Devil’s Ivy vs. Philodendron: Which is Which?

Do you have a Devil’s Ivy in your home? It’s one of the most beautiful houseplants that requires minimal care and attention. But you might be surprised to learn you have an imposter lurking about! Both Devil’s Ivy (pothos) and philodendron are grown for their attractive foliage, but because they have similar leaves and growth habits, they are often mistaken for one another. So how can you tell them apart? Here’s what to look for, and helpful hints so you can keep them thriving in your home for years to come.

Which is Which? Look At The Leaves

Both have heart-shaped leaves, but the foliage of Devil’s Ivy always has white or yellow markings, and the leaves tend to be shiny and waxy, with a defined midrib line down the center.

Philodendrons have tapered leaves which are solid green with a smooth texture. The leaves also have a defined pointed tip, known as the apex.

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.

Be sure to check out our Gardening by the Moon planner for good days to transplant.

A Word Of Caution

While both pothos and philodendron are great air purifiers, they contain toxic oxalates in all of their parts, so be sure to keep them out of reach of pets and children.

Read 30 Houseplants That Are Toxic To Pets

Why Is Pothos Known As “Devil’s Ivy”?

A common name for pothos is Devil’s Ivy, which sounds deeply sinister, but refers to the plant’s ability to survive in near-darkness, as well as the fact that it is so adaptable it is actually very difficult to kill.

Do you have either of these plants or both, in your home? Of course, it really doesn’t matter which one you have if it’s brightening your home, but now you know!