Pothos vs. Philodendron: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever browsed the houseplant section of a garden center and felt confused about whether you were looking at a pothos or a philodendron, you’re not alone. These two popular houseplants look remarkably similar at first glance, leading to frequent misidentification.

Both make excellent houseplants for beginners and plant experts alike, featuring heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines that can transform any space into a lush indoor jungle. But despite their similarities, pothos and philodendrons are distinctly different plants with unique characteristics that are worth understanding—especially if you want to provide optimal care for your green friends.

Warning

While both plants are considered relatively safe houseplants, it’s important to note that pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) contain calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic if ingested. Keep both plants away from curious pets and children who might chew on the leaves. Symptoms of ingestion can include oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.

Differences Between Pothos and Philodendrons

Before diving into the detailed distinctions, here’s a quick reference comparison table to help you identify whether your plant is a pothos or a philodendron:

Feature	Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)	Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Taxonomy	Belongs to Epipremnum genus	Belongs to Philodendron genus
Leaf Shape	Heart-shaped with uneven sides, often slightly elongated or asymmetrical	More uniformly heart-shaped with symmetrical sides
Leaf Texture	Waxy, thicker leaves with slightly raised or bumpy texture	Thinner, smoother leaves with a velvety texture
Leaf Color	Usually variegated; new leaves emerge with an established pattern	Often solid green; new leaves may appear reddish or bronze
Aerial Roots	Thicker, fewer aerial roots (typically one per node)	Multiple thin aerial roots per node
Petioles	Curved inward with a noticeable groove	Round and more uniform in shape
Growth Habit	Displays a more random, sprawling growth pattern	Tends to grow more orderly, with leaves often aligning in the same direction
New Leaves	Unfurl from a protective sheath that eventually falls off	Unfurl from a cataphyll (a type of protective sheath) that stays attached to the stem even after the leaf has expanded
Growth Rate	Slightly slower than Philodendrons	Typically faster-growing under similar conditions

Now, let’s examine each of these differences in greater detail.

Taxonomy

The confusion between these plants begins with their scientific classification. While they’re both members of the Araceae (aroid) family, they belong to completely different genera:

• Pothos: Belongs to the Epipremnum genus, with the most common variety being Epipremnum aureum
• Heartleaf Philodendron: Belongs to the Philodendron genus, with the most common variety being Philodendron hederaceum (formerly called Philodendron scandens)

“The taxonomy confusion isn’t helped by the fact that pothos is sometimes called ‘devil’s ivy’ or even incorrectly labeled as ‘philodendron’ in garden centers,” explains botanist Dr. Elena Rivera. “The plants evolved similar characteristics despite being from different genera because they adapted to similar environmental niches.”

Leaf Shape and Texture

The leaves offer one of the most reliable ways to distinguish between these two plants:

Pothos Leaves:

• Typically heart-shaped but often slightly elongated
• Sides of the leaf are usually uneven (asymmetrical)
• Thicker, waxier texture with a slightly raised or bumpy surface
• Leaves often feel stiffer and more substantial
• Generally have more pronounced variegation in varieties like Golden Pothos, Marble Queen, and Neon

Philodendron Leaves:

• More perfectly heart-shaped with a pronounced “dip” at the top of the heart
• More symmetrical on both sides
• Thinner, smoother texture with a velvety feel, especially on new growth
• Leaves are more flexible and softer to the touch
• Often solid green, though variegated varieties exist

“If you’re still unsure after looking at the leaf shape, run your finger along the surface,” suggests houseplant specialist Jamie Wong. “Philodendron leaves have that distinctive soft, almost velvety texture that pothos leaves lack.”

Aerial Roots and Petioles

Both plants produce aerial roots to help them climb in their natural habitats, but there are noticeable differences in their root structures:

Pothos Aerial Roots:

• Usually produces only one thick aerial root per node
• Roots appear more bumpy and textured
• Aerial roots tend to be shorter and stubbier
• Less likely to attach to surfaces when grown indoors

Philodendron Aerial Roots:

• Produces multiple thin aerial roots per node
• Roots appear smoother and more uniform
• Aerial roots are often longer and more delicate
• More readily attach to surfaces like moss poles

The petiole (the stem that connects the leaf to the main vine) also differs between the two plants:

Pothos Petioles:

• Feature a groove or indentation that runs along the length of the petiole
• Often curve inward toward the vine

Philodendron Petioles:

• Completely round with no grooves
• Maintain a more uniform thickness throughout

“The petiole difference is one of the most reliable ways to distinguish between the two plants,” notes Dr. Rivera. “If you see that distinct groove in the leaf stem, you’re almost certainly looking at a pothos.”

Growth Habits and New Leaves

Observing how new leaves develop provides perhaps the clearest distinction between these two plants:

Pothos New Growth:

• New leaves emerge from a sheath that completely falls off once the leaf unfurls
• New leaves emerge with established variegation pattern (if it’s a variegated variety)
• Growth tends to be more random and sprawling

Philodendron New Growth:

• New leaves emerge from protective sheaths called cataphylls that remain attached to the stem, eventually drying up but not falling off
• New leaves often emerge with a reddish or bronze color before maturing to green
• Growth tends to be more organized, with leaves often pointing in the same direction

Philodendrons also typically grow faster than pothos under the same conditions. If your plant seems to be putting out new leaves at an impressive rate, it’s more likely to be a philodendron.

Maintenance of Pothos vs. Philodendron

When it comes to care requirements, pothos and philodendrons have similar needs, which explains why they’re both popular as low-maintenance houseplants. However, there are subtle differences worth noting:

Light Requirements:

• Pothos tolerates lower light conditions slightly better than philodendrons
• Philodendrons may lose their leaf color and become leggy more quickly in insufficient light
• Both perform best in bright, indirect light, though neither should be placed in direct sunlight

Watering Needs:

• Pothos is more drought-tolerant and can bounce back from occasional neglect
• Philodendrons prefer more consistent moisture and will show signs of distress (drooping leaves) if allowed to dry out completely
• Both are susceptible to root rot if overwatered

Humidity Preferences:

• Philodendrons appreciate higher humidity levels, reflecting their tropical rainforest origins
• Pothos is more tolerant of average household humidity
• Both benefit from occasional misting, especially in dry environments

Fertilization:

• Both plants have modest fertilization needs
• Feed monthly during growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength
• Reduce or eliminate fertilization during fall and winter when growth naturally slows

“I find that philodendrons are slightly needier when it comes to watering frequency,” says Wong. “My pothos can go two weeks without water and perk right back up after a good soak, while my philodendrons start to droop dramatically if I wait that long.”

Another Confusing Houseplant: The Satin Pothos

Adding to the identification confusion is the popular “satin pothos” or “silver pothos” (Scindapsus pictus), which despite its common name, is neither a true pothos nor a philodendron but belongs to yet another genus.

The satin pothos features:

• Silver-spotted, heart-shaped leaves
• Thicker, almost leathery texture
• More compact growth habit than either pothos or philodendron
• Higher light requirements than both pothos and philodendron

If your “pothos” has silvery markings rather than the cream or yellow variegation typical of true pothos varieties, you’re likely looking at a Scindapsus pictus.

Whether you ultimately choose a pothos or a philodendron for your home, both make wonderful additions to any indoor plant collection. Their ease of care, attractive trailing growth habit, and ability to thrive in typical indoor conditions have rightfully earned them their popularity among houseplant enthusiasts of all experience levels.

And if you’re still not sure which plant you have at home? Take a close look at the petioles, feel the leaf texture, and watch how new leaves emerge—these three characteristics will give you your answer.

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