Syngonium vs Pothos: A Beauty Clash
Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant) has arrow-shaped leaves with a variety of colors, while Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) has heart-shaped leaves, often variegated. Syngonium is more compact and has smaller leaves. These are the main differences that you will find between these two plants.
If you are planning to buy one for your indoor garden then you must know more things about both Pothos and Syngonium. Thinking about your needs, I arranged all the differences and similarities between these two plants for you.
After reading my this discussion, you will be able to find key points of appearances, care, and many other differences between these two plants. So, let’s start the discussion.
Table of Contents
Syngonium vs Pothos: Generic Differences
Before you know their appearance and care, you need to have a basic knowledge of these two plants. Here, I added a table featuring the basic differences of these two.
Criteria | Syngonium | Pothos |
Common Name | Arrowhead Vine | Devil’s Ivy |
Scientific Name | Syngonium podophyllum | Epipremnum Aureum |
Family | Arums | Arums |
Life Time | 5 – 10 Years | 5 – 10 Years |
Toxicity | Toxic to human and pet | Toxic to human and pet |
Syngonium vs Pothos: Appearances
Now the vital part of the discussion will give you an idea about which one is more beautiful and which one will suit best for your indoor garden. So, let’s see.
Criteria | Syngonium | Pothos |
Size | 3 To 6 feet | 6 to 10 feet |
Leaves | Arrow-shaped, variegated, with green and white patterns | Glossy, vibrant green, heart-shaped, and cascading |
Flower | Small, inconspicuous, cream-colored flowers, often surrounded by leaf-like bracts | Rarely blooms indoors but can produce small, unremarkable flowers |
Stems and Bark | Green and somewhat fleshy, developing a woody appearance | Smooth, green, and flexible |
Growth Habit | Upright and bushy growth pattern | Trailing, vine-like growth habit |
Size Differences
Syngonium grows to a height of 3 to 6 feet. This height makes Syngonium a more compact plant that helps you to choose indoor spaces. In contrast, Pothos can grow much longer, reaching heights of 6 to 10 feet, making it suitable for hanging or draping.
Read More About Syngonium vs Nephthytis
How Are Leaves?
I like the Syngonium leaves more because of their arrow shape. Their green and white patterns will attract your eye. Pothos, on the other hand, features glossy, vibrant green, heart-shaped leaves that cascade gracefully. All these things will provide a lush and classic look.
Flower Differences
None of the Pothos and Syngonium are flower plants, so their flower will not be very important. But both give you less important flowers. Syngonium’s cream-colored flowers are often surrounded by leaf-like bracts.
Pothos rarely blooms indoors, but when it does, the flowers are small and unremarkable, with no distinctive visual impact. Look at the image below to know what the flowers of both plants look like.
Stems and Bark
As the Syngonium plant matures, its stems and bark turn green and somewhat fleshy, eventually developing a woody appearance. In contrast, Pothos stems remain smooth, green, and flexible, maintaining their appearance throughout their growth.
Read More About Syngonium Vs Philodendron
Growth Habit
The growth habits of both have some serious differences. Syngonium has an upright and bushy growth pattern. For this nature, it is suitable for tabletops or as a focal point in plant arrangements. Pothos, with its trailing and vine-like growth habit, is ideal for hanging baskets or draping over shelves and ledges.
Syngonium vs Pothos: Care
Now, let’s see the care differences of both plants. This will help you know which plant needs what type of care. You will get an idea if it is suitable for you or not.
Criteria | Syngonium | Pothos |
Light Requirements | Medium or bright light for 6 hours each day | Bright, indirect light |
Watering Needs | Twice a week in summer. Less in other seasons | Once every 1-2 weeks |
Soil Type and pH | Minor acidic soil with a pH level 5.5 and 6.5. | Acidic Soil with pH level 6.0-6.5 |
Temperature and Humidity | Temperature is 16°C – 27°C. Humidity 50% | Temperature 20°C – 32°C. Humidity 60% |
Fertilization | Twice a month if it is growing well. | Once a month in the growing season |
Pest and Disease Susceptibility | Susceptible to pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and fungal issues | Susceptible to pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and fungal issues |
Propagation Methods | Cutting | Cutting |
Support and Trellising | It can stand alone. | Pothos need support |
Light Requirements
Syngonium thrives in medium to bright light. 6 hours of daily sunlight is okay. Indirect sunlight is okay, but harsh light must be avoided.
Pothos is adaptable to various light conditions, preferring bright, indirect light. It can tolerate lower light levels but may grow more slowly under such conditions.
Watering Needs
In the summer months, Syngonium needs twice a week watering. However, in other seasons, it requires less frequent watering to prevent overhydration and root rot.
Pothos has lower water requirements, needing watering once every 1-2 weeks. It’s essential to allow the soil to partially dry out between waterings to avoid waterlogged roots.
Soil Type and pH
I have seen that Syngonium needs slightly acidic soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. With that, a well-draining potting mix with good for an ideal growth.
Pothos also prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0-6.5. Besides this, a similar type of soil will be good.
Temperature and Humidity
For Syngonium, you need to keep the temperatures between 16°C and 27°C (60°F – 80°F). It needs moderate humidity levels around 50%.
Pothos like a slightly warmer environment. It feels good with a temperature range of 20°C to 32°C (68°F – 90°F). It also prefers higher humidity, around 60%. But remember, extreme temperatures will cause serious harm.
Fertilization
Syngonium benefits from regular fertilization during its growth phase. It requires feeding with a balanced liquid fertilizer twice a month when it’s thriving.
Pothos requires less frequent fertilization, usually once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Over-fertilization can lead to salt buildup.
Similarities Between Syngonium And Pothos
Most of the similarities between Syngonium and Pothos are visible. You can find them without looking at them deep. But let’s see them again.
- Both are popular indoor houseplants.
- Tolerant of various light conditions.
- Require regular but not excessive watering.
- Susceptible to common pests and fungal issues.
- Can be propagated from cuttings.
- Well-suited for hanging or cascading growth.
Which Plant Will Be Good?
The choice between Syngonium and Pothos completely depends on your personal choice. They are completely different plants and have different features. You may select both for you. But if you want to select only one, then think about the following points.
- Space: If you have limited space, Syngonium is a better choice due to its compact growth habit. Pothos, with its trailing vines, is better suited for larger spaces or for hanging baskets.
- Light Conditions: Syngonium prefers a bit more light, ideally around 6 hours of daily sunlight, whereas Pothos can tolerate lower light levels. Consider the lighting in your space when making your choice.
- Watering Requirements: Syngonium needs more frequent watering, while Pothos can tolerate longer periods between waterings. Choose based on your ability to maintain a consistent watering schedule.
Conclusion
In this discussion, I tried to show you the distinctions between Syngonium and Pothos, two popular indoor plants. I hope after reading this, you gained an insight that will give you a decision about selecting one for your home.
The decision should align with your indoor environment and personal style, ensuring a thriving and visually pleasing addition to your home. That was all for today, thanks for reading from my blog.