The Difference Between a Pothos and a Philodendron

Botanical Classifications

• Botanically, pothos and philodendron are in the same plant family -- Araceae, commonly called the arum family. A defining characteristic of arum family members is the appearance of their flowers. Typically, a hooded structure, which is called a spathe, surrounds a column of tiny flowers, which is called the spadix. In nature, pothos and philodendron bear these flowers, but in cultivation they are not commonly seen. The genus and species names for both plants reflect changes over the years. Although philodendron’s current accepted name is Philodendron scandens oxycardium, it was formerly known as Philodendron cordatum. Pothos is currently known as Epipremnum aureum, although its other aliases include Scindapsus aureus and Pothos aureus.

Origins and Hardiness

• In their native tropical habitats, pothos and philodendron are vines that climb tree trunks or scramble along the ground. Pothos is native to the Solomon Islands, where it may reach lengths exceeding 40 feet. Philodendron is native to the West Indies, Mexico and Brazil, where it typically reaches a maximum length of 20 feet. In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, you can grow pothos as a perennial. Philodendron grows perennially only in USDA zones 11 and 12.

Features

• The features of pothos and philodendron are so similar that the plants are often mistaken for each other. Both plants have heart-shaped leaves, but the colors of the leaves generally hint at the plant’s identification. Typically, pothos leaves are green with yellow markings, while philodendron foliage is solid green. A notable exception is the philodendron cultivar “Brazil,” which has pronounced yellow markings on its green leaves. Philodendrons are further grouped into climbing and nonclimbing types. The climbing types commonly have solid leaves and aerial roots, which cling to surfaces and support the plant's vertical growth. The nonclimbing types typically have dissected leaves and clumping habits.

Culture

• A similarity between pothos and philodendron is how they both perform well in low-light conditions, although pothos may lose its markings in dense shade. However, a primary difference is that pothos can tolerate some direct sun, which burns philodendron’s leaves. Another primary difference is each plant’s response to water. Pothos performs best when the soil stays consistently moist, a condition that favors root rot in philodendron. You should water philodendron thoroughly only when the soil is dry to the touch, before it wilts.