Looking for plants similar to pothos to fill your home with easy, trailing greenery? You’re in the right place. Pothos is famous for its resilience and beautiful vines, but it’s not the only low-maintenance option. Many other houseplants offer the same forgiving nature and cascading habit, perfect for shelves or hanging baskets.
This guide will introduce you to fantastic alternatives. We’ll cover their care needs, how they differ from pothos, and where to place them for best growth. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned plant parent, you’ll find new favorites here.
Let’s look at what makes pothos so special, and then meet its wonderful cousins.
What Makes Pothos a Houseplant Hero?
Pothos, often called Devil’s Ivy, is nearly indestructible. It thrives in a wide range of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect sun. It tells you when it’s thirsty by drooping slightly, and bounces back quickly after a drink.
It grows fast, propagating easily in just a glass of water. This combination of beauty and hardiness is what we’re looking for in similar plants. The good news is, there’s a whole collection of vines and trailers that share these easy-care traits.
Plants Similar To Pothos – Easy-Care Trailing Houseplants
Here is our curated list of fantastic, easy-care trailers. Each one brings its own unique leaf shape, color, and texture to your space.
1. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Often confused with pothos, the Heartleaf Philodendron is just as forgiving. Its leaves are heart-shaped and typically a uniform, glossy green. It’s a champion in low-light conditions and loves to trail.
Care Tips:
* Light: Low to bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
* Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out. It’s drought tolerant.
* Bonus: It grows even faster than pothos in ideal conditions and is super easy to propagate.
2. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
This plant offers a completely different look with its delicate, heart-shaped leaves on thin, thread-like vines. The leaves are marbled with silver and often have a purple underside. It’s a stunning, dainty trailer for a bright spot.
Care Tips:
* Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Some morning sun is great.
* Water: This is a succulent. Let the soil dry completely between waterings. Water less in winter.
* Note: Perfect for high shelves where its long strings can cascade down.
3. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not a true ivy. Swedish Ivy has rounded, scalloped leaves that are soft and slightly succulent. It trails beautifully and can even produce small white flowers. It’s rapid grower that’s very adaptable.
Care Tips:
* Light: Does well in medium to bright indirect light.
* Water: Keep soil lightly moist, but not soggy. It wilts when thirsty.
* Fun Fact: It’s one of the easiest plants to root in water.
4. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
Young Arrowhead plants are bushy, but as they mature, they begin to vine and trail. Their leaves change shape from arrow-shaped to more lobed. They come in gorgeous varieties like white butterfly, pink allusion, and neon.
Care Tips:
* Light: Medium to bright indirect light for best color.
* Water: Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry. Enjoys humidity.
* Style Tip: You can train it up a moss pole or let it trail from a pot.
5. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
For a truly unique texture, choose String of Pearls. This succulent trails with long stems adorned with little, spherical leaves that look like peas. It’s a conversation starter and thrives on neglect.
Care Tips:
* Light: Needs very bright, indirect light. Can handle some direct sun.
* Water: Water thoroughly only when the pearls look slightly shriveled or the soil is bone dry.
* Warning: Overwatering is the main cause of failure. Use a well-draining cactus mix.
6. Turtle Vine (Callisia repens)
This is a fast-growing, petite trailer with tiny green and purple leaves. It forms a dense mat of foliage that spills over edges beautifully. It’s incredibly easy to care for and propagate, making it great for beginners.
Care Tips:
* Light: Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain purple hues.
* Water: Water when the top soil feels dry. It’s fairly drought tolerant.
* Growth: Pinch back tips to encourage bushier, fuller growth.
7. Hoya (Hoya carnosa ‘Krimson Princess’ or ‘Hindu Rope’)
Hoyas are slow-growing but incredibly rewarding. Their thick, waxy leaves trail or climb. When happy and mature, they produce stunning clusters of star-shaped flowers. They are very drought-tolerant due to their succulent nature.
Care Tips:
* Light: Bright, indirect light is key for growth and flowering.
* Water: Let the soil dry out almost completely between waterings. They store water in there leaves.
* Patience: Don’t cut off the long leafless stems (peduncles); flowers reappear on them.
8. Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
This plant has small, delicate leaves on thin stems that cling and trail. While it can be a vigorous outdoor climber, it makes a lovely, well-behaved trailer indoors in a pot. The ‘Minima’ variety is especially suited for indoors.
Care Tips:
* Light: Medium to bright indirect light.
* Water: Keep consistently moist, but not waterlogged. It dislikes drying out.
* Tip: It appreciates higher humidity levels, making it nice for a bathroom.
How to Care for Your Trailing Houseplants
General care for these plants is straightforward. Following these basic steps will keep them healthy for years.
Light Requirements:
Most of these plants prefer bright, indirect light. This means near a window but out of the harsh afternoon sun that can scorch leaves.
* Low Light Tolerant: Heartleaf Philodendron, Pothos.
* Bright Light Lovers: String of Pearls, String of Hearts, Hoya.
Watering Schedule:
The golden rule is to check the soil, not the calendar.
1. Stick your finger an inch into the soil.
2. For most plants (like Philodendron, Swedish Ivy), water if it feels dry.
3. For succulents (like String of Pearls, Hoya), wait until it’s completely dry.
4. Always water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage hole, and empty the saucer afterward.
Soil and Potting:
A well-draining potting mix is essential. You can use a standard houseplant mix.
* For succulents (String of Pearls, Hearts), add perlite or pumice to improve drainage.
* Repot every 1-2 years in spring if the plant has outgrown its pot.
Fertilizing for Growth:
Feed your plants during their active growing season (spring and summer).
* Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like 10-10-10).
* Dilute it to half the recommended strength.
* Fertilize once a month. Stop feeding in fall and winter.
Pruning and Propagation:
Pruning keeps plants full and controls length. The cuttings are free new plants!
1. Use clean scissors to cut a stem below a leaf node (the bump where leaves grow).
2. For most, place the cutting in water, ensuring the node is submerged.
3. Roots will appear in 1-3 weeks. Plant in soil when roots are a few inches long.
4. For succulent types (String of Hearts), you can often lay cuttings on soil to root.
Common Problems and Easy Solutions
Even easy-care plants can have issues. Here’s how to fix common problems.
Yellow Leaves:
This is often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil. If it’s soggy, let it dry out more between waterings. Yellow leaves can also mean the plant needs a bit more light.
Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips:
Usually caused by low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity by grouping plants together or using a pebble tray. Check your watering frequency to ensure the soil isn’t staying dry for too long.
Leggy Growth (Long Stems with Few Leaves):
This means the plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location. You can also prune back the long stems to encourage bushier new growth from the base.
Pests:
Keep an eye out for mealybugs (white cottony spots) or spider mites (fine webbing).
* Isolate the affected plant.
* Wipe leaves with a cloth dipped in a mix of water and a little mild soap.
* Rinse the leaves with clean water. Repeat weekly until pests are gone.
Design Ideas for Displaying Trailing Plants
These plants are perfect for adding vertical interest and softness to your home.
* Hanging Baskets: The classic choice. Use macramé hangers for a boho look.
* High Shelves & Bookcases: Let the vines cascade down the sides for a lush, layered effect.
* Wall-mounted Shelves: Create a living wall of trails by placing several plants on floating shelves.
* Top of a Cabinet or Fridge: Allow the vines to frame the unit beautifully.
Mixing and Matching:
Combine different textures and colors for a stunning display. Pair the fine strings of String of Hearts with the broader leaves of a Heartleaf Philodendron. Mix green and variegated types together in a shelf arrangement.
FAQ Section
What is the easiest trailing plant to keep alive?
After pothos, Heartleaf Philodendron and Swedish Ivy are among the easiest. They are very adaptable to different light and water conditions.
Are there trailing plants for dark rooms?
While no plant thrives in complete darkness, Heartleaf Philodendron and Pothos can tolerate lower light levels better than most. Consider using a grow light for best results in very dark spaces.
How often should I water my trailing succulents like String of Pearls?
Water them deeply, but infrequently. In most homes, this might be every 2-4 weeks. Always wait until the soil is completely dry and the pearls look a bit less plump.
Can I grow these plants in water forever?
Many, like Pothos, Philodendron, and Swedish Ivy, can live in water for a long time. Add a drop of liquid fertilizer monthly. However, they may not grow as large or as vigorously as they would in soil.
Why are the leaves on my String of Hearts turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves on a String of Hearts usually points to overwatering. Let the soil dry out fully before watering again. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole.
What trailing plants are safe for cats and dogs?
While pothos is toxic, some pet-safe trailing options include Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus), some Peperomias (like Peperomia hope), and certain Hoyas. Always double-check with the ASPCA list if unsure.
Finding plants similar to pothos opens up a world of texture and form for your home. Each plant on this list shares that wonderful, easy-going nature while offering its own special beauty. Start with one that suits your light conditions, and enjoy the process of watching it grow and trail. With the simple care tips outlined, you’ll have a thriving indoor jungle in no time.