Plant comparison
Pothos vs Hoya
Two easy trailing, waxy-leaved vines for shelves and hanging pots — pothos is toxic to cats and dogs, hoya is ASPCA non-toxic.
| Pothos | Hoya | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Epipremnum aureum | Hoya carnosa |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) |
| Water | When the top half of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days | When the soil is mostly dry, every 10-14 days |
| Soil | Standard potting compost with extra perlite | Chunky free-draining mix |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 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 | H1b |
| Mature size | Vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support | Vines reach 1-3 m |
| Growth habit | Trailing or climbing evergreen vine | Vining or trailing evergreen |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Pet-safe |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Pothos — Pothos if your spot has less light — it tolerates medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window), where Hoya prefers bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window).
- Choose Hoya — Hoya if pets share your home — it is non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA), while Pothos is toxic to pets.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Pothos care and Hoya care. For pet-safety detail see Pothos and Hoya.
Pothos vs Hoya — frequently asked questions
Is Pothos the same as Hoya?
No — Pothos is Epipremnum aureum and Hoya is Hoya carnosa. Two easy trailing, waxy-leaved vines for shelves and hanging pots — pothos is toxic to cats and dogs, hoya is ASPCA non-toxic. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, pothos or hoya?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Pothos wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and to be watered when the top half of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days. Hoya wants bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window) and watering when the soil is mostly dry, every 10-14 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 pothos or hoya safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Pothos is toxic to pets and Hoya is pet-safe. Hoya is the pet-safer choice.
How big do pothos and hoya get indoors?
Pothos matures to vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support, with a trailing or climbing evergreen vine habit. Hoya reaches vines reach 1-3 m, vining or trailing evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can pothos and hoya 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. Pothos needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window); Hoya needs bright indirect light (just back from a sunny window). Group them only if their watering and humidity needs are also close, otherwise keep them on different schedules.