Plant comparison
Snake plant vs Pothos
Two of the most beginner-proof houseplants — one upright and drought-proof, one trailing and fast. Both toxic to pets.
| Snake plant | Pothos | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Dracaena trifasciata | Epipremnum aureum |
| Light | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the soil is bone dry, every 2-3 weeks | When the top half of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Free-draining cactus or succulent mix | Standard potting compost with extra perlite |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 15-27°C (60-80°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 | 60-120 cm tall indoors | Vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support |
| Growth habit | Upright rhizomatous evergreen | Trailing or climbing evergreen vine |
| Toxicity (cats/dogs) | Toxic to pets | Toxic to pets |
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Snake plant — Snake plant if you prefer its upright rhizomatous evergreen habit at 60-120 cm tall indoors indoors.
- Choose Pothos — Pothos if you prefer its trailing or climbing evergreen vine habit at vines reach 3-6 m indoors with a support indoors.
Either way, the full care brief lives on each plant's own page: Snake plant care and Pothos care. For pet-safety detail see Snake plant and Pothos.
Snake plant vs Pothos — frequently asked questions
Is Snake plant the same as Pothos?
No — Snake plant is Dracaena trifasciata and Pothos is Epipremnum aureum. Two of the most beginner-proof houseplants — one upright and drought-proof, one trailing and fast. Both toxic to pets. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, snake plant or pothos?
Easier comes down to your conditions. Snake plant wants medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) and to be watered when the soil is bone dry, every 2-3 weeks. 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 snake plant or pothos safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, Snake plant 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 snake plant and pothos get indoors?
Snake plant matures to 60-120 cm tall indoors, with a upright rhizomatous evergreen 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 snake plant 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. Snake plant needs medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a 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.