Pothos vs Heartleaf Philodendron
Quick answer
These two trailing houseplants are confused more often than any other pair. Both are easy and both trail beautifully. The difference is in the leaf texture and the petiole shape.
Side by side
| Golden pothos | Heartleaf philodendron | |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf texture | Waxy, slightly thicker | Smooth, thinner and softer |
| Petiole | Grooved channel running along the stem | Round stem, no groove |
| Light | Low light tolerant | Bright, indirect light |
| Origin | Society Islands (Pacific) | Caribbean |
| Watering | Every 6 to 8 days (summer), every 11 to 17 days (winter) | |
| Difficulty | Easy: one of the most forgiving plants | Easy: grows best in bright, indirect light |
| Pet safety | Toxic to cats and dogs | |
Light
Origin
Watering
Difficulty
Pet safetyWhich should you choose?
Golden pothos
Choose Pothos if you want waxy leaves that cope with a dim corner. It tolerates low light, though it grows fuller in brighter, indirect light.
Heartleaf philodendron
Choose Heartleaf Philodendron if you like thinner, softer leaves. It grows best in bright, indirect light, and the plain green form also tolerates low light.
Still unsure? Both cope with lower light and take the same watering, so choose the leaf you like.
More plant comparisons
Common questions
Are pothos and philodendron the same plant?
No, they’re different species from different genera. Pothos is Epipremnum aureum. Heartleaf Philodendron is Philodendron hederaceum. They look similar trailing down a shelf, but the petiole (leaf stalk) is the giveaway: Pothos has a grooved channel. Philodendron has a round stem.
Which is easier to grow, Pothos or Philodendron?
Both are rated easy and are among the most forgiving houseplants. Both tolerate lower light, and both grow fuller in bright, indirect light. Both follow the same watering rhythm.
Are both plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, both contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. If you have pets, consider a Spider plant or a Wax plant instead. Both are listed non-toxic for cats and dogs, and both trail the same way.
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