Golden Pothos vs English Ivy
Pothos is the better indoor plant - it takes darker corners and warm dry rooms. English ivy wants cool humid air and gets spider mites indoors.
Golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. English Ivy wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun. Golden Pothos wants low watering (2/5) - water when the top 3-5 cm of soil has dried out. English Ivy needs moderate watering (3/5): water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly.
What they share: both are toxic to cats and dogs, both are rated easy and both stay medium.
Choose
Golden Pothos if…
- ✓your spot is the dimmer of the two - it manages on low to medium light
- ✓you forget to water - it prefers to dry out between drinks
- ✓your home runs dry in winter and you will not add a humidifier
Choose
English Ivy if…
- ✓you have a bright window to give it (medium indirect light)
- ✓you like a plant that asks for attention on a schedule
- ✓it will live in a bathroom, kitchen or a humidified room
Golden Pothos vs English Ivy: side by side
| Attribute |
Golden Pothos
|
English Ivy
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Trailing | Trailing |
| Difficulty | easy | easy |
| Light | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low to medium light |
●●●○○ 3/5 Medium indirect light |
| Water | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low |
●●●○○ 3/5 Moderate |
| Humidity | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low |
●●●○○ 3/5 Average |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Mature size | Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
| Growth rate | Fast | Fast |
| Air purifying | Yes | Yes |
| Native to | Southeast Asia | Europe |
Key differences between Golden Pothos and English Ivy
Golden Pothos copes with less light
Golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. English Ivy wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun.
English Ivy drinks more
Golden Pothos wants low watering (2/5) - water when the top 3-5 cm of soil has dried out. English Ivy needs moderate watering (3/5): water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly.
English Ivy needs damper air
English Ivy rates 3/5 for humidity - normal household humidity works. Golden Pothos rates 2/5, so ordinary room air is fine.
They come from different habitats
Golden Pothos originates in Southeast Asia; English Ivy in Europe. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
How to tell Golden Pothos and English Ivy apart
Pothos is the indoor plant; English ivy really wants cool, bright, humid conditions and attracts spider mites in a warm dry room. Ivy clings and climbs on its own, pothos needs tying to a support. Both are toxic to pets.
Care at a glance
Golden Pothos
Devil's Ivy, Money Plant
One of the easiest houseplants to grow. Trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves. Thrives in almost any condition.
Care in one line: Low to bright indirect light, water when dry, very forgiving.
Full Golden Pothos care guide →
English Ivy
Hedera Helix
Classic trailing vine. Great for hanging baskets or climbing.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, keep moist, mist regularly.
Full English Ivy care guide →Golden Pothos vs English Ivy: common questions
What is the difference between Golden Pothos and English Ivy? +
Pothos is the indoor plant; English ivy really wants cool, bright, humid conditions and attracts spider mites in a warm dry room. Ivy clings and climbs on its own, pothos needs tying to a support. Both are toxic to pets. On care, golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. English Ivy wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which is easier to care for, Golden Pothos or English Ivy? +
Neither - both are rated easy. The practical difference is golden pothos copes with less light.
Is Golden Pothos or English Ivy safe for cats and dogs? +
Neither. Golden Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs and English Ivy is toxic to cats and dogs. Both need a spot pets cannot reach.
Which needs less light, Golden Pothos or English Ivy? +
Golden Pothos. It scores 2/5 for light and fine a few metres back from a window. English Ivy scores 3/5 and near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which needs more water, Golden Pothos or English Ivy? +
English Ivy, at 3/5 - water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly. Golden Pothos scores 2/5: water when the top 3-5 cm of soil has dried out.
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