What is the difference between philodendron and pothos

Let me try to explain. Philodendrons are groups of tropical plants with variously shaped and colored leaves. Most people grow the heartleaf philodendron Philodendron scandens subsp. This is a rapidly growing vine plant. It has familiar heart-shaped, dark green leaves on slender, flexible vines. This plant grows rapidly.

All philodendrons are popular because they tolerate very low light and variable temperatures. Pothos are really quite different plants. The pothos also called Devil's Ivy is also a tropical vine. The difference is that it has crisp, shiny leaves with gold, white, or yellow markings.

The most common pothos is the silver pothos Epipremnum aureum 'Marble Queen'. One of its notable features is its vines, which are known to cascade elegantly when placed in a hanging basket. The leaves of the jade pothos are dark green in color, while those of the neon philodendron are brightly yellowish in color. The leaves of the cordatum are fully green while those of the brasil pothos are green but have a yellow-like line in the middle. Just like any other houseplant, proper watering of a pothos plant is vital in ensuring that it flourishes.

So how should you water a pothos plant? Even though the pothos plant can grow in a wide variety of light conditions, including low light, it is advisable that you place it in an area with moderate indoor light. Note: If you wish to place it outside, put it under a shade in a place where there is no direct sunlight.

Soil Type: The pothos plant is not always fussy when it comes to the type of soil they are planted in. That is why you can plant it in any ordinary potting soil as long as it is well-draining. Soil pH: Pothos plants do well in soils that have a pH that ranges from 6. Some people like adding fertilizers to the soil in which they plant the pothos, and there is no problem in doing so.

In fact, this is a great decision if you wish to see your plant thrive as most potting soils do not have nutrients that the fertilizers can provide. When doing this, make sure the next pot you use is at least one size larger than the previous one. Also, use fresh potting soil and discard the soil that was in the previous pot. Philodendron, on the other hand, Philodendron Selloum, belongs to the Araceae family and is a flowering plant just like the pothos.

The philodendron species can be found in many regions around the West Indies region and in the tropical Americas. Anything from yellow stripe variegation in the center of the leaf to lemon-lime leaves that are very striking has become a really popular color today. Philodendrons do well when water is provided for in moderation. Basically, you should not overwater or underwater the plant. Note: When your philodendron leaves start turning yellow, know that you have been overwatering it.

If the leaves appear wilted or start turning brown, this is a sign that the plant has been under-watered. If you make the necessary changes to your watering schedules and techniques with respect to these signs, the philodendron will go back to normal.

Philodendrons grow best in low indirect sunlight. This is because that is the type of lighting they get in the tropical canopy their natural habitat. Soil pH: The pH of the soil should be between 5. Macronutrients are essential in the growth and development of philodendron because without them; you will find that the plant will start producing pale leaves.

This is usually a sign that it lacks magnesium and calcium, which are vital macronutrients. One of the most popular questions that usually come up when dealing with pothos and philodendron is whether these two amazing houseplants can be planted together. The answer is yes. It is possible for one to plant pothos and philodendrons together.

This is because they have many similar requirements. As long as you give each of these plants adequate space, and tend to their needs properly, everything will be fine. As much as pothos and philodendrons share some similarities, they are two different plants.

For instance, the pothos plant loves bright light while the philodendrons love slow light areas. All in all, if you take care of each of them properly, as indicated in this article, you will definitely enjoy having them around. My name is Alex K. I am a web geek who loves gardening and connecting with nature. I maintain a small backyard organic garden from which I source most of my green food. Aerial roots grow above the soil. These roots sprout from leaf nodes and can absorb moisture and nutrients — they act like little local power plants along the vining stem.

They allow the plant to climb and anchor itself for support. Both Pothos and Philodendrons have aerial roots.

Note that these are aggressive roots, too — they will attach themselves to any rough surface. Keep your plant contained unless you want it to climb; otherwise, they can leave dark root marks on your wall or furniture once you remove them.

They are thinner and more spindly than those of a Pothos, emerging in groups of two to six, or even more. Trim them during the off season. The most common source of confusion is the Satin Pothos , which is actually a Scindapsus pictus , and not in the same genus as either Philodendron hederaceum or Epipremnum aureum.

Although it has a lot of similarities to both Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron, the characteristic leaf pattern of Satin Pothos is usually quite easy to identify. While both species have variegated cultivars, Pothos has more forms.

The most popular is the gold-hued Golden Pothos, but even the mostly green Jade Pothos can have cream patches. Pothos needs fairly bright indirect illumination to keep their variegation. They tend to revert to all-green leaves to boost photosynthesis in dim light. One of the most unusual varieties is the Ace of Spades: its leaves have dark undersides that start out as reddish-orange.

It looks less like a standard Philodendron than a common Pothos does! Finally, variegated forms of Philodendrons generally have crisper delineations and hold their color better than Pothos in lower light conditions.

Although quite a technical article, I hope this has helped you clarify the difference between common pothos and philodendron houseplants.

Overview Of Pothos Vs Philodendron Unsurprisingly, these popular houseplants go by many common names. Why Identification Matters Botanical curiosity is only one reason to find out the true identity of your plant.

Important differences that set them apart: Pothos Though it can adapt to low light, a Pothos prefers bright, indirect light … and they generally want more of it than a Philodendron does. Philodendron A Heartleaf Philodendron can thrive in lower light conditions than a Pothos. Pothos Vs Philodendron — Leaf Differences. Pothos without cataphyll Left , Heartleaf Philodendron with cataphyll Right. Pothos grooved petiole left , Heartleaf Philodendron smooth petiole right.