How Do I Tell Philodendron from Pothos (E. aureum)?

One of the most common mistakes I see beginner plant parents make is confusing philodendron with pothos (Epipremnum aureum). They do look similar at first glance, but when you look closer, they are worlds apart! The care of both plants is also relatively the same, although I have found it true that philodendron is less drought tolerant and needs more bright light to grow well.

Similarities

First, let's look at the similarities between philodendron and Pothos: both belong to the same family, Tennantaceae, and both are wilderness climbers. They will naturally grow on the sides of trees and other plants, buildings, utility poles ...... anything they can attach to and move up with their aerial roots. At home, they are each often displayed in hanging baskets and as trailing plants, although many people also give them trellises or moss poles to climb. philodendron and Pothos both have green, glossy leaves that are similar in heart shape and often the same size in the home. So let's break down how to spot all the differences between these two popular houseplants!

Philodendron ‘Sun red ’

Leaf Texture

Some obvious differences between Pothos and philodendron are the overall shape and texture of the leaves. pothos has thicker, waxy leaves with a slightly raised/uneven texture. There is also a clearly indented midvein and the shape looks like a gardening spade. On the other hand, philodendron's leaves are thinner and have a smooth texture - when you run your fingers over the leaves, you don't feel the texture as you do with Pothos. philodendron's leaves are also more heart-shaped, with a prominent sinus and a more pronounced tail tip.

Growth habits

Other ways to distinguish between these two plants is to observe how it grows. pothos leaves extend and spread from the current leaf. philodendron leaves extend on a small section of the vine of the leafy plant, which is a thin, waxy, opaque sheath. cataphyll is essentially a modified leaflet that will continue to photosynthesize until it turns brown and papery, then sheds on its own. philodendron's new leaves are pink or brown and darken to their true color as they mature. pothos' leaves are lighter than the rest of the plant! 

Philodendron domesticum ‘ Lemon lime’

Roots + Stems

The stems of Pothos are thicker than those of philodendron and are relatively the same color as the leaves. philodendron stems are usually greenish-brown, while the freshly extended stems near the base are orange-brown. both Pothos and philodendrons have aerial roots for climbing and absorbing nutrients and water from the air. Pothos aerial roots are thick, with only one root extending from the node. philodendron aerial roots can grow in clusters and are thin and slender. 

When identifying a plant, it is best to look at the plant as a whole in a broad view and then "zoom in" to see all the different parts and how they fit together. Once you know how to identify a plant, it becomes a breeze! Contact us at MAYUN to find more indoor plants!