10+ Beautiful Plants Similar To Pothos (But Are Not)
If you are looking for a plant that looks like Pothos with something extra that will elevate and set your plant collection apart, look no further. This list is for you.
Diverse in color, variegation, size, shape, species, rarity, and care, all these plants resemble Pothos’ in their own way. Among these options, you will discover a plant that captures your fascination and contributes exquisitely to your home’s ambiance.
1. Philodendron Brandtianum
- Botanical name: Philodendron Brandtianum
- Origin: South America
The exquisite Philodendron Brandtianum, also known as the Silver Philodendron, is a pothos look alike in their heart-shaped leaves, ease of care nature, and trailing and climbing abilities.
The silver coloring throughout all its leaves sets these dazzling plants apart, bringing a touch of nature’s artistry indoors.
Due to the silver in these plants, they contrast nicely to summer to autumn color palettes of orange, yellow, and pink.
As they are rarer to find, we recommended looking at online nurseries for this one!
- Light: bright indirect to lower lighting conditions
- Water: when the first inch of soil is dry; water until it trickles out the bottom of the pot
- Humidity: low to medium humidity,
- Temperature: above 60°F (15°C)
- Soil: Regular indoor potting mix
2. Vining philodendron
Origin: Central and South America
Philodendrons are often confused with Pothos, as they have similar heart-shaped leaves. They are great in hanging baskets and can trail and climb.
A key distinguishing factor of these easy-care plants is that their vines and leaves are often smaller. As the plant grows, the leaves will hang in various directions, giving volume to your plant.
There’re different types of vining Philodendrons but their care requirements are similar:
- Light: bright indirect to medium light
- Water: when the first 2 inches are dry
- Temperature: above 50°F (10°C)
- Humidity: 70% humidity or lower
- Soil: regular potting mix
Heartleaf philodendron
With dark green foliage and elongated pointed leaves, this alluring philodendron thrives on neglect and grows relatively fast in warmer climates. Click here for our specific care guide.
Philodendron brasil
Tropical in feel, the Philodendron Brazil’s lime green, almost yellow variegated leaves will liven up your home. Our complete care guide can be found here.
Philodendron mican
With a unique, almost matte finish and dark green foliage showcasing a hint of purple at its tips, the Mican is a noteworthy addition to any plant lover’s collection.
Philodendron lemon lime
A Philodendron Lemon Lime captivates through its vibrant lime-green foliage, infusing spaces with invigorating zest and enhancing any interior aesthetic.
If this zesty plant captivates you, check out our guide care here.
3. Rhaphidophora tetrasperma (Mini Monstera)
- Botanical name: Rhaphidophora tetrasperma
- Origin: Malaysia and Thailand
Just as its name suggests, the Mini Monstera is mini and cute! Boasting heart-shaped leaves, climbing abilities, minimal upkeep, and a compact pot size perfectly fulfill all your Pothos requirements.
The captivating fenestrations, or leaf cutouts, lend a delightful tropical jungle ambiance to your living space.
In my experience, these plants thrive when their vines are given adequate support to climb – like string or coco coir poles.
- Light bright indirect is needed to avoid becoming leggy.
- Water when 3-4 inches of soil is dry,
- Humidity high humidity
- Temperature between 65-85 (18-30°C)
- Soil well-draining indoor potting mix
4. Monstera adansonii
- Botanical name: Monstera Adansonii
- Origin: Central and South America
Similar to Pothos in size and heart-shaped leaves as well as in their easy-care nature. However, their differences are why you may want to opt for this plant.
The deep green of the Swiss cheese plant’s thick leaves and perforated holes or fenestrations create a great textured look to your home, contrasting nicely with cream or white backgrounds.
Its leaves tend to stand straight up at the base (unlike pothos), giving a natural height to the plant, while its vines grow and can trail across textured surfaces or poles.
- Light: bright indirect can tolerate lower light
- Water: prefers consistently moist (not drenched) soil
- Humidity: high humidity
- Temperature: above 50°F (10°C)
- Soil: regular indoor potting mix
5. Monstera Peru
- Botanical name: Monstera Karstenianum
- Origin: Peru
Resembling a Pothos in its similar leaf shape and the gentle curve in its leaf, the Monstera Peru is for you if you are looking for a rarer addition to your home.
Their striking and unusual textured leaves make you feel like you’ve been transported back in time to a prehistoric era, while their compact size and ease of care for nature make it ideal for any plant enthusiast.
As this Monstera is rarer, we recommend searching online before visiting your local nursery.
If you love Monstera Peru but want to add a silvery splash, the Monstera Siltepecana is for you! Similar in care and growth habits, however, the center part of each leaf looks as though it has been lightly covered in silver paint, a fun way to spruce up your collection!
- Light: prefers bright indirect; although it tolerates darker areas well
- Water: underwatering is better than over! Water once the first 2 inches of soil are dry.
- Humidity: moderate to high humidity
- Temperature: prefers temperatures above 65-75°F (16-30°C)
- Soil: 1-part of well-draining soil mixed with 1 part of perlite
6. Satin Pothos
- Botanical name: Scindapsus pictus’
- Origin: South East Asia
It’s peculiar that this gorgeous plant has ‘pothos’ in the name when, in fact, it is a Scindapsus pictus! The plant may look like Pothos the most on this list. Having similar leaf shapes, trailing and climbing abilities, and fast growth habits, ideal for beginners wanting a pothos look alike plant.
I have had mine for over two years; it is one of my favorites because of the lovely silver speckles in its thick leaves, how the vines fall when hung, and its easy-care nature.
If you would like a more detailed care guide and description, read this easy-to-follow article.
ALSO TRY: Top 9 Stunning Scindapsus Varieties You Don’t Want to Miss (They’re all similar to Pothos).
- Light between bright indirect, to medium light
- Water underwatering is better than over! Once the first 2 inches of soil are dry, it is best to water.
- Humidity 40-60% Relative Humidity
- Temperature 65-85°F (18-27 °C), not frost tolerant.
- Soil well-draining soil is recommended.
7. Cupid peperomia
- Botanical name: Peperomia scandens’ Variegata’
- Origin: South America
Splashes of cream, light pastel green, and darker earthy greens that vary from leaf to leaf make the Cupid peperomia a unique plant. An excellent pothos alternative if you are still desiring heart-shaped leaves.
However, Cupid peperomia trails but does not climb, making it great for higher bookshelves or surfaces.
This stunning compact indoor plant I have found personally thrives under neglect and is perfect if you often forget to water your plants.
Be careful not to confuse this plant with the Hoya kerrii albomarginata, which is similar in its color palette.
- Light: bright indirect to low light
- Water: once every two weeks or when the top inch is dry
- Humidity: likes high humidity; however, it can easily tolerate lower levels.
- Temperature: prefers temperatures above 65-75°F (18-24°C)
- Soil: well-draining potting mix
8. English ivy variegated
- Botanical name: Hedera helix ‘Variegata’
- Origin: Europe
English Ivy reminds me of a lovely English cottage adorning lush, beautiful vines and blue stone brick walls. How charming that you can bring some of that feel into your home.
English Ivy Variegated is grown indoors and outdoors, can trail or climb, be kept short and bushy or long and lush; the versatility is endless.- however, be mindful that this plant is prone to pests-
Similar in leaf shape and growth habits to pothos, this is the perfect charming addition to any home!
The variegated wax ivy is an easy alternative for those seeking a lower maintenance option. However, there is less variation in its leaves.
- Light: bright indirect
- Water: when the first inch of soil is dry
- Humidity: low humidity
- Temperature: prefers temperatures above 50-75°F (10-24°C)
- Soil: well-draining potting mix, and be mindful of root rot!
9. Heart Leaf Fern
- Botanical name: Hemionitis arifolia
- Origin: tropical regions of Asia and Africa
Each leaflet or frond emerges from the central stalk of this fern, creating an almost eruption-like feel to the delicate plant. The leaves of this fern are unusual in shape, making it a unique choice for your plant collection.
- Light: bright indirect, avoid hard direct light.
- Water: when the first inch of soil is dry.
- Humidity: prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C)
- Temperature: high humidity; the occasional spray is recommended.
- Soil: well-draining indoor potting mix.
10. Syngonium
Origin: Mexico, Central, and South America,
I love Syngoniums; they are hardy, beautiful, and unique in shape. They also have many varieties to choose from. These arrowhead plants will happily trail or climb (given the proper support or string will do). These plants are perfect for those wanting a Pothos-like plant with a twist in shape and color.
Our lovely writer, Sarah Lee, has written an easy-to-follow informative piece about all things Syngonium!
- Light: Bright to low light, always indirect!
- Water: when the first 1-2 inches of soil is dry
- Humidity: 70% humidity or below,
- Temperature: 60-80°F (16-27°C)
- Soil: Well-draining indoor potting
Syngonium Wendlandii
Dark green foliage separated by a bright stripe of striking white through each frond’s center.
For more specific care instructions, see our article here.
Syngonium Albo
A stunning and exquisite marbled Syngonium variation will bring a sophisticated look into your home.
We have also written a specific care guide for the Albo.
Syngonium Red Spot Tricolor
A rarer and more expensive find, this incredible multi-colored plant will be a standout feature in any home.
If you are looking for more pink-colored Syngonium, check out our article dedicated to them.
