Monstera vs Pothos: Looks, Care, Vibe — Here’s How They Really Compare

Picture this: you’re craving that lush, jungle-like vibe in your home, and you’ve narrowed it down to two trailing superstars. In one corner, we have the Monstera—that Instagram-famous beauty with its dramatic split leaves that literally has holes. In the other corner, the humble but mighty Pothos, quietly winning hearts as the “impossible to kill” plant that transforms any space into a green paradise.

Both are gorgeous. Both will give you those coveted plant parent bragging rights. But here’s the thing—they’re completely different personalities dressed up as similar plants.

We’ve broken down everything you need to know about these two, from care requirements and costs to which one will actually thrive in your specific space. Ready to settle this green debate once and for all?

Monstera vs Pothos Comparison

Family & Genus

Although Monstera and Pothos plants both belong to the arum family (Araceae), they each belong to a different genus. The Monstera genus contains approximately 60 species. However, most houseplants sold as “Pothos” don’t actually belong to the Pothos genus. Instead, they come from either the Epipremnum or Scindapsus genus.

Native Range

Monstera and Pothos plants are both native to tropical habitats but come from different parts of the world. Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is endemic to the island of Moorea in French Polynesia. Meanwhile, Monstera plants are native to tropical rainforests in Central and South America.

Botanical Characteristics

Monstera plants and Pothos plants are both climbing evergreen vines. Both plants use aerial roots to attach themselves to trees or shrubs. And both plants are hemiepiphytes, which means they also require soil for their roots.

However, Monstera and Pothos plants have different leaves. Monstera leaves are much larger and can be up to 35 inches long. Many types of Monstera plants also display fenestration or holes on their leaves, which Pothos plants don’t have.

Pothos plants have smaller leaves that are usually heart-shaped. Both Monstera and Pothos plants can come in variegated forms.

Monstera and Pothos Plants Height and Size Differences

Monstera plants and Pothos plants can reach a similar size in the wild. When allowed to climb, both species can reach approximately 65 feet tall (20 meters). However, these plants have different size expectations when grown indoors.

Monstera plants can grow between 10 and 15 feet tall indoors when given the right conditions. Monstera specimens may also spread up to 8 feet wide. However, some species, like Monstera adansonii, may reach a smaller size.

When grown indoors, Pothos plants can grow up to 30 feet long if given enough space. However, they tend to be grown as trailing plants indoors. Unlike Monstera plants, there isn’t a huge variation in mature size for different types of Pothos plants.

Pothos plants grow much faster than Monstera plants. Many Pothos plants can grow approximately 10 to 18 inches per month. Meanwhile, Monstera plants grow by approximately 1 to 2 feet per year.

Lifespan

Monstera plants and Pothos plants also have different expected lifespans. Monstera plants can live for up to 40 years if they receive the correct care. Pothos plants have shorter lifespans and usually last between 5 and 10 years when grown indoors. Again, this depends on providing the Pothos with the right growing conditions.

Available Plant Types

Whether you want a Monstera plant or a Pothos plant, both species offer plenty of variety. However, Monstera plants provide a bit more variety than Pothos plants.

Most different types of Pothos plants reach a similar size. The main difference is the foliage color. Golden pothos has beautiful two-tone green leaves, while Marble Queen Pothos plants have variegated foliage. Meanwhile, Neon Pothos plants have vibrant bright green leaves.

Different types of Monstera plants offer different leaf types. The most popular species, Monstera deliciosa, has huge fenestrated leaves that also come in variegated forms. Meanwhile, Monstera adansonii is a smaller variety with holes in its leaves. Other types of Monstera include Monstera Peru and Monstera standleyana.

Cost Differences

Pothos plants usually tend to be cheaper than Monstera plants, although Monstera adansonii can be in a similar price range. This is likely because Pothos plants are easier to care for. Monstera plants are usually larger when sold as houseplants, making them more expensive. Variegated varieties of both plants are more expensive than non-variegated cultivars.

Wrapping Up

Monstera plants and Pothos plants are both sold as tropical houseplants. However, these plants originate in different parts of the world. Although their care requirements are similar, Pothos plants are easier to look after than Monstera plants. Pothos plants also grow faster than Monstera plants, although Monstera plants have longer lifespans. Houseplant enthusiasts may also find more variety with Monstera plants. Either way, I feel pothos plants make excellent companion plants for Monstera.

Andrew Gaumond

Editorial Director | andrew@petalrepublic.com | Full Bio

Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.