Philodendron and Pothos are both very popular houseplants. Their leaves may look alike. But, these plants have their own unique traits. They may look alike and have similar care needs. But, they have unique needs and qualities. Understanding these differences can help prevent mixing them up.
Philodendron vs Pothos – Taxonomy
Taxonomy is the study of classifying living things. It’s a way to give names to plants and animals, and group them into categories like genera and families. In the case of plants, taxonomy deals with plant names.
Philodendron and Pothos are separate plants from different genera. Pothos is in the Epipremnum genus. Philodendron is in the Philodendron genus. But, they both fall under the same family, Araceae, also known as the aroid family.
Differences in Leaf Shape and Texture
When you take a closer look at their leaves, you’ll notice some interesting variations. Many Philodendron plants have leaves shaped like hearts. These leaves feel delicate and velvety to the touch. They are like the leaves on Philodendron Hederaceum. But, Pothos leaves are thicker and have a smooth, glossy feel.
One key distinction is where the leaf stem connects to the base of the leaf. A Pothos leaf’s base is straight. A Philodendron leaf’s base curls inwards, like the top of a heart. Also, Pothos leaves tend to be smaller in size compared to Philodendron leaves.
Air Roots and Leaf Stems
Another distinction is in their air roots and leaf stems. Both Philodendron and Pothos have aggressive air roots. These roots let them climb and spread over surfaces. But, Pothos has one large air root per stem node. In contrast, Philodendron has several smaller air roots per node. This makes it look wilder.
The leaf stems also differ. Pothos leaf stems stick out toward the branch. Philodendron leaf stems are fully round. Philodendron stems tend to be thinner than those of Pothos.
Growth Habits and New Leaves
Another way to differentiate them is by looking for cataphylls. Cataphylls are small, reduced leaves. New leaves grow on a Philodendron. They emerge from cataphylls, small leaves that wrap around and protect the new leaf as it grows. They usually stay on the plant after the new leaf unfolds. They then dry and fall off.
In contrast, Pothos does not grow new leaves in this manner. New leaves on a Pothos plant do not emerge from cataphylls. They grow directly from the previous leaf.
Care Requirements
Philodendron and Pothos have very similar needs. These include light, water, soil, and temperature. Both houseplants require low maintenance. But, there are minor differences to be aware of.
Both plants can handle low light. But, Philodendron does better in it than Pothos. Also, Pothos prefers slightly higher temperatures and is more tolerant of drought.
Notable Growth Variances
The growth variations between Pothos and Philodendron are interesting to observe. Both plants can thrive in low light. Philodendron is more adaptable to it than Pothos. Moreover, Pothos prefers higher temperatures in contrast to Philodendron. Both plants can grow from stem cuttings. Philodendron is better at making cuttings, which is valuable for plant propagation. The key distinction is drought resistance. Pothos is more tolerant to drought than Philodendron.
Conclusion
Plant enthusiasts must understand the differences between Philodendron and Pothos. Doing so ensures proper care and appreciation of each plant’s unique qualities. You can choose Philodendron for its adaptability to low light. Or, Pothos for its drought tolerance. Each plant adds its own charm and beauty to any indoor garden space.
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