How To Tell Pothos From Philodendron

You can tell pothos from philodendron by examining their leaves and stems closely.
 
These two popular houseplants are often confused because they share similar trailing habits and heart-shaped leaves.
 
But once you know what to look for, telling pothos from philodendron becomes much easier and more fun.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the main differences so you can identify them with confidence.
 
Let’s dive into how to tell pothos from philodendron and never mix them up again.
 

Key Differences to Tell Pothos from Philodendron

1. Leaf Shape Differences Between Pothos and Philodendron

One of the easiest ways to tell pothos from philodendron is by looking at the leaf shape.
 
Pothos leaves are thicker, waxy, and have a more heart-like shape with a pointed tip.
 
Philodendron leaves are also heart-shaped but are thinner and more elongated.
 
Also, philodendron leaves have a pronounced indentation where the stem attaches, called the sinus.
 
Pothos leaves lack this deep indentation, making them look more solid and uniform.
 
When you compare a pothos leaf to a philodendron leaf side by side, the sinus is a dead giveaway.
 
This sinus is a key feature to tell pothos from philodendron quickly and accurately.
 
Even beginner plant owners can rely on this shape difference to tell pothos from philodendron.
 

2. Texture and Sheen – A Quick Way to Tell Pothos from Philodendron

Another clue to tell pothos from philodendron is the texture of the leaves.
 
Pothos leaves are waxy and feel almost plastic-like to the touch.
 
Philodendron leaves are softer, more matte, and often slightly velvety.
 
This texture difference is very noticeable when you run your fingers over the leaves.
 
If you want to tell pothos from philodendron quickly, feel the leaf surface.
 
The waxy coating on pothos leaves also makes them more tolerant of neglect.
 
Philodendron leaves require a bit more humidity to stay happy and avoid crisp edges.
 
So when you tell pothos from philodendron by touch, the glossiness is a clear indicator.
 

3. Leaf Margin and Color Variations

The leaf margin also helps tell pothos from philodendron.
 
Pothos leaves often have a consistent color or subtle variegation in shades of green and yellow.
 
Philodendron leaves can have a more pronounced variegation pattern, especially in cultivars like ‘Brasil’.
 
But generally, if you see a leaf with a distinct lighter edge, it’s likely a philodendron.
 
Variegation patterns are useful to tell pothos from philodendron, but not always reliable alone.
 
You can also look at the undersides of the leaves for more clues.
 
Pothos leaf undersides are typically a lighter green, while philodendron undersides are similar to the top.
 
This extra detail reinforces how to tell pothos from philodendron with certainty.
 

How to Tell Pothos from Philodendron by Stem Characteristics

1. Stem Shape and Texture

The stems also help you tell pothos from philodendron.
 
Pothos stems are thicker and have a distinct ridge or groove along one side.
 
Philodendron stems are rounder, smoother, and more slender.
 
If you look closely at the nodes, pothos stems have a brownish, papery sheath that falls off.
 
Philodendron stems do not have this sheath, so the nodes appear cleaner.
 
This stem sheath is a reliable way to tell pothos from philodendron once you spot it.
 
The ridge on pothos stems can be felt with a fingernail as you run it down the stem.
 
So examining stem shape is an excellent method to tell pothos from philodendron.
 

2. Aerial Roots Growth

Aerial roots are also different when you tell pothos from philodendron.
 
Pothos produces thicker, sturdier aerial roots that cling to surfaces like moss poles.
 
Philodendron has thinner, more delicate aerial roots that are less aggressive.
 
This is because pothos is a climbing plant by nature, while philodendron is more of a trailer.
 
Observing the aerial roots can confirm how to tell pothos from philodendron.
 
Pothos aerial roots often look like little fingers grasping, while philodendron roots are more like fine hairs.
 
If you see chunky aerial roots, that’s a strong sign you have a pothos.
 

3. Stem Color and Growth Tips

You can also tell pothos from philodendron by the color of new growth.
 
Pothos new stems are often slightly brownish or reddish.
 
Philodendron new growth tends to be green or with a hint of copper.
 
This difference is subtle but becomes obvious if you look at the growing tips.
 
Paying attention to stem color is another way to tell pothos from philodendron.
 
New leaves on pothos also emerge with a reddish tint before turning green.
 
Philodendron new leaves are generally green from the start.
 
Thus, stem color is a useful supplement to tell pothos from philodendron.
 

How to Tell Pothos from Philodendron by Growth Habit

1. Trailing vs. Climbing Tendencies

Pothos tends to grow longer vines with leaves spaced farther apart.
 
Philodendron grows more compactly, with leaves clustered closer together.
 
When you tell pothos from philodendron, look at the overall habit.
 
Pothos will often have a single long vine that trails down, while philodendron branches more.
 
If you see a plant with many stems emerging from the soil, it’s more likely a philodendron.
 
A pothos plant will typically have fewer but longer stems.
 
This growth pattern is another reliable trait to tell pothos from philodendron.
 

2. New Leaf Emergence

You can also tell pothos from philodendron by how new leaves emerge.
 
Pothos new leaves unfurl from a tight curl, and the stem extends from it.
 
Philodendron new leaves emerge from a cataphyll, a small papery covering that dries and falls off.
 
This cataphyll is unique to philodendrons and is a definitive way to tell pothos from philodendron.
 
Watch for that papery sheath on new leaves to confirm your identification.
 
The cataphyll may stay attached for a while before falling off.
 
If you see a white or brown scale at the base of a new leaf, that’s a philodendron.
 

3. Leaf Size and Maturity

As the plant matures, leaf size can help tell pothos from philodendron.
 
Mature pothos leaves can become very large, especially if climbing.
 
Philodendron leaves also get bigger but often remain more modest in size.
 
However, both can produce large leaves under ideal conditions.
 
But the leaf texture and sinus remain consistent, so always check those first.
 
Size alone isn’t enough, but combined with other factors it confirms how to tell pothos from philodendron.
 
In younger plants, the differences are less obvious, but still present.
 

So, How to Tell Pothos from Philodendron?

You can tell pothos from philodendron by checking leaf shape, texture, stems, and growth patterns.
 
With these tips, you’ll easily tell pothos from philodendron every time.
 
Remember to look for the leaf sinus on philodendrons, the waxy texture of pothos, stem ridges on pothos, and the cataphyll on new philodendron leaves.
 
Now you can confidently identify your houseplants and share these differences with friends.
 
Knowing how to tell pothos from philodendron makes you a more observant plant parent.
 
So next time you’re at a nursery, use these clues to tell pothos from philodendron instantly.