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Pothos tend to grow faster than philodendrons in most home conditions, but the exact growth rate depends on the variety and care you provide.
If you’re comparing a standard golden pothos to a heartleaf philodendron, the pothos usually outpaces the philodendron in terms of new leaves and vine length.
Both plants are easy to grow and belong to different genera, but pothos are often labeled as faster-growing because they root more quickly and tolerate lower light better.
In this post, we’ll dive into why pothos grow faster than philodendrons, which factors can change that, and how you can speed up growth for either plant.
Let’s talk about the speed difference between these two popular houseplants.
Why Pothos Often Grows Faster Than Philodendron
Pothos grow faster than philodendrons for several biological and environmental reasons.
These traits make pothos a top choice if you want quick coverage or fast results.
1. Faster Rooting and Establishment
When you propagate a cutting in water, pothos roots appear within a week or two, while philodendron can take up to three weeks.
This quicker rooting means the pothos starts absorbing nutrients and water sooner, which fuels faster growth above the soil.
For example, a pothos cutting placed in soil will often produce new leaves within a month, whereas a philodendron cutting may lag behind.
That head start is one big reason pothos grow faster than philodendrons in the early stages.
2. More Aggressive Vining
Pothos vines tend to elongate more rapidly than philodendron vines, especially in bright indirect light.
A pothos can stretch several inches per week during the growing season, while a philodendron often grows in shorter bursts.
This aggressive vining habit means pothos fill in a pot or trail down a bookshelf much faster than a philodendron will.
The overall growth rate difference is most visible in the length of the stems and the density of leaves.
3. Higher Light Tolerance
Pothos can handle brighter light without scorching, which allows them to photosynthesize more efficiently and grow faster.
Philodendrons prefer shadier spots and may slow down if light gets too intense, making pothos the faster grower in brighter rooms.
Even in low light, pothos usually maintain a decent growth pace, while philodendrons may almost stop growing.
This adaptability explains why pothos are often called the faster-growing houseplant.
Factors That Affect How Fast Pothos and Philodendron Grow
While pothos grow faster than philodendrons by default, certain conditions can change that comparison.
Both plants respond strongly to their environment, so you can influence which one wins the speed race.
Light Levels
Bright indirect light boosts growth for both, but pothos still outpace philodendrons because they use light more efficiently.
If you give a philodendron perfect light and a pothos mediocre light, the philodendron might catch up or even surpass the pothos.
However, under identical light, the pothos will almost always produce more leaves and longer vines.
So light is the biggest variable that can make a philodendron grow faster than a pothos if you optimize it.
Watering and Humidity
Both plants like their soil to dry out slightly between waterings, but pothos are more forgiving of neglect.
If you overwater either, root rot slows growth dramatically, but pothos tend to recover faster.
Higher humidity helps both grow faster, but pothos again show a stronger response with bigger, more frequent leaves.
Keep humidity above 50% for both to maintain good growth, especially for philodendrons.
Soil and Nutrients
A well-draining potting mix with organic matter gives both plants the nutrients they need to grow quickly.
Pothos respond particularly well to regular fertilization during spring and summer, producing larger leaves and faster vines.
Philodendrons also benefit from feeding, but they don’t double in size as dramatically as pothos do with extra nutrients.
If soil is poor or compacted, both slow down, but pothos still manage to push out growth more reliably.
Tips to Make Both Pothos and Philodendron Grow Faster
You can help either plant grow faster by following a few simple care techniques.
These tips work for pothos and philodendron, but you’ll see the biggest speed increase in the one that naturally wins the race.
Provide Bright Indirect Light
Place your plant near an east or north-facing window, or a few feet from a south or west window.
Avoid direct sun, which can burn leaves and slow growth.
More light means more energy for photosynthesis, and pothos grow faster than philodendrons in brighter spots.
Rotate the pot weekly so all sides get light, promoting even, fast growth.
Fertilize Regularly During Growing Season
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (like 10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 4 to 6 weeks from spring through summer.
Pothos respond especially well to monthly feeding, producing leaves that are larger and more variegated.
For philodendrons, fertilizing every 6 weeks is enough to maintain steady, decent growth.
Skip fertilizer in fall and winter when the plant rests, or you might burn the roots.
Prune and Propagate for Fuller Plants
Trim back long vines to encourage branching, which makes the plant look bushier and stimulates new growth.
You can root the cuttings in water or soil and pot them back with the mother plant for an instant fullness boost.
Pothos cuttings root so quickly that you’ll see new growth within a few weeks, reinforcing that pothos grow faster than philodendrons.
Regular pruning also prevents the plant from becoming leggy, keeping both pothos and philodendrons looking lush.
So, Do Pothos or Philodendron Grow Faster?
Pothos grow faster than philodendrons in virtually all growing conditions, especially when it comes to vine length and leaf production.
The faster rooting, more aggressive vining, and higher light tolerance of pothos give them a clear edge in the growth rate department.
However, if you provide a philodendron with optimal light, consistent watering, and regular feeding, it can still grow at a respectable pace.
But for sheer speed, pothos win every time, making them perfect for anyone who wants a fast-growing, trailing houseplant.