Pothos vs Philodendron: How to Tell Them Apart (and Why Both Are Often Mislabeled)

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and heart-leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) are the two most-confused houseplants in the US. They share growth habit, leaf shape, and care requirements, but they belong to different genera in the Araceae family. Garden centers, plant tags, and even big-box retailers regularly mislabel one as the other. This guide is the four diagnostic differences that let you tell them apart at a glance, plus the care notes for each.

The 4 Diagnostic Differences

Per University of Florida IFAS indoor plants research.

• Leaf texture. Pothos: thicker, slightly waxy, almost plastic-feeling. Philodendron: thinner, softer, matte finish.
• Leaf shape. Pothos: slightly more rounded with asymmetric edges. Philodendron: more uniformly heart-shaped, longer pointed tip.
• New growth point. Pothos: emerges as a tightly furled leaf. Philodendron: emerges from a protective sheath that opens like a tube.
• Aerial roots. Both have them, but philodendron’s are typically more abundant and longer. Pothos aerial roots are short and stubby.
• Variegation pattern. Pothos cultivars often have golden, marble, or neon variegation. Philodendron cultivars rarely have golden tones; instead they trend toward pink or lime green variegation.

Care (Identical for Both)

Per University of Florida IFAS and standard houseplant practice.

• Light. Bright indirect best. Both tolerate low light (slower growth, less variegation).
• Water. Let top 1 inch of soil dry between waterings. Both forgive missed watering.
• Humidity. Tolerate average household humidity (30 to 50 percent).
• Soil. Standard potting mix with perlite. Avoid waterlogged soil.
• Fertilizer. Light feeding (1/4 strength) monthly in growing season. Neither is demanding.
• Propagation. Both root easily from stem cuttings in water in 2 to 4 weeks.

Pothos and Philodendron: Detail

Below are the original sections covering visual identification, the word of caution, and Devil’s Ivy origin.

Caring for Devil’s Ivy and Philodendron

To keep these plants happy and healthy there are a few things that you should do.

• Light: Both plants are used to warmth, humidity, and bright but dappled sunlight. As they grow in tropical forests, beneath the canopies of trees, they don’t fare well in an abundance of direct light. While pothos can tolerate low light conditions, too little light can cause the streaks in the foliage to fade. Philodendrons leaves often turn yellow in low light. Opt for middle ground and give them a spot with plenty of indirect light.
• Temperature: These plants cannot tolerate cold and do best with a sustained temperature of at least 65°F. If you live in a hardiness zone lower than 10, you can plant them in outdoor containers and baskets through the summer, then bring them inside to overwinter. If you choose to grow them outdoors, be sure to shelter them from windy exposures and intense heat and light.
• Soil: Offer both plants well-drained potting soil.
• Water: Don’t overwater, as these plants can rot easily. Let them dry out between waterings. If the leaves start to wilt, you’ll know it’s definitely time to haul out the watering can! Both pothos and philodendrons bask in the luxury of a regular misting of water on their foliage; once a week or so.
• Fertilize once every three months, with a balanced water-soluble houseplant fertilizer such as 20-20-20.
• Pruning: While pothos is strictly a trailing plant, some philodendrons trail and others grow upright (non-climbing). Trailing plants need support, as they can reach between 8 and 10 feet in length. Prune back the long stems of both plants to promote a more desirable bushy form. If the plants drop leaves or become leggy, move them into more light.
• Pest Control: As with many other houseplants, mealybugs can be an issue for both pothos and philodendron. You can treat these pests by removing them from stems and leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Persistence pays off, so keep vigilant. Fungus gnats can also be a problem, especially if outside plants are brought indoors to overwinter. Use sticky tape traps to capture the adults. Ensure the soil is not consistently damp, as these insects love wet potting media.
• Transplanting: If the plants become large and root-bound in their pots, they can be easily replanted into bigger containers. Pothos and philodendrons are extremely easy to propagate with stem cuttings, which may be placed in a glass of water until roots form and they can be planted.

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Pothos vs Philodendron FAQ