown as a vine or bush.

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that will do well in low light, the pothos is better.

Faq On What Is The Difference Between A Pothos Plant And A Philodendron

How Can You Tell The Difference Between A Pothos And A Philodendron?

A pothos is a vine that typically grows up to 18 inches long. It has thick, green leaves and produces small, white flowers.

A philodendron is a type of plant that typically grows up to 12 feet tall. It has large, green leaves and produces colorful flowers.

Another way to tell the difference between a pothos and a philodendron is to look at their Roots. A pothos root system tends to be sparse, while a philodendron’s root system can be dense and extensive.

Why Is Pothos Called Devils Ivy?

The plant, pothos, is often called devils ivy because it is one of the easiest plants to grow, and it can thrive in low light conditions. It is a climbing vine that can easily attach to surfaces with aerial roots. Pothos is also toxic to pets, so it’s essential to keep this plant out of reach if you have animals in your home.

Is Monstera A Philodendron?

Monstera is a genus of flowering plants in the arum family, Araceae. Monstera is a tropical plant that is native to Mexico and South America. The leaves of the Monstera plant are large and heart-shaped. Some people ask if Monstera is a philodendron. The answer is no. Philodendrons are in the family Philodendraceae, while Monstera is in the family Araceae.

What Makes A Plant A Philodendron?

Philodendrons are a type of plant that is easy to grow and maintain. They are an excellent option for people new to gardening because they don’t require much care. What makes a plant a philodendron? The botanical name for philodendron is Philodendron spp. There are about 600 species of philodendron, and they are native to the tropical rainforest. Most philodendrons are vines, but some grow as shrubs or trees. Philodendrons belong to the Araceae family, which also includes caladiums and anthuriums.

What Is A Pink Princess Philodendron?

A pink princess philodendron is a philodendron that typically has a rosette of leaves at the base of its stem. The leaves are narrow and pointed, and they are often light pink or lavender in color. The flowers on a pink princess philodendron are typically large and brightly colored, and they may be either white or pink.

What Plant Looks Like A Philodendron?

Sweetheart plants or heartleaf plants that look like philodendrons. This plant has many of the same features as a philodendron, including heart-shaped leaves and a trailing growth habit. However, the false philodendron is not in the same family as the philodendron and is more closely related to the peace lily.

What Is The Rarest Philodendron?

There are many different types of philodendrons, and some are rarer than others. Some of the rarest philodendrons include the Pink Princess philodendron and the red-leaf philodendron. These plants are not as common as some other philodendron varieties, so they can be more challenging to find.

Why Is Philodendron Pink Princess So Expensive?

There are a few reasons why Philodendron pink princess is so expensive:

1. It is a very rare plant. Only a few of them exist, so the demand is high.
2. It takes a long time to grow. It can take up to 10 years for a pink princess to reach its full size, so the supply is low.
3. It is a difficult plant to care for.

It requires a lot of attention and special care, which adds to the cost.

Is Cebu Blue Pothos Rare?

Cebu Blue pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Cebu Blue’) is a beautiful, rare foliage houseplant. It has bright green leaves with a blue-green stripe down the center of each leaf. This plant is slow-growing and can reach up to 10 feet if given enough space. Cebu Blue pothos is best suited for growing in hanging baskets or as a vine on a trellis.

How Do You Notch A Philodendron?

Cut the stem below a leaf node with a sharp knife or scissors to notch a philodendron. Make sure to leave about 1/4 inch of stem attached to the node so the plant will not die from lack of water.

How Do I Make My Philodendron Fuller?

To make your philodendron fuller, you can fertilize it monthly with a half-strength fertilizer solution. You can also mist it regularly to increase humidity and help promote growth. If your philodendron is in a pot, you can also repot it into a larger pot to encourage fuller growth.

Can You Propagate Philodendron From A Leaf?

Yes, you can propagate philodendron from a leaf. You will need to take a leaf from the plant and cut it into several pieces. Each piece should have a piece of stem attached to it. You will then need to plant the pieces in a pot with soil. Water the soil and keep it moist. The philodendron should start to grow new leaves within a few weeks.

Can I Propagate Philodendron In Soil?

Yes, you can propagate philodendron in soil. Take a cutting from a healthy plant and plant it in a pot with moistened potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and warm until it begins to grow roots, then transplant it into a larger pot or your garden.

Conclusion

A pothos plant and a philodendron are two different types of plants. A pothos plant is a vine that typically has green leaves with cream-colored markings. A philodendron is a climbing plant that has large, heart-shaped leaves. While the two plants have some similarities, there are some key differences between them.