Pothos, Philodendron, and Monstera are popular indoor plants and their distinction (Pothos vs Philodendron vs Monstera) is possible by noticing their Petiole.
The Pothos Petiole have a groove at the base but the Philodendron petiole is round without any groove. However, you can see a Cataphyll that covers the new leaf of Philodendron (there isn’t in Pothos and Monstera). Monstera has a different story, its petiole has a distinctive winged Sheath at its base.
Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant. I want to share my experience identifying three popular indoor plants that people and some gardeners are confused about distinguishing: Pothos vs Philodendron vs Monstera. I recommend reading my other post “House Plant Identification by Leaf“.
Structures like the Petiolar sheath and Cataphyll are important characteristics that will help you with this issue. Keep reading to teach you with images. Before starting, let’s define some critical terms:
Botanical Terms to Identify
If you are familiar with terms such as Petiole, Petiolar Sheath, and Cataphyll, jump to the next part, otherwise, keep reading to learn them by images. I tried to make them easy for you.
Petiole and Petiolar Sheath: Grooved or Round
See the picture below, the Petiole is a part of the leaf that is similar to a stalk and connects the leaf blade to the stem.
In some plants such as Pothos (English Ivy) and Monstera, a structure in the base of the petiole called a Petiolar sheath covers the new bud (new leaf). After growing the new leaf, the Petiole sheath may stay green as a part of the petiole.
In some plants such as Pothos and Monstera, the Petiolar sheath will dry out and turn brown (but will not fall off). Hence, it will cause a groove with brown wings in the base of the Petioles’ Pothos and Monstera plants.
But in Philodendrons the petiole is round without any groove in its base.
Cataphyll
In some Plants such as Philodendrons, you see bract-like leaves that cover the new leaf to protect it and are called Cataphyll. After growing the new leaf, the Cataphyll may be deciduous or persistent in various varieties and species.
Petiolar Sheath vs Cataphyll
The Petiolar Sheath is attached to the petiole but the Cataphyll is a separate (independent) part of the Petiole.
And now, let’s dive into distinguishing Pothos, Philodendron and Monstera based on their petiole and cataphyll with images.
Pothos vs Philodendron vs Monstera
First step: To distinguish between Pothos, Philodendron, and Monstera, first notice their petiole:
- ➡ If you spot a groove in its base, your plant is Pothos or Monstera
- ➡ If you find a round Petiole without any groove in its base, it is likely a Philodendron.
Second Step: Start seeking cataphyll
- ➡ If you find cataphyll around the new emerging leaf, undoubtedly your plant is a Philodendron.
Distinguishing between some varieties of Pothos and Monstera is difficult and some expert gardeners also challenge it.
➡ some suggest the size of leaves and tell the Pothos leaves are smaller than Monstera, but some varieties of Monstera (or young plants) have small leaves. In addition, some Pothos varieties such as Giant Gold Pothos have large broad leaves.
➡ One of my friends implies leaf holes to distinguish between Monstera and Pothos. But not all Monstera species have holes in their leaves. In addition, in the Monstera varieties such as Swiss cheese Monstera known as their leaf holes, you cannot find any holes on the leaves of their young plants.
Some gardeners believe the Monstera is a climber plant and Pothos is a vining house plant. Yes, but I think it does not help us to distinguish them because you can find both types in their varieties.
Anyway,
- 💡 Based on my experience, the wings of the Petiolar sheath are often bigger (more distinctive) in Monstera than Pothos.
- 💡 additionally, the top of the stem is flatter in Monstera than in Pothos (the Pothos stem is rounder).
- 💡 And finally, colours such as white are more common in Monstera varieties than in Pothos (most Pothos variegated varieties come from colours such as yellow to Golden hue).
Conclusion
To Pothos vs Philodendron vs Monstera, I suggested first checking the petiole shape and cataphyll, if you find cataphylls and round petioles, your plant is Philodendron.
In Monstera and Pothos, the petiole is grooved in its base and new leaves don’t have Cataphyll. Distinguishing between Monstera and Pothos is more difficult.
How do you distinguish Monstera and Pothos? Based on my experience, the petiolar sheath of Monstera has more distinctive wings than Pothos. What do you think? Please share your experiences and ideas with my readers below this page.
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.