Plant comparison
Pothos vs Philodendron
The classic heart-shaped-leaf trailing-plant mix-up; both are easy, but they are not the same plant.
| Pothos | Philodendron | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Epipremnum aureum | Philodendron hederaceum |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the top half of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days | When the top 3 cm of soil is dry, every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Standard potting compost with extra perlite | Chunky aroid mix |
| Humidity | 40-60% | 50-60% |
| 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) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | Vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support | Vines reach 2-4 m indoors |
| Growth habit | Trailing or climbing evergreen vine | Vining or self-heading evergreen |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Mildly toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Pothos — Pothos if you prefer its trailing or climbing evergreen vine habit at vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support indoors.
- Choose Philodendron — Philodendron if you prefer its vining or self-heading evergreen habit at vines reach 2-4 m indoors indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Pothos care and Philodendron care. For pet-safety detail see Pothos and Philodendron.
Pothos vs Philodendron — frequently asked questions
Is Pothos the same as Philodendron?
No — Pothos is Epipremnum aureum and Philodendron is Philodendron hederaceum. The classic heart-shaped-leaf trailing-plant mix-up; both are easy, but they are not the same plant. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, pothos or philodendron?
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. Philodendron wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and watering when the top 3 cm of 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 pothos or philodendron safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Pothos is toxic to pets and Philodendron is mildly toxic to pets. Either way, place them out of reach of curious chewers if pets share the home.
How big do pothos and philodendron get indoors?
Pothos matures to vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support, with a trailing or climbing evergreen vine habit. Philodendron reaches vines reach 2-4 m indoors, vining or self-heading evergreen. Plan for the eventual size, not the size in the nursery pot.
Can pothos and philodendron 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); Philodendron 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.