Pothos vs Philodendron: How to Tell Them Apart

Pothos and philodendron are the most commonly confused pair of houseplants. Both are tropical vining plants with heart-shaped leaves in similar shades of green, both trail readily from shelves and hanging baskets, both are widely available and inexpensive, and both are frequently mislabeled or sold without species identification in retail settings. Despite these similarities, they are different genera with distinct identifying characteristics that are reliably visible once you know what to look for.

They Are Not Related at the Species Level

Both plants belong to the aroid family Araceae, but they belong to different genera within that family. Pothos is Epipremnum aureum (formerly classified in several other genera including Scindapsus, which causes additional confusion). The heartleaf philodendron most commonly confused with pothos is Philodendron hederaceum or Philodendron cordatum. The care requirements for both groups are similar, so the distinction matters more for correct identification than for immediate care decisions, but knowing which plant you have determines which species-specific advice to follow.

Identification Point 1: The Petiole Shape

The most reliable way to distinguish pothos from philodendron is by the petiole, the stalk that connects the leaf blade to the stem.

In pothos, the petiole is distinctly grooved or channeled along one side near where it joins the leaf blade, creating a slight indentation. The top of the petiole where it meets the stem is also slightly raised or has a visible ridge.

In philodendron, the petiole is smooth and rounded all the way along its length, without a groove or channel. It tapers smoothly into both the stem and the leaf blade.

Run your finger along the petiole from leaf to stem. A groove or channel indicates pothos. A smooth, even cylinder indicates philodendron.

Identification Point 2: Leaf Texture

Pothos leaves have a slightly waxy, almost dimpled or quilted surface texture when examined closely in good light. The leaf blade feels firmer and more substantial than a philodendron leaf of similar size.

Philodendron hederaceum and cordatum have softer, slightly more matte leaves with a smoother surface. The texture difference is subtle but consistently present between the two genera.

Identification Point 3: Cataphylls

Philodendrons produce cataphylls: thin, papery, leaf-like structures that encase new leaves as they emerge, then dry up and remain attached to the stem as a dried sheath. On a healthy philodendron, you will see these dried brown papery sheaths at intervals along the stem, particularly near recent growth.

Pothos does not produce cataphylls. New leaves emerge directly from the stem without this papery encasement. The absence of dried sheaths on the stem is a useful negative indicator for pothos.

Care Implications

Both plants are tolerant and share similar care profiles: bright to medium indirect light, watering when the top few centimeters of mix are dry, and a standard well-draining potting mix. The golden pothos care guide and the philodendron hub cover the species-specific detail for each once identification is confirmed.