However, they’re different species with distinct characteristics and needs.
Here’s how to tell pothos andphilodendronsapart, plus the differing conditions each needs to thrive.
Warning
Both pothos and philodendron are toxic to dogs and cats.
Green pothos (left) next to a heart-leaf philodendron (right)The Spruce / Cori Sears
It’s how plants get their botanical names.
However, pothos and philodendrons fall into different genera.
Pothos belongs to theEpipremnumgenus, and philodendron belongs to thePhilodendrongenus.
Close up of pothos leavesThe Spruce / Cori Sears
Many philodendrons, including the aptly namedheartleaf philodendron, have thinner, distinctlyheart-shaped leaveswith a softer texture.
Pothos leaves are thicker and waxier.
Aerial Roots and Petioles
You’ll also find differences inaerial rootsand petioles of pothos versus philodendrons.
heart-shaped philodendron leafThe Spruce / Cori Sears
Both species have aggressive aerial roots that allow them to climb amoss pole, trellis, or other support.
Petioles are the small stems that connect the leaves to the plant’s main stem.
Cataphylls usually remain on the plant after a new leaf has unfurled, eventually drying up and falling off.
A philodendron (left) next to a green pothos (right)The Spruce / Cori Sears
New leaves on pothos plants grow and unfurl from the previous leaf.
However, there are a couple of minor differences in their care.
Philodendronstolerate low lightbetter than pothos.
A trailing pothos with new growth at the endThe Spruce / Cori Sears
Pothosprefer somewhat higher temperatures than philodendrons and are tolerant of drought conditions.
This aroid goes by the common namesatin pothos, but it’s not a species of pothos.
Both plants thrive in high humidity that mimics their tropical native habitats.
A new pothos leaf emerging from a cataphyllThe Spruce / Cori Sears
Philodendron tends to do better in average indoor humidity levels than pothos.
Philodendron tolerates being root-bound more than other houseplants but only to a certain degree.
It should be repotted before it is severely root-bound.
The Spruce / Cori Sears
Top 10 Toxic Plants for Pets.
Popular Houseplants: Is It Philodendron or Pothos?University of Illinois Extension.
Philodendron.Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
