Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy, is one of the most popular indoor plants. With its heart-shaped leaves and fast-growing vines, it’s a favorite for homes and offices.
But many plant lovers wonder: Is pothos a monocot or a dicot? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
Quick Answer: Pothos Is a Monocot
Pothos is a monocot plant. It belongs to the Araceae family, which is made up of monocots. Even though its leaves are broad (which many people associate with dicots), its structure and growth patterns show that it is a monocot.
What do Monocot and Dicot Mean?
Plants are divided into two main groups based on their seeds:
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Monocot (monocotyledon):
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A seed has one cotyledon (one seed leaf).
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Leaf veins are usually parallel.
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Roots are fibrous (many thin roots instead of one main root).
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Vascular bundles (the plant’s “veins”) are scattered in the stem.
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Flowers usually have parts in multiples of 3.
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Dicot (dicotyledon):
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A seed has two cotyledons (two seed leaves).
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Leaf veins are branching or net-like.
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Roots are taproots (one main thick root with smaller ones branching off).
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Vascular bundles are arranged in a circle.
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Flowers usually have parts in multiples of 4 or 5.
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Why Pothos Is a Monocot
Here’s why pothos belongs in the monocot group:
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Seed Structure → Like other monocots, it has a single cotyledon.
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Root System → Pothos has a fibrous root system, not a thick taproot like dicots.
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Stem Anatomy → Vascular bundles (transport tissues) are scattered, which is a monocot trait.
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Family Connection → Pothos is in the Araceae family (same family as peace lily, philodendron, and monstera) — all of which are monocots.
Why People Get Confused
Many people think pothos is a dicot because:
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It has broad leaves, which look similar to dicot leaves.
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The leaf veins show a net-like pattern, which is often a dicot trait.
But the internal structure, roots, and seed type make it a monocot, not a dicot.
FAQs About Pothos Being a Monocot or a Dicot
Q1: Is golden pothos a monocot or a dicot?
Golden pothos is also a monocot, just like all other pothos varieties.
Q2: Are all Araceae plants monocots?
Yes. The Araceae family (pothos, peace lily, monstera, philodendron) are monocot.
Q3: How can I tell if a plant is a monocot or a dicot at home?
Look at the leaf veins, root type, and seed leaves. Monocots = parallel veins, fibrous roots, one seed leaf. Dicots = branching veins, taproots, two seed leaves.
Q4: Why do pothos leaves look like dicot leaves?
Pothos leaves are broad and show a mix of parallel and branching veins, which causes confusion. But scientifically, it’s still a monocot.
Conclusion
So, is pothos a monocot or a dicot?
Pothos is a monocot.
Even though its leaves resemble those of dicots, its root system, seed structure, and family classification confirm it as a monocot.
Knowing whether a plant is a monocot or a dicot isn’t just botany trivia — it also helps gardeners understand how the plant grows and how to care for it better.
