The philodendron is a common houseplant that many people use to decorate their homes. The pothos plant, also known as devil’s ivy, is quite similar. They are both low-maintenance plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors in the right climate. These plants often get mixed up with one another and it can be hard to know which one you should choose for your home. In this article, we will talk about some of the differences between philodendron vs pothos so you’ll know how they differ and why you should care about what kind of philodendron or pothos plant you have in your home!
List of Differences between Philodendron vs Pothos
The philodendron also called the Philodendromeda or tree philodendron, is a beautiful flowering houseplant that is native to Central and South America. Named after a Greek king named Philodendron, philodendra plants are known for their large leaves that grow along vines or stems. They come in different colors like green, blue-green, orange leaf philodendra, purple philodendrons (or vandas), yellow philodendrons, varieties with variegated leaves, and many more.
The philodendron plant was first discovered by Europeans in the 16th century when they encountered it on their travels to North America. There are about 300 different species of philodendra plants found around the world today, all originating from Central and South America. These philodendra plants are typically grown as houseplants, with some philodendron species being used in landscaping.
Pothos is a lush plant that can be found indoors or outdoors. It has an assortment of different names like the Devil’s Ivy, Golden Vine, and String of Pearls. Pothos plants have been around since ancient times, and are still prevalent today in most regions of the world.
The philodendron is a much larger plant than pothos plants. Pothos usually grow about three feet tall with vines that can reach up to ten feet long while philodendra can be as high as twenty-five or thirty feet!
Pothos varieties are generally more colorful than philodendron plants. They can be found with green, yellow-green, white/yellow variegated leaves and sometimes even red or purple!
Pothos is an extremely versatile plant that does well in outdoor landscaping as long as the climate is warm enough to support it. Pothos plants have been used for generations to treat ailments such as headaches when placed on the head or stomach aches due to indigestion from eating too much!
Philodendron vs Pothos Care Guide
Pothos philodendra and philodendron plants require different care. When it comes to philodendra vs pothos, philodendron plants are better suited for people who have a little more gardening and plant care experience. Pothos philodendron are best for beginners or those with less time on their hands due to the lower maintenance required. Here are some care guides!
Soil
The philodendron likes soil that is rich and has plenty of organic material in it, while the pothos can thrive on a less hospitable mix.
Light
The philodendron plant prefers shady, moist areas with indirect sunlight while the pothos can grow in a variety of light conditions from bright to dark.
An east-facing window is ideal―it gives plants plenty of natural light and doesn’t put too much strain on their leaves.
If you can’t find a good spot for your philodendron or pothos, try to keep it in direct sunlight as much as possible. If that isn’t an option, make sure the plants gets at least six hours of sun per day when it is outside and one hour of light indoors―even if it’s only artificial indoor light―to keep it healthy.
Watering
Philodendra plants need consistent watering due to their large leaves but pothos are more drought tolerant.
Temperature
The philodendron needs a more tropical environment with warm temperatures while the pothos can grow in cooler conditions.The philodendron plant does not do well in colder temperatures so if you live in an area where the temperature drops below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (around 12 C.), it would need some help staying warm during the winter months.
Humidity
The philodendron likes a humid environment with high humidity levels while the pothos prefers less humidity.
Fertiliser
Philodendra plants require regular fertilization during the growing season, while pothos philodendrons can go for months without a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Pothos philodendron are better suited to be moved outdoors in summer or winter because they prefer more consistent and cooler temperatures than philodendra plants.
Toxicity
Philodendra philodendrons are toxic to cats, while pothos philodendrons have no known toxicity.
Pruning
Pruning philodendron is not advised as the plant will stop blooming. Pothos, on the other hand, should be pruned every three to four months by cutting back about one-fourth of their length and removed dead or dying stems.
Repotting
Philodendron plants are low-lying, but their roots can grow to be quite long and they need a lot of room for the roots. The philodendron should be repotted every year or so in order to keep it from outgrowing its pot size.
When you go to repot your philodendron, take a look at the roots and choose the pot size that will allow for enough room to grow. Fill in around the philodendron with fresh soil or mix in compost while still keeping some of the old soil from its last planting.
Pothos plants are also low-lying but they need less space because their roots are more compact. Pothos can be planted in a smaller pot size and then every few years, they should also be repotted to keep them from outgrowing the pot.
Plant Disease
Many plants are subject to fungal diseases, and philodendrons can be especially susceptible. Philodendron wilt is the most common type of philodendra illness you may encounter in philodendron houseplants. Pothos plants have significantly less disease issues than philodendron do. You will need to take extra care to keep philodendrons healthy and free from disease.
Philoxeras are the most common fungus to attack philodendra plants, which live in damp environments with low light levels like philipandrum houseplants. The plant will wilt as it dies quickly without any sign of wilting before that point; this is a philodendron wilt. You can treat philoxeras attacks on philandera philodendra plants by using a fungicide such as Chlorothalonil or you could use this natural fungicide: 20 drops of tea tree oil mixed with one quart of water and sprayed onto the houseplant leaves, then allowed to dry in the air.
Neon Pothos vs Neon Philodendron
Neon philodendron, also called neon pothos, is a variety of philodendrons with dark green leaves that have yellow or cream variegation. Neon philodendrons grow in trailing vines and the leaves are heart shaped at the base while they become more arrow-shaped toward the tip.
Philodendron Lemon Lime vs Neon Pothos
Philodendron Lemon Lime have a citrus-like fragrance. They produce very bright green leaves with yellow or cream variegation that give the philodendron plant its name: philo means “love” in Greek and dendron means tree; Lemon Lime is also called Philodendra Banana due to its banana-like leaves.
Neon philodendron houseplants will grow best in bright, indirect sunlight and warm temperatures with high humidity levels for philodendrons to thrive and bloom well. Pothos vines need a cool environment but they can adapt to different types of conditions as long as there is lots of water and humidity.
Philodendron Brasil vs Pothos
Philodendron Brasil is philodendron philodendrons with white variegation that are traditionally used in Brazilian-style flower arrangements.
If you want to try growing philodendra plants, they can thrive when their conditions resemble the tropical rainforest climate of South America where they’re native. Temperatures should be cool and philodendron plants like high humidity levels.
Philodendron vs Monstera
Philodendron and Monstera are both climbing vines, but philodendron plants have large leaves while monsteras’ leaves will become larger as the plant matures.
Monsteras grow well in bright light or low to moderate indirect sunlight with high humidity levels for philodendron houseplants that thrive indoors.
Tips for Keeping Plants Happy
Philodendrons are very easy to care for, and philodendra juice is an effective natural remedy. They grow well in the shade, so they can be placed on a south-facing window sill or near a north-facing window with no sun exposure. One of their few requirements is humidity, which philodendron plants love, so they should be kept in a room with high humidity.
- Don’t overwater philodendron plants and expose them to cold drafts or air conditioning
- Philodendra will do best when the soil is moist, but not soggy
- Fertilize philodendra two times per year: once in the spring with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer and once after six months of growth
Pothos plants have their own set of needs. Pothos are happiest when they get plenty of water, so make sure to keep watered at all times
- Fertilize pothos about twice per month during the growing season
- Pothos plants prefer bright light, and they will start to grow slowly or produce fewer leaves if not exposed to enough sunlight
If philodendron vs pothos are grown in the same plant pot together, philodendra should be planted at the top of the soil. This is because philodendra roots need to be in moist soils at all times. Pothos roots, on the other hand, prefer drier soil and will rot if planted too close to philodendra plants.
Philodendron propagation should take place in a warm, humid atmosphere. You can pot philodendron plants any time of the year to propagate philodendrons from cuttings or tissue culture. When planting philodendron seeds, be sure that your growing medium is moist and then cover it with plastic wrap until they germinate.
So, philodendron vs pothos? Pothos vines and philo plants both like warm, humid conditions. If you’ve got a lot of space to fill in your home or office, philodendrons are ideal because they can grow up to three feet long! They do best when the soil is moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pothos and philodendrons?
Pothos philodendrons are both vines with heart-shaped leaves. But philodendron has serrated edges, while the pothos is smooth-edged. Pothos also has a more dramatic leaf shape and size variation than philodindron. Philodendron will get bigger in pots over time, but it won’t reach the dramatic size of philodendron. Pothos are a much faster grower, philodendrons will eventually outgrow pothos when they’re in pots.
Which is better pothos or Philodendron?
Pothos and philancednrdons can both be good plants to have around your home. They are both low-need plants, philodendron is less maintenance than pothos and philodendrons can grow in more types of environments that pothos cannot thrive in.
Is a golden pothos a type of Philodendron?
Some philodendrons grow into gorgeous vines and are considered to be climbers. They love climbing on trellises, fences or anything else in their way. On the other hand, a pothos is basically just like philodendron with one difference: they don’t climb as much. Golden Pothos is also known as Scindapsus aurea is one philodendron that will grow up to its pot size and not any larger.
Can you mix pothos and Philodendron together?
It is possible to mix philodendron and pothos together, but some philodendrons can be difficult to grow indoors unless they are given enough light in a window or artificial plant lights.
However, the philodendron variety of Philodendrons Catesbaei should not be planted next to any other philodendron variety to avoid cross-pollination.
Conclusion
Philodendron vs Pothos: Which One Do You Need?
It’s hard to know which plant is better because they both require the same care, but philodendrons are more expensive than philodendrons because of their rarity. If you want something versatile, consider philodendrons because they can be grown in pots or outside as vines, whereas pothos is limited to one. Knowing your cares is half the battle!
Want to start growing a philodendron? Start with the heart-leaf philodendron or opt for the Golden pothos, or both! 🙂
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