Difference Between Pothos And Money Plant – Your Complete Visual

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Ever stood in a garden center, holding two lush, vining plants, and thought, “Wait, aren’t these the same thing?” Or maybe a friend gifted you a beautiful cutting they called a “Money Plant,” but it looks exactly like the “Pothos” you saw online. If so, you’re not alone! This is one of the most common head-scratchers in the houseplant world.

Don’t worry, we’re going to clear up that confusion for good. Think of me as your friendly gardening neighbor, here to share the simple secrets to telling these green beauties apart. This isn’t just about getting the name right; it’s about understanding your plant’s unique personality so you can help it truly thrive.

In this complete guide, we’ll unravel the naming mystery, dive into the subtle visual clues in their leaves and stems, and explore their unique growth habits. By the end, you’ll have the confidence to easily spot the difference between pothos and money plant and give each one the perfect care it deserves.

The Big Secret: Pothos IS Often Called a Money Plant!

Let’s start with the biggest source of confusion. The plant most people know as Pothos, with the scientific name Epipremnum aureum, is frequently called Money Plant in many parts of the world, especially in South Asia.

This nickname comes from Feng Shui, where its resilient, heart-shaped leaves are believed to attract wealth and positive energy. So, if your plant is a vining trailer with waxy, spade-shaped leaves and someone calls it a Money Plant, you are probably both correct!

The real identification challenge arises because Pothos has a very famous look-alike that it’s often confused with: the Heartleaf Philodendron. This is where knowing the specific visual cues becomes essential for every plant parent.

The Real Showdown: Pothos (Money Plant) vs. Heartleaf Philodendron

When people struggle with how to difference between pothos and money plant, they are most often trying to distinguish a Pothos from a Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum). They look incredibly similar at first glance, but once you know what to look for, the differences are as clear as day. Let’s break down this ultimate identification guide.

Leaf Shape and Texture: The #1 Clue

Your first and best clue is right in the leaves. Go ahead and touch them!

  • Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos leaves are thicker, feel waxy, and have a slightly raised texture. The shape is more of an asymmetrical spade, and the base of the leaf (where it connects to the stem) is relatively straight across.
  • Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum): Philodendron leaves are noticeably thinner, softer, and often have a more velvety or matte finish. They are a much more pronounced, symmetrical heart shape. The key giveaway is a deep, curved indentation at the base of the leaf, forming the top of the “heart.”

Pro Tip: If you’re looking at a new, unfurled leaf, a Philodendron’s will be a perfect little heart shape right away. A Pothos leaf tends to be more elongated when it first opens.

Stems and Aerial Roots: A Tale of Two Vines

Next, take a look at the stems and the little nubs growing from them. These are aerial roots, which the plants use to climb in their natural habitat.

  • Pothos Stems: The stems are thicker, tougher, and generally a similar color to the leaves. At each node (the little bump where a leaf grows), a Pothos will typically put out one thick, stubby aerial root to anchor itself.
  • Philodendron Stems: The stems are thinner, more delicate, and more vine-like. At each node, a Philodendron will often produce several finer, whisker-like aerial roots, giving it a slightly messier look.
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New Leaf Growth: The Ultimate Telltale Sign

If you’re still unsure, watching a new leaf emerge is the final, foolproof test. This is one of the best difference between pothos and money plant tips you can learn.

  • Pothos New Growth: A new Pothos leaf simply emerges and unfurls from the tip of the vine, breaking away from the previous leaf’s stem. It’s a straightforward process.
  • Philodendron New Growth: This is the magic trick! A new Philodendron leaf grows inside a protective waxy sheath called a cataphyll. This little casing protects the new leaf as it develops and then dries up and falls off after the leaf has unfurled. If you see these tiny, papery brown sheaths on the vine or on the soil below, you have a Heartleaf Philodendron, without a doubt.

A Complete Difference Between Pothos and Money Plant Care Guide

While both plants are famously easygoing, knowing which one you have allows you to fine-tune your care for the happiest, healthiest growth. Following these difference between pothos and money plant best practices will make a world of difference.

Light Requirements

Both plants are stars of the low-light world, but they have their preferences.

A Pothos is the champion of adaptability and can tolerate very low light conditions. However, for lush growth and vibrant color (especially in variegated types like Marble Queen), it prefers bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch its leaves.

A Heartleaf Philodendron also thrives in bright, indirect light but is slightly more sensitive to direct sun. Its thinner leaves can burn more easily, so it’s happier a little further back from a bright window.

Watering Best Practices

The golden rule for both is to let the soil dry out between waterings. Overwatering is their number one enemy!

Because Pothos has thicker, waxier leaves, it stores more water and is slightly more drought-tolerant. It will forgive you if you forget to water it for a little while.

The Heartleaf Philodendron, with its delicate leaves, might show you it’s thirsty a bit sooner by looking a little droopy. A good rule of thumb for both is to stick your finger two inches into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.

Sustainable Humidity and Temperature

Both are tropical plants that appreciate humidity, but they do just fine in average household conditions. If you want to give them a special treat, you can boost humidity using eco-friendly difference between pothos and money plant methods.

Try grouping them with other plants to create a humid microclimate, or place them on a pebble tray with water. Both are happy in typical room temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C).

Common Problems with Pothos and Money Plant (and Their Look-Alikes)

Even the toughest plants can face issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems with difference between pothos and money plant care.

Yellowing Leaves

This is almost always a sign of overwatering. Too much water suffocates the roots, preventing them from absorbing nutrients, which leads to yellow leaves. Always check the soil moisture before watering again. Cut back any mushy, black roots and repot in fresh, well-draining soil if root rot is severe.

Leggy Growth

Are your vines long and sparse, with lots of space between the leaves? This means the plant is stretching to find more light. Move it to a brighter location. Don’t be afraid to prune it back! Trimming the long vines encourages the plant to branch out, creating a fuller, bushier look. Plus, you can propagate the cuttings to make new plants—a perfectly sustainable difference between pothos and money plant practice!

Pest Control

Both plants are quite pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract mealybugs or spider mites. If you see tiny webs or white fuzzy spots, act quickly. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and treat the plant with a natural insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. It’s an effective and eco-friendly solution.

Benefits of Knowing the Difference Between Pothos and Money Plant

Understanding the subtle distinctions isn’t just for plant experts. There are real benefits of difference between pothos and money plant identification for every gardener.

  1. Optimized Care: You can provide the precise light and water your specific plant needs to flourish, preventing common issues like scorching or overwatering.
  2. Smarter Propagation: Knowing your plant’s growth habits helps you take more successful cuttings for propagation, allowing you to share your green joy with friends.
  3. Confident Plant Shopping: You can walk into any nursery and know exactly what you’re looking at, choosing the perfect plant for your space based on its texture, shape, and growth habit.
  4. Curated Home Decor: You can choose intentionally between the waxy sheen of a Pothos or the velvety heart shape of a Philodendron to perfectly match your home’s aesthetic.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Pothos and Money Plant

Is Satin Pothos a real Pothos or a Philodendron?

Surprise—it’s neither! Satin Pothos, with its stunning silvery splashes, is scientifically known as Scindapsus pictus. While it belongs to the same plant family as Pothos (Araceae), it’s a different genus. You can tell it apart by its dark green, velvety leaves and distinct silver markings.

Can Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron be planted together?

Absolutely! Because their care needs are so similar, they make fantastic pot-mates. Planting them together can create a beautiful display with contrasting textures and subtle shape differences. It’s a great way to add depth to a hanging basket.

Which one is better for absolute beginners?

This is a tough one, as both are top-tier beginner plants. However, if we had to choose, the Golden Pothos (the original Money Plant) is often considered virtually indestructible. Its tolerance for low light and slight neglect makes it the perfect first plant for anyone nervous about their green thumb.

Why is my Pothos (Money Plant) losing its beautiful variegation?

If your Marble Queen or Golden Pothos is turning more and more solid green, it’s begging for more light! Variegation (the white, yellow, or light green patches) contains less chlorophyll. In low light, the plant produces more chlorophyll to maximize energy production, causing the green to take over. Moving it to a spot with brighter, indirect light will help bring the color back.

Grow Forth with Confidence!

There you have it—the mystery is solved! The key to telling a Pothos (often called a Money Plant) from its closest look-alike, the Heartleaf Philodendron, lies in the details: the waxy vs. velvety leaves, the straight vs. deeply curved leaf base, and that telltale new-leaf sheath on the Philodendron.

Now that you’re armed with this difference between pothos and money plant guide, go take a closer look at your own vining beauties. Are they what you thought they were? No matter the answer, remember that the true joy is in the journey of learning and growing alongside your plants.

Whether you have a Pothos, a Philodendron, or both, you have a resilient, beautiful, and forgiving friend. Give it the right care, and it will reward you with cascading green beauty for years to come. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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