Has the recent surge of indoor plant popularity caught you too? Are you also staring at the empty corner of your room, imagining a lush green companion? If you are, you’re probably wrestling with the age-old question of “which plant should I pick?”
Let’s introduce you to two stars of the indoor plant world – the resilient Pothos and the unique Succulents. But, which is better: a pothos or succulent plants?
These indoor champions have been the go-to choice for many budding horticulturists. But how do you know which one is for you?
To help you along, we’ll dive into the world of Pothos and Succulents, comparing their characteristics, care requirements, and benefits, all while keeping in mind the question, “which is better a pothos or succulent plants?”
Buckle up, plant enthusiasts, and let’s dig in!
Key Takeaways
Pothos and Succulents are both low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for plants with unique appearances.
Consider factors such as available space, lifestyle & personal preference when choosing the right plant for your home.
Differences and similarities in caring for Pothos and succulents.
Pothos and Succulent Plants: A Quick Overview
Let’s begin with an introduction to Pothos.
Beloved for its hardiness, the golden pothos plant, also called Devil’s Ivy or money plant, is a trailing vine plant that has won the hearts of many indoor plant owners.
Pothos plants, including the popular Marble Queen pothos, have deservedly earned their reputation as one of the easiest houseplants to care for. They’re adaptable, capable of surviving in various light conditions, and are tough enough to take a bit of neglect.
The resilience of pothos leaves allows the plant to thrive even when the soil is allowed to dry out before watering. Moreover, it’s quite easy to propagate pothos, as propagating pothos cuttings is a simple process.
But what about Succulents?
Just like Pothos, they’re a low-maintenance plant, but they bring a unique aesthetic to the table.
Their thick, fleshy leaves store water, making them a great pick for busy plant owners as they don’t require being watered often.
Succulents are a diverse group, with thousands of species ranging from the tall, tree-like Saguaro cactus to the tiny, rosette-forming Echeveria.
It is also easy to propagate succulents in water or directly in soil.
So, whether you’re a beginner or someone with a green thumb, these plants can be your perfect match.
Comparing Pothos and Succulents: The Key Factors
Now, let’s compare Pothos and Succulents based on three key factors: ease of care, appearance, and growth habits.
Ease of Care
When it comes to ease of care, both Pothos and Succulents have a reputation for being the least demanding.
Pothos plants are comfortable in bright, indirect light, or even low-light conditions, and you should water them every one to three weeks, ensuring the soil dries out in between. In terms of feeding, Pothos should be fertilized every four to six weeks during their growing period.
Succulents, on the other hand, prefer about six hours of direct sun a day but they can tolerate lower light conditions as well. They also need watering less often, and the soil should be completely dry before the next watering. When it comes to feeding, succulents would appreciate a boost every 10-15 days.
Appearance and Aesthetics
Apart from their minimal care requirements, the visual appeal of both Pothos and Succulents is a major reason behind their popularity.
Pothos plants, also known as Epipremnum aureum, have thicker, waxy leaves with a slightly bumpy texture. Their heart-shaped leaves can be emerald green or have unique variegated patterns of green and white.
Succulents, on the other hand, boast a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Their leaves are usually smooth, with no bumps or raised areas. A healthy succulent plant should have vibrant, plump, glossy, and waxy leaves. Succulents can also have thorns.
Growth Habits
Growth habits are another key consideration when choosing between Pothos and Succulents.
Pothos plants are all about trailing growth and can thrive for 5 to 10 years if cared for properly. They’re comfortable with different humidity levels and enjoy moderate to bright indirect light.
Their growth rate depends on the environment – slower in low-light dry environments and faster in bright humid conditions.
Succulents, on the other hand, can grow in a variety of ways, from small rosettes to large trees. Their growth is also influenced by factors like light, water, and temperature.
Indoors with low humidity, they might grow slower than if they were outside. And if the soil is dry, they might opt for a smaller growth and a bigger root system.
Why Choose Pothos Plants?
Beyond their beauty and ease of care, Pothos plants bring some amazing benefits.
One of their superpowers lies in their ability to purify the air. Pothos can eliminate toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene, making them a great addition to any indoor space. Imagine having a little green air purifier right in your room!
Their adaptability is another significant advantage. Pothos plants can survive in different conditions, including low light, and they don’t even need soil – they can grow in water too.
If you’re prone to forgetting to water your plants, or if you live in a low-light area, a Pothos plant could be your ideal green companion.
Why Choose Succulent Plants?
Succulents, have a unique ability to withstand drought makes them a sustainable choice for your indoor garden.
They’re also known for their calming and soothing effects, helping to reduce stress and improve mood. Some succulents, like Aloe Vera, even have healing properties. Plus, their unique and diverse appearance can be a great conversation starter.
Potential Drawbacks and Challenges
While Pothos and Succulents have a lot to offer, they come with their fair share of challenges too. Let’s explore some common challenges for owners of Pothos and Succulents.
Pothos Plant Challenges
One of the significant challenges associated with Pothos plants is their toxicity to pets and humans.
So, if you have furry friends at home who like to munch on greenery, you might want to reconsider or place the plants out of their reach.
Another challenge is overwatering. If you water a Pothos plant too much, it can lead to root rot, a condition where the roots begin to decay due to excessive moisture, hindering the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients. This often results in yellowing leaves and a wilted appearance, signaling distress and potential long-term damage to the plant.
Pothos plants can also attract certain pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. While these pests are more annoying than harmful, they can affect the plant’s health if not addressed promptly. Regular inspection and maintaining good plant hygiene can keep these pests at bay.
Succulent Plant Challenges
Some kinds of succulents are also toxic to pets and humans. Before buying a particular succulent, do research to find out if it is toxic.
Overwatering is also an issue with succulents. It can lead to mushy leaves and root rot. On the other side, underwatering may cause the leaves to shrivel and fall off.
They also need bright sunlight to thrive and thus, they might not be suitable for places with insufficient light. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth.
Succulents also require a specific type of soil for optimal growth. Using regular potting soil or a non-draining planter can lead to waterlogged soil and root rot.
Choosing the Right Plant for Your Space
After weighing the benefits and challenges, it’s time to decide which plant is right for your space.
Pothos plants are quite flexible and can grow a few feet of vine without needing a bigger pot, making them suitable for smaller spaces.
Succulents, on the other hand, need about 1/2” to 1” of space between them when planted, requiring a bit more room to grow.
Consider your space, lifestyle, and personal preferences when choosing between Pothos and Succulents.
Caring for Your Chosen Plant
Having chosen your green companion, it’s time to learn how to take care of your new plant. Whether you’ve opted for a Pothos or a Succulent, here are some tips to help your plant thrive.
Pothos Plant Care Tips
Taking care of a Pothos plant is fairly simple.
Give it a drink once a week or two weeks when the soil is dry, and remember to feed it some fertilizer once a month. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned plant owner, Pothos is one plant that won’t give you a hard time.
If you spot any yellow leaves or brown ones, simply pluck them off. Trimming the vines is an option if they grow too long, including any aerial roots that may develop. Keep them in check to maintain an attractive landscape.
If you notice any pests, use rubbing alcohol on a Q-tip to clean the leaves, or spray a water and alcohol mixture on the leaves and topsoil.
And remember, always use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot.
Succulent Plant Care Tips
When it comes to succulents, a well-draining soil mix is preferred. So, a mix of sand, potting soil, and perlite or pumice would be ideal.
To water your succulent, wait until the potting mix has completely dried out, then soak the soil thoroughly.
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes, so remember to check the soil for dryness before giving your succulent a drink.
Succulents need a good amount of sunlight. Around six hours of sunlight daily is optimal. If your succulent doesn’t get the right lighting, it may suffer from etiolation (it will get lengthy).
Summary
Having explored the world of Pothos and Succulents, it’s clear that both these plants have their unique charms and benefits.
Pothos, with its trailing vines and hardy nature, is perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance, air-purifying plant.
Succulents, on the other hand, offer a unique aesthetic and a wide range of shapes and sizes, along with their ability to withstand drought.
In conclusion, the best plant for your space hinges on your preferences and environment. Whether you choose the vibrant Pothos or the hardy Succulents, success lies in catering to their specific care requirements.
