There are some similarities between philodendrons and pothos, but they end up being quite different plants. During this guide, we will explain how philodendrons and pothos differ from one another.
Philodendron vs Pothos: Key Differences
In the genus Philodendron, there are plants called Philodendrons. An Epipremnum species is a Pothos plant. In addition to being members of the Araceae plant family, both genera have a lot in common. Nevertheless, these plants must be distinguished in some important ways.
The pothos plant is one of the most popular houseplants. It is also known as a money plant or devil’s ivy. Epipremnum aureum is known by both names.
This plant belongs to the large and diverse genus Philodendron. Philodendrons, especially heartleaf philodendrons, are often mistaken for pothos because of the similar appearance.
Climbing, low-maintenance houseplants, these two are considered to be. Having heart-shaped leaves and similar maintenance requirements, they both have vines with green or variegated leaves. Further complicating matters, these plants may even be named incorrectly by retailers.
It is most easy to distinguish pothos from philodendrons by the general form and texture of the leaves. A pothos plant has deep grooved petioles and thick, glossy leaves, which are sometimes variegated. A heart-shaped, longer, matte, and smooth petiole characterizes the leaves of the heartleaf philodendron.
When compared with pothos, philodendrons’ new growth will also typically be a completely different color, and the cataphylls will protect it from the sun. The single stubby aerial roots of pothos plants are unlike those of philodendrons, which are more stringy and grouped.
Both of these genera of plants require differing types of care. Plants such as pothos are not affected by direct sunlight, unlike philodendrons. They will eventually burn if they are exposed to intense direct light all day. Further, they are more drought-tolerant than philodendrons. Watering frequently and indirect sunlight would be ideal for them. Due to the fact that pothos prefer indirect light, there is a tendency for their variegation to disappear in the shade. The more sunlight they receive, the more variegation they will display.
It is difficult to kill pothos, but it is more difficult to maintain and grow philodendrons. Heartleaf philodendrons are better adapted than pothos to survive at lower light levels. Thus, their variegation doesn’t have to be reduced as much as pothos’s. However, philodendrons can burn very badly when left in direct sunlight. Lighting levels should be kept low and watering should be performed routinely. In addition to being more tolerant of cold temperatures, they are also more resistant to ice.
If you have trouble distinguishing pothos from philodendrons while shopping for these plants, keep these characteristics in mind. You should first look at the leaves of a vine to determine if it is a pothos or a philodendron. There is often a pronounced, rounded heart shape at the apex of the leaves of a heartleaf philodendron. A pothos leaf usually has a blunt tip and a less regular shape.
Plants with pothos have glossy, almost waxy leaves. It looks like a brand new car due to its smooth surface that reflects sunlight. There is also a difference in the texture of its leaves from the top to the bottom. The top is slightly bumpier and less texturized than the bottom. There is a noticeable difference between the softness of philodendron leaves and the firmness of pothos leaves. Due to their smooth matte texture, they absorb light more efficiently.
Philodendron vs. Pothos: Classification
The genus Philodendron is home to a wide range of species. However, in the plant trade, Philodendron hederaceum is usually referred to as the heartleaf species.
Plants in the Epipremnum genus are called pothos plants. However, golden pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is the species most commonly referred to by the term “pothos” in the plant trade.
Several hundred monocotyledonous (or “grass-like”) flowering plants belong to the family Araceae, which includes both of these plants. Many species of plants, including arrowleaf elephant ears, snake lilies, peace lilies, and others, belong to this plant family, including philodendrons and pothos.
Philodendron vs. Pothos: Description
Four hundred and ninety-nine species of Philodendron are found in tropical Americas and the West Indies and are members of the family Araceae. Vegetative species begin life as vines, then mature into epiphytes, plants that grow on other plants. Because philodendrons are accustomed to low-medium light conditions in rainforests, they are common houseplants and business plants.
There are several varieties of Philodendrons, including those that are green, coppery, crimson, and purple. Leaf veins that run parallel to one another are usually green, though they can occasionally be red or white as well. Leaves are shaped, sized, and textured differently depending on species and plant age. White or orange berries can also be produced by some philodendron species. Unlike large philodendron species, small philodendron species have very different juvenile and adult stages, making it very difficult to distinguish between them.
In most cases, philodendrons become climbers when their roots are modified and encircle trunks of trees. After reaching the canopy, they often transform into epiphytes. Secondary hemiepiphytes are those plants that grow in the absence of sunlight. The seedlings of hemipiphytes grow toward tree trunks instead of the sun, as opposed to other plants. By using modified roots, they ascend to the top by utilizing a light-seeking strategy. The stem at the base of a tree dies at some point, which cuts off its ground connection.
There are many species of pothos, which belong to the genus Epipremnum, that grow in tropical rainforests throughout the world, from China, the Himalayas, and Southeast Asia to Australia and the western Pacific. The family Araceae includes them. Perennial evergreen vines with aerial roots that ascend.
Pothos plants are poisonous in all parts due to trichosclereids and raphides. Plants of this genus can grow up to 130 feet tall, and their leaves can reach a length of 10 feet, but they are significantly less tolerant of pots because they cannot grow as much as they do in the wild. Pothos grown indoors remain exclusively in their juvenile stages. A sporadic yellow or white variegation can be seen on young leaves. When they are in the wild, they will often use sketotropism to locate host trees.
It is possible to grow pothos plants indoors without much effort as houseplants. Whether they are grown in pots or hanging baskets, these tropical indoor plants look stunning. A pothos plant has several scientific and common names. The variegation on glossy, leathery leaves of a particular variety is generally used to identify the variety, but it may not always be accurate.
Philodendron vs. Pothos: Uses
It is almost exclusively used for aesthetic purposes to pot up philodendrons and pothos plants. These plants are not only beautiful, but they are also excellent at purifying indoor air, although you would need to plant several of them to see any noticeable change in air quality. A home or office plant may absorb carbon dioxide and other toxins.
Philodendron vs. Pothos: Origin
Tropical America and the West Indies are home to philodendrons. Solomon Islands are home to pothos. Several species of these genera have evolved in places like southern Asia, the United States, Australia, and elsewhere. There are some areas outside of pothos’ native range where the plant can be an invasive species.
Philodendron vs. Pothos: How to Grow
It’s important to maintain ideal growing conditions for philodendrons to ensure their long-term health. A philodendron requires little to no care, but you must still maintain ideal growing conditions to keep your plant healthy. Care for the philodendron in a way that mimics its native tropical habitat. Keep your philodendron near a sunny window with lots of moisture and warmth. You can occasionally place Philodendron houseplants outside in a shaded area during warm weather to enjoy some fresh air and natural light. The delicate foliage of this plant might be damaged by direct sunlight.
To keep your philodendron looking and performing at its best, wipe the leaves clean with a moist cloth every day. These plants are not susceptible to pests or diseases. Although they are relatively hardy, they are susceptible to common pests such as aphids, mealybugs, scale, and mites. Natural insecticidal soap or neem oil are effective pesticides.
Pothos require less care than other plants. In order to give the vines a more “vining” appearance, they can be trained to grow on poles as they lack the ability to adhere physically to surfaces. For pothos vines to grow longer, you can hang them on hooks or supports. If you allow your pothos vines to grow on their own, they can become highly tangled and tangled up. Be sure to shake them loose every now and then so that they do not become tangled up.
Pothos can tolerate low-light conditions and fluorescent lighting, even in places with bright, indirect light and is a great choice for workplaces and dormitories. Sun and shade are both good for Pothos, but too much of either can cause it to suffer.
Keeping pothos and philodendrons as indoor plants is a great idea. You might want to consider pothos species or cultivars if you would like something that requires less maintenance and is tolerant of neglect. You might want to consider a philodendron if you’re looking for a plant with big leaves that stand out. Whether big or small, these beautiful plants are both excellent additions to any indoor plant collection, as long as they are given the attention they deserve.
