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This is a very common mix-up, and plants are often mislabeled in stores. There are a few reliable ways to tell them apart, and some small care differences.
Leaf texture: Pothos leaves are usually thicker and waxier, sometimes slightly bumpy. Heartleaf Philodendron leaves are thinner, softer and smoother.
Leaf shape: Pothos leaves tend to be broader and a little asymmetrical. Heartleaf Philodendron leaves are a more even heart shape with a longer, more pointed tip.
New growth: this is the clearest sign. A new Pothos leaf unrolls from the previous leaf. A new Philodendron leaf emerges from a cataphyll, a thin sheath that protects the young leaf and later dries brown and falls off. Brown, papery sheaths along the stem point to Philodendron.
Stems and aerial roots: Pothos stems are usually thicker, with one thick, stubby aerial root at each node. Heartleaf Philodendron stems are thinner and can have a brownish tint, and the aerial roots are thinner and often in small clusters.
A trailing plant with thick stems and green leaves streaked lighter green or yellow is often a Golden Pothos. For care, both are forgiving. Pothos is usually a little more tolerant of dry spells, while Philodendron likes slightly more even moisture. In practice, similar care suits both.
Leaf texture: Pothos leaves are usually thicker and waxier, sometimes slightly bumpy. Heartleaf Philodendron leaves are thinner, softer and smoother.
Leaf shape: Pothos leaves tend to be broader and a little asymmetrical. Heartleaf Philodendron leaves are a more even heart shape with a longer, more pointed tip.
New growth: this is the clearest sign. A new Pothos leaf unrolls from the previous leaf. A new Philodendron leaf emerges from a cataphyll, a thin sheath that protects the young leaf and later dries brown and falls off. Brown, papery sheaths along the stem point to Philodendron.
Stems and aerial roots: Pothos stems are usually thicker, with one thick, stubby aerial root at each node. Heartleaf Philodendron stems are thinner and can have a brownish tint, and the aerial roots are thinner and often in small clusters.
A trailing plant with thick stems and green leaves streaked lighter green or yellow is often a Golden Pothos. For care, both are forgiving. Pothos is usually a little more tolerant of dry spells, while Philodendron likes slightly more even moisture. In practice, similar care suits both.
Plant Care Club
Mar 15, 2026