Money Plant Vs Philodendron – Your Ultimate Visual & Care Comparison

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever stood in a plant nursery, looking at two lush, vining plants with heart-shaped leaves, and felt a bit puzzled? You’re not alone! The great money plant vs philodendron debate is one of the most common points of confusion for houseplant lovers, from beginners to seasoned green thumbs.

It’s a classic case of mistaken identity. They look so similar, trail so beautifully, and are both incredibly forgiving. But what if I told you there are simple, secret clues that can help you tell them apart in seconds?

I promise, by the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently walk up to any vining plant and declare, “Aha! That’s a Philodendron,” with the certainty of a seasoned botanist. We’ll dive deep into the visual tells, create the ultimate side-by-side care guide, and tackle common problems to ensure your chosen plant thrives.

So, let’s settle the confusion once and for all and turn you into a plant-identifying pro. Ready to unlock the secrets?

Meet the Contenders: A Quick Introduction

Before we put them head-to-head, let’s get formally acquainted with our two leafy competitors. While they hail from the same plant family (Araceae), they belong to different genera, like close cousins rather than siblings.

The Resilient Money Plant (Pothos)

Often called Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, or by its scientific name, Epipremnum aureum, the Money Plant is a true champion of resilience. It’s famous for its ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions, even in low light, earning it a reputation as one of the best plants for beginners.

Its leaves are typically waxy, slightly thicker, and can feature beautiful variegation in shades of gold, white, or cream. It’s a fast-growing vine that brings a touch of the wild indoors with minimal fuss.

The Graceful Heartleaf Philodendron

Meet the Heartleaf Philodendron, or Philodendron hederaceum. This plant is the epitome of elegance, with distinctly heart-shaped leaves that are softer and more delicate to the touch than its Pothos counterpart.

Its trailing vines are slender and graceful, making it perfect for hanging baskets or draping over shelves. While it’s also wonderfully easy to care for, it has a slightly softer, more refined look that many plant parents adore.

Money Plant vs Philodendron: The Ultimate Visual Identification Guide

Okay, garden detectives, grab your magnifying glass (or just your keen eyes!). The differences are subtle but clear once you know what to look for. This is the core of our money plant vs philodendron guide.

H3: Leaf Shape, Texture, and Where It Meets the Stem

The most obvious clue is the leaves, but you have to look closely.

  • Money Plant (Pothos): The leaves are thicker, feel more waxy or leathery, and are often larger. The base of the leaf (where it connects to the petiole) is less symmetrical and has a less pronounced “dip” at the top of the heart shape.
  • Heartleaf Philodendron: The leaves are thinner, softer to the touch, and have a more perfect, pronounced heart shape. Look for that deep, elegant curve where the leaf meets the stem—it’s a classic Philodendron trait.

H3: Petioles: The Secret Tell-Tale Sign

Here’s the pro tip that will solve 99% of your identification mysteries! The petiole is the little stalk that connects a leaf to the main stem. Examine it closely.

  • Money Plant (Pothos): The petiole has a visible indentation or groove running along its length, almost like a little channel. If you run your fingernail across it, you’ll feel the dip.
  • Heartleaf Philodendron: The petiole is perfectly rounded and smooth. There is no groove or indent at all. It’s completely cylindrical.

Honestly, once you learn this trick, you’ll never be confused again. It’s one of the best money plant vs philodendron tips out there!

H3: New Growth: The Unfurling Story

How a plant produces new leaves is another fascinating clue. It’s like watching two different kinds of natural origami.

  • Money Plant (Pothos): A new leaf simply grows and unfurls from the end of the vine, emerging from the previous leaf. It’s a straightforward process.
  • Heartleaf Philodendron: A new leaf emerges encased in a protective waxy sheath called a cataphyll. As the leaf unfurls, this little sheath dries up, turns brown, and eventually falls off the plant. If you see these tiny, papery remnants on the stem, you’ve got a Philodendron!
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H3: Aerial Roots and Stems

If you let these plants climb, they’ll produce aerial roots to grab onto surfaces. Even these have subtle differences.

  • Money Plant (Pothos): The stems are generally thicker and more robust. It tends to produce one, thick, stubby aerial root at each node (the point where a leaf grows from the stem).
  • Heartleaf Philodendron: The stems are thinner and more delicate. It often produces multiple, finer, more hair-like aerial roots at each node, giving it a whisker-like appearance.

The Complete Money Plant vs Philodendron Care Guide

The good news? Both plants are incredibly easygoing! Don’t worry—these vining beauties are perfect for beginners. Their care is very similar, but knowing the slight differences can help you provide the absolute best environment. Here are some money plant vs philodendron best practices for care.

H3: Light Requirements

Both plants are famous for their tolerance of lower light conditions, but they truly thrive in bright, indirect light. Think of a spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a sunny south or west-facing window.

  • Money Plant (Pothos): Can handle lower light but may lose its variegation (the pretty patterns on its leaves). To keep a Golden Pothos golden, give it more bright, indirect light.
  • Heartleaf Philodendron: Is slightly more tolerant of low light than Pothos. It will happily maintain its deep green color even in shadier corners of your home.

H3: Watering Wisdom

Overwatering is the number one enemy for both of these plants. They would much rather be a little too dry than a little too wet. The golden rule is to let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings.

  • Money Plant (Pothos): Is incredibly drought-tolerant. Its thicker leaves store more water, so it can forgive you if you forget to water it for a little while. The leaves will start to look a little soft or droopy when it’s thirsty.
  • Heartleaf Philodendron: Also likes to dry out, but its thinner leaves may show signs of thirst a bit sooner by looking wilted.

Pro-Tip: The “finger test” is your best friend. Stick your index finger into the soil up to your first knuckle. If it comes out dry, it’s time to water. If it’s moist, wait a few more days!

H3: The Perfect Soil & Feeding Routine

A standard, high-quality, well-draining indoor potting mix is perfect for both. You don’t need anything fancy! To improve drainage, you can add a handful of perlite or orchid bark to your mix.

When it comes to feeding, less is more. Feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Skip fertilizing in the fall and winter when their growth naturally slows down.

Common Problems with Money Plant vs Philodendron (And How to Fix Them)

Even the toughest plants can run into trouble. Luckily, the common problems with money plant vs philodendron are usually easy to diagnose and solve.

H3: The Mystery of Yellow Leaves

This is almost always a sign of overwatering. The soil is staying too wet for too long, causing the roots to struggle. Cut back on your watering frequency immediately and ensure the pot has drainage holes. Pluck off the yellow leaves to keep the plant looking tidy.

H3: Tackling Leggy Growth

Are your vines looking long and sparse, with lots of space between the leaves? This is called “leggy” growth and it means your plant is stretching to find more light. Move it to a brighter location and don’t be afraid to prune it back! Trimming the vines will encourage bushier, fuller growth.

H3: Unwanted Guests: Common Pests

Both plants are quite pest-resistant, but they can occasionally attract pests like spider mites or mealybugs. If you see fine webbing or tiny white cottony spots, act fast. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and treat the plant with a gentle insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. This is an excellent, eco-friendly money plant vs philodendron pest solution.

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Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Money Plant vs Philodendron Best Practices

Being a green thumb can also mean being green for the planet. Both of these plants are perfect for sustainable gardening practices.

  • Propagate to Share: Both plants are incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings. Instead of buying a new plant, simply snip a piece of vine, place it in water, and watch it grow roots! It’s a free, sustainable way to create more plants for yourself or to share with friends.
  • Choose Peat-Free Soil: When potting or repotting, opt for a peat-free or coco coir-based potting mix. This helps protect fragile peat bog ecosystems.
  • Natural Fertilizers: Use organic options like compost tea or worm castings to feed your plants. It’s a gentle, natural way to provide nutrients without harsh chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Money Plant vs Philodendron

H3: Are Money Plant and Heartleaf Philodendron toxic to pets?

Yes, unfortunately, both plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. They can cause irritation of the mouth, drooling, and vomiting. It’s best to keep them in hanging baskets or on high shelves, safely out of reach of curious pets and small children.

H3: Which one grows faster?

In ideal conditions (bright, indirect light and consistent care), the Money Plant (Pothos) generally has a reputation for being a slightly faster and more aggressive grower than the Heartleaf Philodendron. However, both are satisfyingly fast growers that will reward you with long, trailing vines in no time.

H3: Can I grow them together in the same pot?

Absolutely! Since their care needs for light, water, and soil are so similar, they make excellent companions in a mixed planter or hanging basket. The slightly different leaf shapes and textures can create a beautiful, lush, and varied display.

H3: What are the benefits of money plant vs philodendron in the home?

Both plants offer wonderful benefits! They are fantastic air purifiers, known to filter common indoor toxins from the air. Aesthetically, their lush, trailing nature adds a vibrant touch of green that can soften any space, boost your mood, and connect you with nature. Plus, their easy-care nature makes them a stress-free and rewarding hobby.

So, Who Wins the Showdown?

In the friendly battle of money plant vs philodendron, the real winner is… you! There’s no wrong choice here. Both are stunning, resilient, and rewarding houseplants that are perfect for bringing a slice of the jungle indoors.

Now you’re armed with the expert knowledge to tell them apart with a single glance. You know to check for the grooved petiole on a Pothos and the smooth, round one on a Philodendron. You know to look for the papery cataphylls that signal a new Philodendron leaf is on its way.

Whether you choose the waxy, robust charm of the Money Plant or the delicate, graceful heart of the Philodendron, you’re making a fantastic choice. Go forth, grow with confidence, and enjoy your beautiful, thriving indoor garden!

Rimon Chowdhury
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