Philodendron vs. Pothos: Quick Visual ID Guide

Heart-leaf Philodendron and Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) are easily confused.

Feature	Philodendron	Pothos
Leaf color	Deep, matte green	Often variegated (yellow/white)
Leaf texture	Thin, soft	Thicker, waxy
Stem	Thin, flexible	Thicker, grooved
Variegation	Never	Common
New leaves	Emerge from cataphyll (sheath)	Emerge unfurled

Rule of Thumb

Variegation = Pothos. All-green could be either—check stem and leaf thickness.

House Plants: Managing a Large Philodendron selloum Without Root Pruning; Reviving a Dehydrated Philodendron After Neglect; Pothos Recovery After Complete Defoliation; Pothos: Rejuvenating Bare Vines; Complete Guide to Growing Golden Pothos: Light, Water, and Care Essentials; Complete Guide to Growing Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) for a Science Project; Philodendron Selloum (Tree Philodendron): Huge Lobed Leaves, Spreading Giant; Pothos (Devil's Ivy) Care: The Ultimate Beginner Houseplant; Growing Philodendron as an Easy Care Houseplant; Golden Pothos: The Ultimate Low-Maintenance Office Plant

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