Looking for plants similar to pothos to add more easy-care greenery to your home? You’re in the right place. Pothos is famous for its forgiving nature and beautiful trails, but there’s a whole world of low-maintenance vines out there. This guide will introduce you to fantastic alternatives that thrive with the same simple care.
These plants are perfect for busy people or new plant parents. They tolerate a bit of neglect, adapt to various light conditions, and grow quickly to fill your space with life. Let’s look at some top contenders that can sit right alongside your golden pothos.
Plants Similar To Pothos – Easy-Care Trailing Varieties
You’ll find that many of these plants share key traits with pothos. They often have similar watering needs and growth habits. Here are some of the best easy-care trailing varieties to consider.
Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
This is perhaps the most common pothos look-alike. Its heart-shaped leaves and vining habit make it easily confused with a pothos. Care is virtually identical, making it a seamless switch.
Key care tips:
* Light: Thrives in medium to bright indirect light but tolerates low light.
* Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It’s very drought-tolerant.
* Bonus: It grows rapidly and is super easy to propagate in water.
String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
For a more delicate, unique look, String of Hearts is a superb choice. Its small, heart-shaped leaves variegated with silver and pink trail beautifully from hanging baskets. It’s a succulent vine, so it’s incredibly drought-hardy.
What it needs:
* Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Some direct sun enhances the pink color.
* Water: Water thoroughly only when the soil is completely dry. The tuberous roots store water.
* Note: It loves to be a bit root-bound, so don’t rush to repot it.
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
Starting with arrow-shaped leaves, this plant develops a trailing habit as it matures. It comes in stunning varieties, from neon green to pink-variegated. Its care is very similar to pothos, though it apreciates a bit more humidity.
Care guidelines:
* Light: Medium to bright indirect light is ideal. Low light can slow growth.
* Water: Keep the soil lightly moist in spring/summer, a bit drier in winter.
* Tip: Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth and prevent a leggy look.
Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
Don’t let the name fool you—it’s not a true ivy and it’s not from Sweden! This fast-grower has rounded, glossy leaves with scalloped edges. It’s remarkably adaptable and puts on a lot of growth quickly, which is very satisfying.
How to keep it happy:
* Light: Does well in moderate light but appreciates brighter indirect light.
* Water: Water when the soil surface dries out. It wilts noticeably when thirsty, then bounces back fast.
* Fun Fact: It sometimes produces small white or purple flowers.
Hoya (Several Varieties)
Hoyas are beloved for their waxy leaves and stunning flower clusters. While some grow slowly, varieties like the Hoya carnosa (Wax Plant) or Hoya pubicalyx are relatively fast and easy-going trailers.
Simple hoya care:
* Light: Bright, indirect light is best for growth and potential flowering.
* Water: Let the soil dry almost completely between waterings. They are semi-succulent.
* Important: Don’t remove the old flower spurs (peduncles), as flowers will reappear from them.
How to Care for Your Trailing Plants
The beauty of these plants is their simple routine. Following a few basic steps will keep them thriving for years.
1. Find the Right Light
Most of these plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near an east or north-facing window is often perfect. They can usally tolerate lower light, but growth will be slower.
2. Master the Watering Schedule
Overwatering is the main cause of problems. The golden rule is to check the soil first.
* For pothos, philodendron, and arrowhead: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.
* For succulent vines (String of Hearts, Hoya): Water when the soil is mostly or completely dry.
3. Choose a Well-Draining Pot
Always use a pot with drainage holes. This prevents roots from sitting in water. A standard, well-draining potting mix works for most. You can add perlite or orchid bark for extra drainage, especially for hoyas.
4. Feed and Prune for Lush Growth
* Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. Don’t fertilize in fall and winter.
* Pruning: Regularly trim long vines to encourage fuller, bushier growth at the base. Don’t throw those cuttings away!
Propagating Your Trailing Vines
One of the joys of these plants is how easy they are to multiply. You can create new plants from your prunings.
Follow these steps for water propagation:
1. Using clean scissors, cut a stem section that has at least one node (the little bump where leaves grow from).
2. Remove any leaves that would be submerged under water.
3. Place the cutting in a jar of room-temperature water.
4. Put it in a spot with bright, indirect light.
5. Change the water every week to keep it fresh.
6. Once roots are a few inches long (usually in 2-6 weeks), pot the cutting in soil.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even easy-care plants can have occasional problems. Here’s how to fix them.
* Yellow Leaves: This is often a sign of overwatering. Check your soil moisture and adjust your schedule. It can also mean the plant needs a bit more light.
* Brown, Crispy Leaf Tips: Usually caused by low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity with a pebble tray or occasional misting. Check if the plant is drying out to fast.
* Leggy Growth with Few Leaves: The plant isn’t getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location. You can also prune the long stems to promote new growth.
* Pests: Keep an eye out for mealybugs or spider mites. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth regularly. For infestations, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Choosing the Right Plant for Your Space
Consider your home’s conditions when picking a plant.
* For Lower Light Rooms: Heartleaf Philodendron and Pothos are you best bets.
* For Bright, Sunny Spots: String of Hearts, Swedish Ivy, and Hoyas will do very well.
* For High Humidity (Like Bathrooms): Arrowhead Plant and Philodendron appreciate the extra moisture.
* For a Quick Visual Impact: Swedish Ivy and Pothos grow the fastest.
FAQ
What are good low light trailing plants?
Heartleaf Philodendron, Pothos, and some Arrowhead Plant varieties tolerate lower light very well. Their growth will be slower, but they’ll still thrive.
What is the easiest trailing plant to keep alive?
Besides pothos, Heartleaf Philodendron is arguably the easiest. It’s extremely adaptable and forgiving of occasional missed waterings.
How do I make my trailing plant bushier?
Regular pruning is the key. Pinch or cut off the tips of the longest vines. This encourages the plant to put out new growth at the base and along the stem, creating a fuller appearance.
Can I grow these trailing plants in water forever?
Many, like pothos and philodendron, can live in water long-term with regular nutrient supplementation. However, they often grow slower and may have weaker leaves compared to soil-grown plants. It’s a great low-maintenance option though.
Adding these plants similar to pothos to your collection is a wonderful way to enjoy more greenery without extra hassle. Each one brings its own unique texture and form to your space. With their resilient nature, they’re sure to bring you lots of joy and very little stress.