Plant comparison
ZZ plant vs Pothos
The two most low-light-tolerant houseplants — an upright glossy one vs a trailing vine.
| ZZ plant | Pothos | |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Zamioculcas zamiifolia | Epipremnum aureum |
| Light | Low light (north window or shaded room) | Medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window) |
| Water | When the soil is completely dry, every 2-3 weeks | When the top half of the soil is dry, every 7-10 days |
| Soil | Free-draining cactus or houseplant mix | Standard potting compost with extra perlite |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-26°C (65-80°F) | 18-27°C (65-80°F) |
| USDA hardiness | 9-11 (indoor-only in most US homes) | 10-12 (indoor-only in most US homes) |
| RHS hardiness | H1b | H1b |
| Mature size | 60-90 cm tall | 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 ZZ plant — ZZ plant if your spot has less light — it tolerates low light (north window or shaded room), where Pothos prefers medium indirect light (a couple of metres from a window).
- 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: ZZ plant care and Pothos care. For pet-safety detail see ZZ plant and Pothos.
ZZ plant vs Pothos — frequently asked questions
Is ZZ plant the same as Pothos?
No — ZZ plant is Zamioculcas zamiifolia and Pothos is Epipremnum aureum. The two most low-light-tolerant houseplants — an upright glossy one vs a trailing vine. The look can be similar, but their light, water and toxicity needs are not interchangeable.
Which is easier to care for, zz plant or pothos?
Easier comes down to your conditions. ZZ plant wants low light (north window or shaded room) and to be watered when the soil is completely 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 zz plant or pothos safer for cats and dogs?
Per the ASPCA, ZZ 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 zz plant and pothos get indoors?
ZZ plant matures to 60-90 cm tall, 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 zz 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. ZZ plant needs low light (north window or shaded room); 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.