Last Updated on July 30, 2022 by Griselda M.
Can you plant pothos and philodendron together or will one outcompete the other? Why do these plants look so much like each other and what are the tips and tricks you need to know about growing them? Let’s discuss!
Can You Plant Pothos And Philodendron Together?
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and Philodendrons are two beautiful plant types that can be cultivated indoors and outdoors where the climate allows around the world. The plants are vaguely related to each other and are easy to grow, as they do well in most soil types. In this case, we are comparing a specific plant – the Pothos plant – with an entire genus – the Philodendron genus is huge and comprises hundreds of species of plants with very varied appearances. I find that often when people talk about a “Philodendron” they mean the Heartleaf Philodendron – Philodendron hederaceum.
The Pothos plant has a little anomaly that we should mention – it will never flower naturally as it actually has a problem with the gene that controls flowering. The only way to get it to flower is by adding plant hormones, and this is quite complex and outside the skill of many gardeners.
Philodendron and pathos plants can be sold together and grown together. In some nurseries, they are sold as a “mixed bouquet”. This is a great way to buy them because they are both so beautiful and easy to grow.
So, can you plant Pothos and Philodendron together? I actually had a pot like this and the plants were really doing very well. I actually thought I had two Philodendron plants but my Mom who has a better interest in identifying species of non-edible plants than I do, identified that I had a mixed planter. Both plants became very poorly after I got my cat – and when the plants died I smelt the soil and found that she had been going to the toilet in the soil – so a useful observation – if you have a cat – and it pees in the plant, you cannot grow pothos and Philodendron!
As with any mixed planting, or job it plays the “overseer” role. Pothos plants are seen to me to be a little more aggressive in their growth, so you will have to maintain the equilibrium. Your job is to keep the balance so that one plant does not smother the other. This can be done by trimming one plant to favor the other. This typically involves trimming the pothos plant.
If you plant them together in a pot, make sure there is enough room for each plant to grow. You can always split the plants into two pots, but this takes time and effort. As I say, my plants grew in the same pot for years until they accidentally met their demise due to the cat.
Pothos and philodendrons are both tropical plants and like to be warm and humid. They don’t like to have much direct sun or heat. When you plant them, put them in a spot that gets dappled shaded sunlight and they will thrive.
If your pothos is wilting, it probably needs water. You can take a look at the soil. It should look moist but not wet. If the soil is dry and cracked, the plant needs water.
Why Grow Pothos And Philodendron Together?
Now that we have answered the question can you plant pothos and philodendron together, let’s ask why we would bother to plant them together?
The pothos, philodendron, and philodendron vine are all members of the Araceae family. The Araceae are a family of flowering plants that produce fleshy leaves, tubular flowers, and small fruits. There are approximately 500 species of Araceae found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Araceae are native to tropical and subtropical climates in Africa, Asia, Australia, and Latin America. Because this is such a huge family, you can find a member that can grow in pretty much any soil or sunlight regime!!
The pothos is an Araceae that grows best in semi-shaded areas where it gets regular water. As mentioned before, it is rather unusual in that it us unable to flower!
Both pothos and philodendron can be found in the nursery market. Pothos and Philodendron are both easy to grow in the home landscape. Pothos is easy to propagate from cuttings. It is in fact called the devils plant because you cannot kill it. Clearly my cat is more evil than the devil. Philodendron is propagated from cuttings or seeds.
Growing Pothos And Philodendron Together In A Pot
Materials:
- A good quality soil mix that has plenty of nutrients for the plants.
- A container that is at least 12 inches tall, and wide enough to hold two plants.
- A watering can that will reach all parts of the pot, such as a soaker hose.
Directions:
- Fill your container with soil and water thoroughly.
- Plant the philodendron in the center of the pot and the pothos on each side of it.
- Make sure the roots of the philodendron do not touch the roots of the pothos.
- Place the container in a warm area until the plants start growing.
- Water regularly, about twice a week until the plants are well established.
- If you notice any pest or disease problems apply neem oil.
Caring For Pothos And Philodendron Growing Together
The first step of caring for a pair or group of plants is to make sure they are healthy. You should always check the health of your plants before you purchase them.
It is also important to make sure that you don’t overwater your plants when they are in pairs or groups. Watering too much can lead to root rot, which can cause your plants to die.
Fertilize them. If you are trying to grow plants in pairs or groups, you should fertilize them often. This will help the plants grow and increase their chances of thriving. You can use organic fertilizer, which is better for the environment than chemical fertilizer.
In Conclusion – Can You Plant Pothos And Philodendron Together?
Gardening is fun and much more fun when you can combine interesting and attractive leaf types to create beautiful structure in your plantings. Can you plant pothos and philodendron together? Just do not let your cat pee in the pot, as I discovered! This will kill both plants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you plant pothos with other plants?
Yes. You will howevr have to manage the plants so that one does not outcompete the other. This is achieved by trimming.
What can you plant with Philodendron?
Pothos can be planted with many different kinds of plants, but we have found that it works best when planted in groups with other low-growing plants. We like to use pothos as the front of a garden or border, and then use the other plants as background plants. Pothos needs good drainage, so plant it in a pot that is at least 1/2" deep and has drainage holes.
Are philodendrons and pothos the same?
No, they are two very different plants. Philodendrons are large tropical vines that grow over 50 feet long, and pothos is an evergreen houseplant that grows only about 12 inches long. However, both can be used to make a beautiful hanging planter for a porch or patio.
Caroline is a gardener who loves to get down to the nitty–gritty of gardening. She proudly proclaims herself as a ‘dirt worshipper‘ and can often be found deep in the garden, covered in soil and singing to her plants. As a self–proclaimed ‘plant whisperer‘, Caroline believes that plants need love and attention just like any other living thing, and she loves to give them both. When she‘s not tending to her garden, you can often find her researching the latest gardening trends, or teaching others how to make their gardens thrive
