Both pothos and vining philodendron have heart-shaped leaves, although philodendron leaves are often broader. A philodendron leaf will also have a more dramatic curve where the leaf joins to the stem, called the petiole, similar to the top of a heart.
Pothos has thicker, waxier leaves than heart leaf philodendron in general.
Petioles
The petioles are little stems that connect the leaves to the plant’s main stem. The petiole of a philodendron is spherical, whereas the petiole of a pothos is depressed and curled inwards, similar to the shape of a celery stalk.
Aerial Roots
Aerial roots will sprout on both philodendron and pothos plants, allowing them to climb and vine. Pothos aerial roots, on the other hand, are thick, and there will only be one per node (where the leaf and petiole attach to the stem). Heartleaf philodendron aerial roots, on the other hand, are thinner, with two or more at each node.
New Growth
The way new leaves grow is the final way we’ll distinguish between pothos and heartleaf philodendron today. A fresh pothos leaf is tightly curled and unfurls slowly over time, showing a lighter version of a mature leaf that will deepen with age.
New philodendron leaves, on the other hand, will have sheaths called cataphylls around them. The cataphylls will dry up and fall off once the leaves have opened and grown. A baby philodendron leaf has a pinkish or yellowish hue to it, and as it matures, it becomes more green.
What is the difference between a pothos plant and a philodendron?
The general form and texture of the leaves differ significantly between pothos and philodendrons. The leaves of a pothos (top shot) are thicker, waxier, and have a somewhat raised/bumpy texture. There’s also an indented midrib, and the design resembles a gardening shovel. A philodendron, on the other hand (bottom photo), has thinner leaves with a smooth texture; you won’t feel the texture when gliding your fingers across the leaf blade like you would with a pothos. With a pronounced sinus (the area between the two rounded lobes where the leaf joins the petiole) and a more sharply tailed apex, the philodendron leaf form is likewise more heart-like (the point of the leaf). Pothos leaves can also be a little lopsided compared to philodendron leaves.
How can you tell a philodendron?
Philodendron foliage is normally green, but it can also be coppery, crimson, or purplish; parallel leaf veins are usually green, but they can also be red or white. The shape, size, and texture of the leaves vary greatly depending on the plant’s species and maturity. The berry is white to orange in color. The differences between the juvenile and adult phases make it nearly hard to distinguish between distinct kinds of tiny plants.
What plant looks like a philodendron?
Of course, there always appears to be a species or two in the plant world that defies description. Take, for example, Silver or Satin pothos. Although they are known as pothos, these lovely plants are actually members of the Scindapsus genus. They have heart-shaped foliage with silver patterns that looks a lot like philodendron at first glance.
Apart from their look, philodendrons and pothos have comparable requirements. Both species like bright, indirect light but can survive under lower light levels. If the soil surface seems dry to the touch, water them and cut the plants back if they get too lanky. This will encourage the formation of new leaves and a more compact growth pattern.
Neither plant requires a lot of food. They’ll be quite happy if you feed them a little houseplant fertilizer once or twice a year. Philodendron and pothos can also be trained to grow up a bark-covered structure or used in hanging baskets with their long vines draped over the side to create a colorful curtain.
Philodendrons and pothos are also live air filters, gently eliminating toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air in your home. According to NASA studies, putting one plant per 100 square feet of home or workplace space is the most efficient way to filter the air.
When you think about it, the differences between pothos and philodendron probably don’t matter all that much, but knowing which is which at the garden center is still entertaining. Or, at your next dinner party, when there’s a lull in the discussion!
Are Monstera and philodendron the same?
Because there are so many diverse species, it’s only natural that some of them may exhibit characteristics that are more frequently associated with Monsteras.
- Split-leaf philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum): this plant is frequently sold under the name Monstera deliciosa, and it’s easy to confuse the two. The shape and size of the leaves are what distinguishes the two. The leaves of the philodendron are narrower and divided rather than fenestrated. Monstera leaves are spherical and heart-shaped, and they have a feather-like appearance.
- Philodendron minimum is a difficult plant to grow. It has oval-shaped, split leaves that resemble those of a Monstera, and as a result, it’s sometimes referred to as a’mini monstera’ in the plant trade. It’s not a Philodendron with holes or a Monstera, though. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma belongs to the Rhaphidophora genus and is an entirely different species.
What is the rarest Philodendron?
A Philodendron with a number name is bound to attract notice. This particular Philodendron, known as 69686, is native to the tropical French Guianas.
The number 69686 has no unusual or symbolic value. The researcher who discovered this Philodendron simply did not assign it a name; its identification number was 69686.
The Philodendron 69686 is a tree-grower with irregularly shaped dark green leaves and a similar appearance to the much rarer Philodendron Joepii below. Because a leaf from this Philodendron can grow to be two feet tall, it requires a lot of room to flourish.
This rare Philodendron has bunny-like ears on its lobed leaves and slender, upright green leaves. Philodendron 69686 grows in shaded regions in the natural, where it may easily spread its long stems.
Keep the environment of this fascinating plant as close to the tropics as possible. For the 69686, humidity and occasional watering are required; keep this plant moist so that its leaves can flourish.
Philodendron Joepii
Names of Philodendron species might be particularly challenging to pronounce. Philodendron Joepii (Yoo-Pee-Eye) is the name given to this plant after the Dutch researcher Joep Moonen, who discovered it in French Guiana.
The story of how this Philodendron was discovered is fascinating. Mr. Moonen discovered this Philodendron blooming atop an ant’s nest when he initially identified it. He then fell into the nest, where he was attacked by hundreds of ants! Indeed, the history of this intriguing plant is equally fascinating.
The green leaves on this odd-looking Philodendron make it stand out. The leaf of a Joepii plant is topped off with rabbit-like ears facing upwards, with a large lower-lobed body and a delicate upper section.
Philodendron Joepii grows best in medium light with some indirect light and well-draining soil. The Joepii, like other tropical plants, is watered once or twice a week.
Philodendron Billietiae (Variegated)
Due to its genetic arrangement, the variegated Philodendron Billietiae is one of the plants on this list that is unusual. The variegated Billietiae has orange stems and green foliage, just like the regular Billietiae. The stems and leaves of a variegated Philodendron Billietiae are orange with yellow speckles.
Variegation is uncommon in the wild, as previously stated. Only one out of every 100,000 plants possesses natural variegation in its leaf. Plants with this level of color variation are more expensive. Variegation is available in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, and a variety of other hues.
A single leaf of a standard Philodendron Billietiae will set you back roughly $60, but a variegated variant would set you back well over $1,000! Serious plant collectors will undoubtedly be prepared to pay money for the vivid yellow specks of variegation.
To begin with, regular Billietiaes are extremely unusual. A variegated Philodendron Billietiae is quite rare, as this huge plant is endemic to Brazil and French Guiana. Billietiae, both regular and variegated, will have tough, leathery leaves and a distinctive orange stem.
The variegated Billietiae, unlike the other plants on this list, thrives in bright, medium-light. It like to grow near river banks and tree logs, where it may get plenty of moisture. Give this Philodendron plenty of room to grow and plenty of water to drink if you manage to catch one of these treasures.
Because of its variegation, caring for this Billietiae can be difficult. Variegation on this variety of Philodendron can’revert,’ or return to its original hue. A variegated Philodendron Billietiae may turn entirely green again in this case. This plant’s high price also comes with a considerable risk.
Give this Philodendron plenty of strong light without exposing it to direct sunlight to maintain it in top condition. This magnificent Billietiae will develop yellow-green foliage if its light requirements are met.
Philodendron Spiritus Sancti
The gorgeous Philodendron Spiritus Sancti is arguably one of the most, if not the most, rare Philodendron varieties on this list. This specimen’s name alone conjures up images of sacredness and holiness!
The Spiritus Sancti is called after Espirito Santo, a Brazilian state. It’s no surprise that this Philodendron is so rare because it only grows in one area on the planet. There are only about six of these huge plants left in the wild, according to reports. Yes, there are six!
This plant is so uncommon that it is kept in a secure area in Espirito Santo, guarded by security guards and monitored by CCTV. The average cost of this climbing plant is anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000. Not bad for a plant on the verge of extinction.
On average, the Spiritus Sancti produces green leaves that are around 2 feet long. Despite the fact that this plant has a high price tag, it is quite easy to care for. The beautiful Spiritus Sancti will yield little, white blossoms with proper care.
As long as the Spiritus Sancti’s humidity requirements are maintained, it can be kept indoors or in the garden. This plant requires at least 50% humidity and needs to be watered deeply and thoroughly.
Is Brasil a pothos or Philodendron?
Pothos (Epipremnum genus) and Philodendron have a plethora of species and variations (Philodendron genus). There is a large diversity of species in the Philodendron genus, and they all appear different.
The top leaf and the second from the bottom leaf in the photo above are from the same Golden Pothos plant.
One leaf is variegated, whereas the other is not.
The Heart Leaf Philodendron is named after the second leaf from the top.
Philodendron ‘Brasil,’ the bottom leaf, is a closely related cultivar.
I’ve simply touched on a few of the most prevalent vining styles available for purchase.
Let’s have a look at a couple more varieties below so you can see all of the gorgeous options.
POTHOS VARIETIES
Pothos N’Joy is on the left, while the plain old golden pothos that you see everywhere is on the right. I adore the N’Joy’s lovely variegation.
‘Marble Queen,’ ‘Pearls and Jade,’ ‘Jade,’ and ‘Cebu Blue,’ for example, are all varieties of pothos.
The leaves of all of these exhibit different colors and/or variegation.
I created separate blog pieces on the care of the plain old pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and the magnificent ‘Cebu Blue’ if you’d want to learn more about them.
In those posts, I also discuss propagation.
Many people name one type of Pothos “Silver Pothos,” yet it is not a Pothos at all (Epipremnum genus).
The plant generally known as Silver Pothos belongs to the Scindapsus genus, and the foliage is so different that I won’t even mention it!
Are you looking for a unique Pothos plant? Etsy is one of my favorite and most convenient one-stop-shops for buying almost any plant. Today, have a look at the extensive Pothos collection (link to Etsy)!
PHILODENDRON VARIETIES
My Heart Leaf Philodendron, which I’ve had for many years, is shown above. Isn’t she stunning?
Do you want to learn more about the different types of Philodendron?
There is a wide range of leaf colors, shapes, and growth behaviors to choose from.
Are you looking for a unique Philodendron? Etsy is one of my favorite and most convenient one-stop-shops for buying almost any plant. Today, check out the extensive Philodendron collection (link to Etsy)!
Check out my blog post about Pothos types to cultivate if you’re interested in learning more.
How do you identify a pink princess Philodendron?
Philodendron Pink Princess (Philodendron erubescens) is a trailing plant from to the Araceae family. The plant is distinguished by huge waxy leaves in addition to the lovely pink and dark green leaves. These leaves can reach a length of 9″ (22 cm) and a width of 5″ (12 cm).
The lack of chlorophyll—the substance that turns plants’ leaves green—causes the leaves to be pink. However, for the plants to photosynthesize, some greenness on the leaves is required. Chlorophyll aids in the production of oxygen and glucose, which is necessary for healthy growth.
These pink beauties thrive indoors because all types of Philodendron are tropical plants. If the weather permits, you can also cultivate Philodendron Pink Princess in your garden. For the plant to thrive, choose a bright but shady location. If you reside in a temperate region, you can also take your potted plant outside during the summer.
What plant looks like pothos?
Pothos and vining philodendron variants are among the most popular houseplants, yet they are frequently confused with one another. While they resemble one other in appearance and share many of the same growth requirements and behaviors, they are unique plants with different traits and requirements. They are easily distinguished from one another if you know what to look for.
Is Devils Ivy a pothos?
The tropical vine Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), often known as Devil’s Ivy, is native to French Polynesia. The pothos plant is one of the most popular houseplants in temperate countries because to its gorgeous leaf, low maintenance requirements, and near-indestructibility.
Why is pothos called devil’s ivy?
Epipremnum aureum is a plant of the arum family Araceae that is native to Mo’orea in French Polynesia’s Society Islands. The species is a popular houseplant in temperate regions, but it has also become naturalized in tropical and sub-tropical forests around the world, including northern South Africa, Australia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the West Indies, where it has wreaked havoc on the environment.
Golden pothos, Ceylon creeper, hunter’s cloak, ivy arum, home plant, money plant, silver vine, Solomon Islands ivy, marble queen, and taro vine are some of the common names for the plant. It’s also known as devil’s vine or devil’s ivy since it’s nearly impossible to kill and stays green in the dark. In plant retailers, it’s sometimes mistaken for a Philodendron or a Pothos. In many parts of the Indian subcontinent, it is renowned as a money plant. It only flowers very seldom without the use of artificial hormones; the last known spontaneous flowering occurred in 1964.