houseplant
Comparing the Pothos vs. Philodendron for your next indoor plant addition ? These two industrial plant partake some major differences , but also have quite a few law of similarity . They are both quite common with indoor gardeners of all types . In this clause , gardening expert Madison Moulton examines the difference of opinion and similarities between the Philodendron and Pothos plants .
Contents
When it comes to popular houseplants , climbing or vining leafy choice are certainly up there . Looking great almost anywhere you put them and bestow aninstant jungle sense to your space , there are so many reasons to love them . And of those options , two of the most democratic are the Pothos and the Philodendron .
These plants look so interchangeable , they areoften put off for one another . Many may not be able-bodied to tell the difference between them . However , there are some distinctions that separate these two popular houseplant , along with many similarity .
Both of these industrial plant make an fantabulous choice for beginners , or advanced plant - owners likewise . In this guide , weexamine both industrial plant typesand compare their looks , characteristics , tearing pauperism , and more . Let ’s jumpstart in !
Pothos vs. Philodendron
Overview
have ’s get the first differentiation out of the way – a Pothos is not a type of Philodendron and a Philodendron is not atype of Pothos . They are two completely dissimilar , but very similar - looking plants .
The houseplant unremarkably know as Pothos isEpipremnum aureum , also call Devil ’s Ivy . It is called Pothos because it was antecedently separate asPothos aureus , part of a completely different genus of plants in the same phratry . It go through two other names – Rhaphidophora aureaand a relation toEpipremnum pinnatumbefore horticulturalists settled on the final classification .
Philodendron describes a enceinte genus of plants often grown indoors , and are oftenconfused with plants like the monstera . However , the climbing or trail types are most commonly compared with the Pothos . The most popular of these , the Heartleaf Philodendron , has also gone through some botanical name alteration . Now know asPhilodendron hederaceum , it was previously calledPhilodendron scandens , and sometimesPhilodendron cordatum .
If those difference are puzzling , there is at least one simple similarity to link these two plant . They are both part of theAraceaeor Arum family . This sept contains almost 4 000 species of plant life , including the ever - popular Monstera , as well as Anthuriums .
Appearance
From afar , these two plantslook remarkably alike . With a alike ontogenesis riding habit and coloring material ( depending on the pothos orphilodendron variety ) , you may find it hard to differentiate them apart at first . However , there are a few distinctions that will have you key out these plants in no sentence .
Leaves
The leaves of the Pothos and Philodendron are similar shapes but have slightly different textures . Bothleaves can be described as heart - work , but the Philodendron leaves have a far more marked heart form with a deeper v at the stem . Pothos leaves also tend to be wider .
In term of texture , thePhilodendron is glossy and smooth with thin leaves , while the Pothos has thick-skulled leaves with a waxy texture . They can also come in more unequalled vividness , like thePink Princess variety . They also have some diversity with quite a bit of folio variegation , like the Philodendron Birkin .
Depending on the variety select , color can also be an index . Pothos leaves are broadly a bright green , while Philodendron leaf have a deep unripe colour . Some of the more popular pothos types will reckon on their color , but usually , thegolden pothosand thesilver satin pothosare quite democratic with many plant owners .
New Growth
In spring , you could also tell the difference between these two flora by hold a look at the new growth . Pothos leave mature like many other houseplants , withsmall leaves developing from the old growth and slowly unfurling to form full leaves .
Philodendrons are slightly unlike . New leaves develop from the theme surrounded by a sheath called acataphyll . This cocktail dress is actually a modified leaf that will dry out up and fall down off once the newfangled leaf touch full sizing . New leaf are light in colour and lean to darken as they grow .
The growth of the Modern stems is another way to order them apart . New stems on the Pothos are typicallythe same vivid greenas the leaves . New Philodendron stems have a brownish or orangey chromaticity to them .
Roots
You may not be able-bodied to scrutinise the antecedent below the dirt . But , both of these plant produceaerial rootsalong the root that allow them to rise nearby construction . These ethereal roots , looking slimly dissimilar , are another distinguishing factor .
Pothos aerial roots are duncish and relatively behind - develop . One stem will typically emerge from the paired end of a leaf . Philodendrons havemany thinner aeriform rootsemerging from the same node .
Growing Conditions
Where Pothos and Philodendrons displaythe most similaritiesare in their growing stipulation . These flora both have very similar requirement and are typically happy when founder the same care .
Climate
golden pothos and mounting philodendron are found on opposite face of the world . Epipremnum aureumhas naturalized in forests around the world , stretching across the Eastern half of the world function . philodendron overcompensate the westerly half of the single-valued function , around the tropical zone of South America .
Despite this length , both flora are find in tropical forest and revel similar climate . They opt fairly warm temperatures around 70F and can not handle any frigidness below 50F for retentive period . likewise , if the weather is very warm ( above 90F ) , they may stop growing as a outcome of oestrus strain , but Pothos is broadly speaking better suit to the warmth than Philodendrons .
as luck would have it , the climate is n’t too much of a concern indoors as it can be meticulously control . Both plant likemoderate temperaturesthat we are well-off in . However , it can get chilly next to windows in wintertime , so verify you move them out from these areas and near to the warmer parts of your home .
When it fare to humidity , Pothos and Philodendrons favour plenty of moisture in the aura . However , they are not as fussy about humidity as some other houseplants , more often than not happy in any melodic phrase above 40 % .
Sunlight
Both Pothos and Philodendrons are oftenlabeled low - light plant life . They can live on in almost any kindling shape and , while they may not grow quickly , theywon’t die in small illumination .
However , dispirited brightness level does n’t think of no light . They can handle way with north - face window well , or arrangement far from a bright window in a gravid way , but they will not revalue rooms with no window at all . If you want your plants to last and continue growing , they prefer bright indirect light .
philodendron are generally well beseem to lower lighting shape than Pothos . This is thanks to their difference in leaf color . Darker leaves in the Philodendron indicate the works contains more chlorophyl . This stand for there is more photosynthesis hap , allowing the industrial plant to make the most of the lower lighting shape .
This does , as always , look on the variety . Variegated Pothos or Philodendrons require higher inflammation conditions to asseverate their variegation . Withless chlorophyl in the leaves , they need as much indirect sunlight as they can get . In low light , the works will produce more chlorophyl for adequate photosynthesis , seeping into the variegated areas and reverse the leaves completely immature again .
Water
Pothos and philodendron require about the same amount of piss per week , look on theexternal weather in your home . In eminent weak field or higher temperatures , they will require more water and vice versa .
The honorable means to water these plants is to test the soil on a regular basis with your finger’s breadth beforehand . Leave the soil to dry out 2 - 3 in down before watering again . control the pots have enough drain holes to preclude overwatering and root rot .
as luck would have it , these plants have a ready to hand indicator of when to water . When underwatered , the leaves will initiate to wilt and curl , indicating the soil has dry out . This reply is more pronounced in the Philodendron than in the Pothos due to the remainder in leaf thickness but can help stop you from severely underwatering and kill either plant .
Soil
Like most houseplant , Pothos and Philodendron require avery well - enfeeble soil mix to suit the conditions indoors . Regular potting dirt is not idealistic as it typically does not debilitate well enough or tight enough to prevent root rot in indoor plants .
The best soil mix for both plants is acombination of potting soil , coconut tree coir or peat moss , and perlite . The potting land provides nutrients and carry weewee , while the coconut coir also retains some wet and lighten the mix . Perlite improves aeration and drain .
Pothos and Philodendron will be well-chosen in this intermixture , or any otherspecialized houseplant potting mix .
Ease of Growth
Pothos and Philodendrons are some of theeasiest houseplants to grow and care for . With the right conditions , they will both raise rapidly and can largely be leave alone . They are idealistic for beginners , or areas of your home that may get less attention – like a home office .
In terms of watering , Philodendrons are slightly fussy than Pothos due to their thinner leaves . However , thanks to their color , they can also bear low lighting conditions . Both industrial plant are not bothered by a lower humidness , with Pothos address hotness well than Philodendron thanks to their waxy leaves and chummy stems .
They are also both sluttish to propagate using the same methods . Simply snip a four - inch part of the stem off just below a leaf node . Pop that into a spyglass fill with separate out water or a propagating soil mix and farm even more of these industrial plant within a few weeks .
No matter which one you choose , you’re able to be sure these plants will give you little trouble if any .
Uses
Due to their similar increase use and appearance , Pothos and climbing philodendron are used for the same purposes . As houseplant , they are big for beginners or low - light country and are some of the go - to plants when starting out in plant care .
Their cascading stems make them idealistic candidates forhanging basket . In pot , they are often constitute placed on shelf to drop down , creating a wonderful foliage feature . However , they should both be keep away from any pets as they contain toxic compounds that induce balmy to severe symptoms when ingest .
Final Thoughts
Although these plant front very similar , they are only related by family and are not the same plant . Luckily , they havevery standardised develop conditions , allowing you to acquire one or both in the same areas without worrying which is which .
