Plant comparison
Monstera vs Pothos
The two most popular climbing aroids — one a statement plant, one an unkillable trailer. Which suits a beginner?
| Monstera | Pothos | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Monstera deliciosa | Epipremnum aureum |
| Light | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days | When the top half of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Chunky aroid mix | Standard potting compost with extra perlite |
| Humidity | 50-60% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C (65-80°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b (heated greenhouse / indoor only) | H1b |
| Mature size | Indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat | Vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support |
| Growth habit | Climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support | Trailing or climbing evergreen vine |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Monstera — Monstera if you prefer its climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support habit at indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat indoors.
- Choose Pothos — Pothos if your spot has less light — it tolerates medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window), where Monstera prefers bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window).
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Monstera care and Pothos care. For pet-safety detail see Monstera and Pothos.
Monstera vs Pothos — frequently asked questions
Is Monstera the same as Pothos?
No — Monstera is Monstera deliciosa and Pothos is Epipremnum aureum. The two most popular climbing aroids — one a statement plant, one an unkillable trailer. Which suits a beginner? The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, monstera or pothos?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Monstera wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and to be watered when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry, roughly every 7-10 days. Pothos wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top half of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days. Match the species to the brightest spot you actually have and how often you remember to water — both can be the easier pick for the right home.
Is monstera or pothos safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Monstera is toxic to pets and Pothos is toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do monstera and pothos get indoors?
Monstera matures to indoors 2-3 m up a moss pole; 20 m+ in habitat, with a climbing evergreen vine — will trail or climb a support habit. Pothos reaches vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support, trailing or climbing evergreen vine. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can monstera and pothos live in the same room?
Yes — both can share a room as long as you give each one a spot that matches its light requirement. Monstera needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window); Pothos needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.