The Mix-Up That Trips Up Every Plant Shopper
Walk into any plant shop — or scroll through any plant account online — and you'll see Scindapsus and Pothos side by side, often mislabeled, frequently confused, and sometimes sold interchangeably. They look similar, they grow similarly, and they're both beloved for being easy to care for. So what's actually the difference?
The short answer: they're related but distinct genera, and once you know what to look for, you'll never mix them up again. Here's everything you need to know.
Are They Actually Related?
Yes — both Scindapsus and Pothos belong to the Araceae family (the aroids), which also includes Monsteras, Philodendrons, and Anthuriums. They're cousins, not twins. The confusion runs deep partly because of historical mislabeling: the common "Pothos" sold in most garden centers (Epipremnum aureum) was once classified as a Scindapsus, and the name stuck in popular culture even after the taxonomy was corrected.
True Pothos (Pothos genus) are actually quite rare in cultivation. What most people call "Pothos" is technically Epipremnum. But since the common name is so entrenched, we'll use it the way most plant lovers do — to refer to the Epipremnum varieties you know and love.
How to Tell Them Apart
Leaf texture: This is the easiest tell. Scindapsus leaves have a distinctly velvety, matte texture — run your finger across one and it feels almost suede-like. Pothos leaves are smooth and slightly waxy by comparison.
Variegation type: Scindapsus variegation is typically silvery or reflective — caused by air pockets between cell layers rather than a lack of chlorophyll. This gives them that gorgeous metallic shimmer. Pothos variegation (like in Manjula or Golden Pothos) tends to be creamy yellow or white, and is true chlorophyll-based variegation.
Leaf shape: Scindapsus leaves are often more elongated and pointed, while Pothos leaves tend to be broader and more heart-shaped at the base.
Growth habit: Both trail and climb, but Scindapsus tends to grow a bit more slowly and deliberately. Pothos are famously fast growers — sometimes almost aggressively so.
Care Comparison
Good news: both are forgiving, adaptable, and great for a wide range of plant parents. Here's how they compare side by side.
Light: Both prefer bright indirect light but tolerate lower light. Scindapsus can handle lower light a little better without losing its silvery sheen, while Pothos variegation may fade in very dim conditions.
Watering: Both like to dry out between waterings. Scindapsus is slightly more drought-tolerant — its thicker leaves store a bit more water. Pothos will droop visibly when thirsty, which makes it a great self-signaling plant for beginners.
Humidity: Both are happy in average household humidity (40–60%). Neither requires a humidifier, though both appreciate it.
Growth speed: Pothos wins here — they're among the fastest-growing houseplants you can own. Scindapsus grows more slowly but tends to produce larger, more dramatic leaves over time.
Propagation: Both propagate easily in water or soil from stem cuttings. Pothos roots so readily it's almost foolproof. Scindapsus takes a little longer but is still very beginner-friendly.
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose a Pothos if: you want fast, lush growth; you're a beginner who wants clear signals when it's time to water; or you want to fill a space quickly with trailing greenery.
Choose a Scindapsus if: you love that velvety, silvery texture; you want something that looks a little more unusual and collector-worthy; or you have a slightly lower-light space and want reliable, low-maintenance beauty.
Honestly? The best answer is both. They complement each other beautifully in a collection.
Shop Our Favorites
Scindapsus picks currently in stock:
- Scindapsus tricolor borneo — three-toned leaves with silver, green, and dark markings. Genuinely stunning and unlike anything else.
- Scindapsus Treubii moonlight marble — silvery marbled leaves with a cool, almost ethereal quality.
- Scindapsus silver cloud — soft, uniformly silver foliage with a velvety finish. Understated and elegant.
- Scindapsus rupestris — a rarer species with smaller, textured leaves and a compact trailing habit.
Pothos picks currently in stock:
- Lemon Top Pothos – 8" pot — bold chartreuse-to-yellow new growth on a large, statement-making plant.
- Manjula Pothos – 6" pot — creamy white and green variegation with a collector's look and beginner-level care.
- Golden Pothos Churchill Gold – 6" pot — the classic, done beautifully. Fast-growing, forgiving, and always in style.
- Pothos Global Green – 6" pot — two shades of green in a mosaic pattern that's subtle, sophisticated, and endlessly interesting.
Browse our full Pothos, Philodendron & Scindapsus collection to see everything we have available — and if you're not sure which to choose, reach out. We love helping you find the right plant for your space.