Philodendron varieties, Satin Pothos, Mini Monstera, Grape Ivy, and Swiss Cheese Plant are plants similar to Pothos (Epipremnum aureum). While Pothos and its lookalikes share similarities, they differ in leaf shape, growth habits, aerial roots, and toxicity. Here, I will show you how to distinguish them and appreciate their unique qualities by examining the above features, so, stay with me until the end of this post.
Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant and know the Pothos is a popular houseplant for its aesthetics green trailing view, adaptability and ease of care. I found out there are some plants that share similar characteristics with Pothos making people confused, However, I appreciate them because they can be used as alternatives in indoor decorations.
Here, I listed 5 of the best plants similar to Pothos and give you pro tips to identify them. let’s get going.
Choose your Houseplant Wisely: Plants Similar to Pothos
1- Philodendron Plants Similar to Pothos
Here I listed the most popular Philodendron varieties with similar vining habits and foliage including:
- The Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
- The Selloum Philodendron (Philodendron selloum)
- The Birkin Philodendron.
Now, let’s consider the features that help you to distinguish Philodendron varieties from Photos.
Pothos vs. Philodendron: A Comprehensive Comparison
As I found out the Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and philodendrons are both popular houseplants known for their versatility and ease of care. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that can help you distinguish them. Please read my other post about Pothos vs Philodendron vs Monstera: Easy Quick Way to Identify.
Look at petioles if you spot a groove in its base, your plant is a Pothos but if you find a round Petiole without any groove in its base, it is likely a Philodendron. Anyway, if you find cataphyll around the new emerging leaf, undoubtedly your plant is a Philodendron.
2- Satin Pothos Plants Similar to Pothos
Scientific name: Scindapsus pictus
Common names: Silk Pothos · Silver Pothos, silver vine
As you can see in the above pic, Silk Pothos has variegated leaves with silvery markings. This vine, like Pothos, is a low-maintenance houseplant with a similar growth habit to pothos.
Both pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and Stain Pothos (Scindapsus pictus) are popular vining houseplants due to their adaptability and ease of care. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that can help you distinguish them.
Leaf Shape and Colour:
Pothos has heart-shaped leaves with variegated patterns that completely differ from the silvery-white markings of heart-shaped leaves of Satin Pothos
Look at petioles again, as I told you above, if you spot a groove in its base, your plant is a Pothos but if you find a round Petiole without any groove in its base, it is likely a Stain Pothos (Scindapsus pictus). In addition, Photos, unlike Satin Pothos, never has cataphyll around its new emerging leaf.
3- Grape Ivy Plants Similar to Pothos
Scientific names: Cissus alata
Common names: Grape leaf ivy, Oak leaf ivy, Venezuela treebine
This vine plant has heart-shaped leaves with tendrils that help it climb. Both pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and Grape Ivy are popular vining houseplants known for their adaptability and ease of care. While they share some similarities, there are key differences that can help you distinguish them.
Leaf Shape:
Grape Ivy like Pothos l has heart-shaped leaves but are often more rounded, have a slightly different texture, and the edge of leaves are serrated.
Aerial Roots:
- Pothos produces aerial roots that help it climb but the Grape Ivy uses tendrils rather than aerial roots to climb.
Toxicity:
As you may know, the Pothos is considered toxic to pets if ingested but Grape Ivy is generally considered safe for pets. However, I think it is a good idea to consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns.
4- Mini Monstera Plants Similar to Pothos
Scientific names: Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
Common names: Philodendron “Ginny”, Philodendron “Piccolo”
This vining plant has heart-shaped leaves with a unique split pattern. It is a relatively new addition to the houseplant world but has gained popularity due to its attractive appearance.
Pothos vs. Mini Monstera is really hard to compare, do you know why? some people say Monstera has heart-shaped leaves with a unique split pattern but there are Pothos varieties with split leaves. In addition, the Monstera new leaves are complete without any holes.
I mentioned tips to distinguish these plants in my other post Pothos vs Philodendron vs Monstera: Easy Quick Way to Identify according to my experience that will be useful for you. I recommend reading it.
- 5- Swiss Cheese Plants Similar to Pothos
Scientific name: Monstera deliciosa
Common name: Split-leaf philodendron
While not as vining as pothos, Monstera deliciosa has large, perforated leaves that can be trained to climb.
Pothos vs. Swiss Cheese Plant: A Comparison
Both pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and Swiss Cheese plants are popular vining houseplants known for their adaptability and attractive foliage. As I told you above distinguishing between Pothos and Monstra can be challenging. by and large, I will compare the common pothos with Monstera with key differences that can help you distinguish them.
- Common Pothos has heart-shaped leaves with variegated patterns while the Swiss Cheese Plant has large, perforated leaves with holes or slits.
- Pothos generally has a more slender and vine-like appearance but Monstera deliciosa has a much larger and more robust appearance with large, perforated leaves.
Conclusion
Who is your houseplant? A Pothos or one of its lookalikes? I introduced 5 tropical plants similar to Pothos including Philodendron varieties, Satin Pothos, Mini Monstera, Grape Ivy, and Swiss Cheese Plant. I also gave you key features to distinguish Pothos from its similarities.
I also told you that Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and above tropical plants have similarities but you can distinguish between them by considering distinct differences such as their leaf shape, growth habits, aerial roots, and toxicity.
Please remember that most of these plants like Pothos can tolerate low light conditions, however, some plants may have slightly different care needs than Pothos. So, correct identification is a key to providing their true Caring requirements.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.