Philodendron vs. Pothos: Guide to Know the Plants Like a Pro

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Some of us coped with the pandemic by filling our houses with popular houseplants. Even if your at-home office now looks like a tiny jungle, you probably haven’t collected every type of philodendron.

So how do you figure out the best care regime for your plant? The first step is learning to tell the difference between philodendron vs. pothos.

Quick Summary: Philodendron vs.  Pothos

Pothos have thick, glossy, and sometimes variegated leaves with a deeply grooved petiole, while Heartleaf Philodendrons have more matte, elongated, and heart-shaped leaves with a smooth petiole.

Know Before You Grow

Since they are similar in appearance, growing  conditions might become the deciding factor when you’re choosing between the two.  Both plants prefer tropical climates. But philodendrons survive suboptimal conditions better than pothos.

How to Tell the Difference Between Pothos and Philodendron

Pothos have thick, glossy, sometimes variegated leaves with a deeply grooved petiole, while Philodendrons have more elongated, heart-shaped leaves with a smooth petiole.

Growth Habit

In perfect conditions, pothos plants produce new leaf and stem growth marginally faster than philodendrons. Pothos  can grow just under five inches per week; philodendrons just under four.

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