Golden Pothos vs Heartleaf Philodendron
Pothos has thicker, waxy leaves and takes darker corners; philodendron's are softer and want a bit more light. Both easy, both toxic to pets.
Golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. Heartleaf Philodendron wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun. Heartleaf Philodendron rates 3/5 for humidity - normal household humidity works. Golden Pothos rates 2/5, so ordinary room air is fine.
What they share: both are toxic to cats and dogs, both are rated easy, both take low watering and both stay medium.
Choose
Golden Pothos if…
- ✓your spot is the dimmer of the two - it manages on low to medium light
- ✓your home runs dry in winter and you will not add a humidifier
- ✓the look is what you are after: One of the easiest houseplants to grow. Trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves. Thrives in almost any condition.
Choose
Heartleaf Philodendron if…
- ✓you have a bright window to give it (medium indirect light)
- ✓it will live in a bathroom, kitchen or a humidified room
- ✓the look is what you are after: Trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves. Very adaptable and forgiving.
Golden Pothos vs Heartleaf Philodendron: side by side
| Attribute |
Golden Pothos
|
Heartleaf Philodendron
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Trailing | Trailing |
| Difficulty | easy | easy |
| Light | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low to medium light |
●●●○○ 3/5 Medium indirect light |
| Water | ●●○○○ 2/5 Low |
●●○○○ 2/5 Low |
| 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 | Central America |
Key differences between Golden Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron
Golden Pothos copes with less light
Golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. Heartleaf Philodendron wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Heartleaf Philodendron needs damper air
Heartleaf Philodendron 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; Heartleaf Philodendron in Central America. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
How to tell Golden Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron apart
Look at the leaf and the stem. Pothos leaves are thick, waxy and slightly puckered, and the stem swells into a visible groove where it meets the leaf. Heartleaf philodendron leaves are thinner, softer and matte, with a longer, narrower point and a smooth stem. New philodendron leaves unfurl from a papery sheath; new pothos leaves simply unroll out of the previous leaf.
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 →
Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron Hederaceum, Sweetheart Plant
Trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves. Very adaptable and forgiving.
Care in one line: Low to bright indirect light, water when dry.
Full Heartleaf Philodendron care guide →Golden Pothos vs Heartleaf Philodendron: common questions
What is the difference between Golden Pothos and Heartleaf Philodendron? +
Look at the leaf and the stem. Pothos leaves are thick, waxy and slightly puckered, and the stem swells into a visible groove where it meets the leaf. Heartleaf philodendron leaves are thinner, softer and matte, with a longer, narrower point and a smooth stem. New philodendron leaves unfurl from a papery sheath; new pothos leaves simply unroll out of the previous leaf. On care, golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. Heartleaf Philodendron wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which is easier to care for, Golden Pothos or Heartleaf Philodendron? +
Neither - both are rated easy. The practical difference is golden pothos copes with less light.
Is Golden Pothos or Heartleaf Philodendron safe for cats and dogs? +
Neither. Golden Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs and Heartleaf Philodendron is toxic to cats and dogs. Both need a spot pets cannot reach.
Which needs less light, Golden Pothos or Heartleaf Philodendron? +
Golden Pothos. It scores 2/5 for light and fine a few metres back from a window. Heartleaf Philodendron scores 3/5 and near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which needs more water, Golden Pothos or Heartleaf Philodendron? +
Neither - both score 2/5. For each one, water when the top 3-5 cm of soil has dried out.
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