Golden Pothos vs Satin Pothos
Satin pothos is a Scindapsus, not a pothos: matte silver-dusted leaves, a little more humidity wanted. Care is otherwise the same easy, low-water routine.
Golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. Satin Pothos wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun. Satin Pothos 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
- ✓you want visible growth and free cuttings quickly
Choose
Satin Pothos if…
- ✓you have a bright window to give it (medium indirect light)
- ✓it will live in a bathroom, kitchen or a humidified room
- ✓you would rather not prune and repot often
Golden Pothos vs Satin Pothos: side by side
| Attribute |
Golden Pothos
|
Satin Pothos
|
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Moderate |
| Air purifying | Yes | Yes |
| Native to | Southeast Asia | Southeast Asia |
Key differences between Golden Pothos and Satin Pothos
Golden Pothos copes with less light
Golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. Satin Pothos wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Satin Pothos needs damper air
Satin Pothos rates 3/5 for humidity - normal household humidity works. Golden Pothos rates 2/5, so ordinary room air is fine.
Golden Pothos fills out faster
Golden Pothos is a fast grower and gives you cuttings or a full pot sooner. Satin Pothos is moderate, which means less pruning and repotting but a longer wait.
How to tell Golden Pothos and Satin Pothos apart
Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is a different genus wearing the pothos name. Its leaves are matte, slightly thick and dusted with silver, and it tolerates a little more humidity and slightly more light than golden pothos. Care is otherwise nearly identical.
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 →
Satin Pothos
Scindapsus Pictus, Silver Pothos
Velvety leaves with silver splashes. Not a true pothos.
Care in one line: Medium indirect light, water when dry, enjoys humidity.
Full Satin Pothos care guide →Golden Pothos vs Satin Pothos: common questions
What is the difference between Golden Pothos and Satin Pothos? +
Satin pothos (Scindapsus pictus) is a different genus wearing the pothos name. Its leaves are matte, slightly thick and dusted with silver, and it tolerates a little more humidity and slightly more light than golden pothos. Care is otherwise nearly identical. On care, golden Pothos needs low to medium light (2/5) - fine a few metres back from a window. Satin Pothos wants medium indirect light (3/5), near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which is easier to care for, Golden Pothos or Satin Pothos? +
Neither - both are rated easy. The practical difference is golden pothos copes with less light.
Is Golden Pothos or Satin Pothos safe for cats and dogs? +
Neither. Golden Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs and Satin Pothos is toxic to cats and dogs. Both need a spot pets cannot reach.
Which needs less light, Golden Pothos or Satin Pothos? +
Golden Pothos. It scores 2/5 for light and fine a few metres back from a window. Satin Pothos scores 3/5 and near a bright window, out of direct sun.
Which needs more water, Golden Pothos or Satin Pothos? +
Neither - both score 2/5. For each one, water when the top 3-5 cm of soil has dried out.
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