Tired of the same old pothos plant adorning your living space? It’s time to branch out and explore the world of gorgeous indoor plants similar to pothos that can add a much-needed breath of fresh air to your home.
In this blog post, we’ll journey through stunning alternatives to pothos that not only bring greenery but offer a variety of benefits and appearances to suit any preference or care requirement. Buckle up, plant enthusiasts – it’s time for a botanical adventure!
Key Takeaways
Heartleaf Philodendron: a brother-from-another-mother alternative with delicate features.
Peperomia: a pet-friendly alternative. So safe, even your cat won’t object… unless it’s a decor critic!
Wandering Jew: an unyielding addition to your indoor green space that’s so tough, it could likely withstand a zombie invasion!
Heartleaf Philodendron: A Brother From Another Mother
Introducing the heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum), a beloved alternative to the pothos, known for its enchanting heart-shaped leaves.
Often mistaken for its cousin Pothos, this charming plant is a member of the aroid plant family and offers a similar trailing growth habit while maintaining its distinct personality with its unique philodendron leaf.
Appearance and Growth
While pothos is the show-off with its bright, vibrant green color, Heartleaf Philodendron prefers to stay in the background with its more subdued, muted green color.
To those who aren’t plant enthusiasts, these two plants can appear strikingly similar. Once you learn more about plants, you’ll notice that the leaves of the philodendron are thinner and more delicate than those of the pothos.
If you’re looking for a plant that has the allure of pothos but with a softer touch, the Heartleaf Philodendron is a fantastic choice. Here’s why:
It possesses a charming appeal similar to pothos
It has a gentler touch with more delicate leaves
It’s an ideal choice for those who prefer a less vibrant green
It’s my personal favorite over the more energetic pothos
Care Requirements
Maintaining your Heartleaf Philodendron is straightforward! It simply requires:
Bright, indirect light
Well-draining soil
Moderate watering
A bit of calcium and magnesium
Keep it pampered with these conditions, and it will reward you with lush, vibrant foliage similar to green pothos.
However, be careful; Heartleaf Philodendron plants have poisonous calcium oxalate, which to humans and pets is like garlic to a vampire! In other words, it is toxic, so keep your furry friends well clear!
Check out my blog post dedicated to the detailed care guide for this plant.
Benefits
The Heartleaf Philodendron, besides its splendid appearance, purifies your home’s air by eliminating harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde. Its adaptability makes it a fantastic addition to your indoor plant collection.
Pixie Peperomia: A Non-Toxic Pothos Look-Alike
If you’re seeking a fresh spin on the classic pothos look, you might want to consider the Pixie Peperomia (Peperomia orba).
With compact, succulent-like foliage that echoes pothos, but with a unique twist, Peperomia plants offer a striking resemblance with a dash of charm. They come in a variety of colors and leaf shapes across different species, known for their distinctive and attractive foliage. Bring this delightful variety into your home and let it add a unique touch to your indoor garden!
Appearance and Growth
Peperomia plants are known for their diversity, and they feature:
Small, compact foliage similar to pothos but with a succulent-like feel
Leaves that vary in color – from greens to reds or even variegated hues
They add a vibrant twist to your indoor plant collection
Care Requirements
Peperomia plants are wonderfully low-maintenance, making them an excellent choice for both novice gardeners and seasoned plant parents. Here’s what they need to thrive:
Moderate to bright indirect light
Well-draining soil
Watering when the top inch of soil is dry
Occasional feeding with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season
Benefits
Peperomia plants, with their air-purifying qualities and non-toxic nature, are a great alternative to pothos. They’re an easy-care, pet-safe option that can add beauty and health benefits to your home.
Swiss Cheese Plant: Unique Foliage
If you desire a plant that adds a unique spin to the classic pothos aesthetic, consider the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii).
This tropical climbing plant features large, heart-shaped leaves with distinctive holes, giving it the appearance of Swiss cheese. It’s a popular houseplant known for its unique foliage, so why not give it a try?
Appearance and Growth
The Swiss Cheese Plant features:
Large, heart-shaped leaves
Unique holes in leaves
Creates a striking visual impact
A conversation starter in your home
Care Requirements
To care for your Swiss Cheese Plant:
Provide bright, indirect light
Ensure well-draining soil
Water regularly
Benefits
The Swiss Cheese Plant stands out with its unique appearance and air purifying qualities, making it adaptable to various indoor environments. Its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits make it a valuable addition to any home.
English Ivy: A Classic Climber
If you want a traditional climber similar to pothos but with a more aggressive growth pattern, consider English Ivy (Hedera helix). This evergreen perennial plant is classified as a woody vine and can act as a ground cover or be grown as a houseplant, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 30 feet in length and is capable of transforming any space into a lush, green oasis.
Appearance and Growth
English Ivy features:
A climbing growth pattern
Visual resemblance to devil’s ivy, yet more invasive
Glossy dark green or variegated leaves arranged alternately
Three-lobed leaves
Ability to enhance any indoor space with its timeless appeal
Care Requirements
Provide English Ivy with bright, indirect light
Use well-drained potting soil
Water consistently
However, it’s important to note that English Ivy is more toxic than the average houseplant, so handle it with care.
Benefits
English Ivy, known for its classic appearance, purifies your home’s air. Its timeless charm makes it a valuable addition to any indoor plant collection.
Arrowhead Plant: A Pothos Look-alike with Colorful Foliage
If a colorful mimic of pothos is what you desire, the Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum) will not disappoint! This plant (kinda) resembles pothos with its heart-shaped leaves but boasts more colorful foliage, making it a visually appealing alternative.
Appearance and Growth
The Arrowhead Plant features:
Heart-shaped leaves with colorful patterns
A distinct departure from the classic pothos look
Foliage that adds a pop of color to any indoor space
A visually striking addition to your plant collection
Care Requirements
To maintain the Arrowhead Plant,
Provide adequate light to preserve its foliage patterns, but avoid direct sunlight
Ensure consistent watering
Fertilize regularly for optimal growth
It’s important to note that Arrowhead Plant has mildly toxic sap, so handle it with caution.
Benefits
The benefits of Arrowhead Plant include:
Colorful foliage
Adaptability to various indoor environments
Brightening up any space
Easy-to-care-for nature
Hoya: A Waxier Non-Toxic Option
For another non-toxic substitution for the pothos plant with a distinctive texture, consider the Hoya (Hoya carnosa)! This plant offers thick, waxy leaves and a trailing growth habit, making it a visually appealing and safe choice for households with pets or children.
It is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, from bright light to low light situations, making it an ideal choice for those with low light environments.
Appearance and Growth
Hoya, a non-toxic alternative to pothos, features:
Thick, waxy leaves can be variegated and non-variegated
Unusual waxy flowers
A trailing growth habit that adds elegance
Can be draped from hanging baskets or climb up a trellis
Care Requirements
To keep your Hoya healthy, follow these steps:
Provide bright, indirect light
Use well-draining soil
Water moderately
Fertilize regularly
As a non-toxic plant, Hoya is a safe option for households with pets and children, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a pet-friendly alternative to pothos.
Benefits
Hoya, a non-toxic plant, adapts well to various indoor environments. Its unique waxy texture and trailing growth habit make it a visually appealing addition to your indoor plant collection.
Wondering Jew: A Hardy Option
If a resilient plant with a trailing growth pattern is what you’re after, the Wondering Jew (Tradescantia) is a perfect choice! This vibrant plant can add a touch of color and whimsy to your indoor space while being easy to care for.
It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care and attention. It can be even grown outside in hardiness zones 9 and higher. In Canada, it can grow outside in certain areas of British Columbia.
Appearance and Growth
The Wondering Jew plant features:
Lovingly shaped green leaves with purple stripes and/or a shimmery sheen
A trailing growth habit, making it an attractive addition to hanging baskets or as a ground cover
A visually appealing yet low-maintenance alternative to pothos
This plant is easy to care for and requires minimal attention. It prefers bright, indirect light and
Care Requirements
Maintaining your Wondering Jew is straightforward: provide bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
This hardy plant is easy to maintain, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a low-maintenance alternative to pothos.
Benefits
Wondering Jew plant is known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a great addition to indoor spaces and even outdoors in warmer climates. Its vibrant foliage also helps improve indoor air quality.
Lemon Lime Philodendron: A Bright Twist
If you’re fond of the classic pothos aesthetic but desire a bit more vibrancy, the Lemon Lime Philodendron is an ideal pick! This vibrant cultivar of the classic Heartleaf Philodendron boasts a lively chartreuse foliage that’s sure to brighten up your indoor space.
Appearance and Growth
The Lemon Lime Philodendron, with its heart-shaped leaves, offers a vibrant alternative to traditional pothos and features:
Bright yellow-green foliage
A cheerful twist on the classic pothos look
The ability to add liveliness to any indoor space
The Lemon Lime Philodendron, with its vibrant chartreuse foliage, bears a striking resemblance to the Neon Pothos, adding a bright twist to the classic pothos aesthetic.
Care Requirements
To ensure your Lemon Lime Philodendron stays healthy, provide bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
This easy-to-care-for plant also works as an air purifier, ensuring you’ll be breathing easy while enjoying its stunning appearance.
Benefits
The benefits of owning indoor plants go beyond their aesthetic appeal. They can improve air quality by absorbing toxins, increase humidity levels, and even boost your mood and productivity with their calming presence.
Summary
In conclusion, there is a whole world of plant options beyond the classic pothos. From the charming Heartleaf Philodendron to the zesty Lemon Lime Philodendron, these 15 plants offer unique appearances, care requirements, and benefits that cater to various preferences and lifestyles. So why not branch out and bring some fresh greenery into your home with these fabulous pothos alternatives?
