Heartleaf philodendron and snake plant are both standard first houseplants. Iowa State Extension lists them among its easy, low-maintenance choices: plants that tolerate low light, uneven watering and low humidity. But they are very different plants, and they fail in different ways.

Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is a trailing aroid vine from Mexico to tropical America. Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria trifasciata) is an upright succulent from West and Central Africa (NC State Extension). One wants steady moisture. The other wants to dry out.

How to tell them apart

Heartleaf philodendron. Thin, flexible stems trail from a pot or climb a support. NC State describes glossy, leathery, heart-shaped leaves that emerge bronze and quickly turn green. Iowa State gives a leaf length of 7.5–13 cm (3–5 in). Each new leaf is wrapped in a papery sheath that dries and falls off (Clemson Extension).

Snake plant. Stiff, flat, sword-like leaves grow straight up from the base, up to 1.2 m (4 ft) long and 5–10 cm (2–4 in) wide (NC State). They are banded across in shades of green, and many cultivars have yellow edges or lengthwise stripes.

There is no real overlap. If your vine has heart-shaped leaves and you are unsure whether it is a philodendron or a pothos, use our pothos vs philodendron checks.

Side-by-side comparison

FeatureHeartleaf philodendron (P. hederaceum)Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
Family (NC State)Araceae (aroids)Asparagaceae
HabitTrailing or climbing vineUpright clump of stiff leaves
SizeVine up to 4 m (13 ft) (NC State)Leaves up to 1.2 m (4 ft) (NC State)
Growth rateRapid (NC State)Medium (NC State); relatively slow (RHS)
Best lightMedium; tolerates very low light (NC State, Clemson)Medium to bright (Missouri); tolerates very low light (NC State)
Direct sunKeep out of direct sun (Illinois)Sources differ (see below)
WateringEvenly moist, never soggy (Clemson, Iowa State)Dry between waterings; every one to two months in winter (NC State)
HumidityTolerates dry air; prefers medium (NC State)Prefers low; do not mist (RHS)
Temperature21–29 °C (70–85 °F) by day, 18–24 °C (65–75 °F) at night (Clemson)15–24 °C (60–75 °F) (RHS); tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) (NC State)
PotGeneral-purpose potting soil (Clemson)Cactus mix or mix with perlite (Penn State); snug pot (RHS)
PropagationStem cuttings or air layering (Clemson)Division or leaf cuttings (Iowa State)
Pets (ASPCA)Toxic: insoluble calcium oxalatesToxic: saponins

Light

Both cope with dim rooms. NC State says heartleaf philodendron can survive long periods in extremely low light, though it prefers medium light. Clemson says it grows well under artificial or ordinary room light, or near a north, east or west window. NC State says snake plant tolerates very low light.

Neither grows fast in a dark corner. University of Missouri Extension says snake plant tolerates poor light but makes its best growth in medium to bright light. It says most philodendrons prefer medium light. Clemson links yellowing lower leaves and dying growing tips on philodendron to too little light or overwatering. Our philodendron lighting guide covers placement.

Sun is where they differ. Illinois Extension says keep philodendrons out of direct sunlight. For snake plant, the sources disagree. NC State suggests 2 to 6 hours of direct sun a day, and the RHS says sansevierias thrive in sun or light shade. Penn State says keep snake plant out of direct sun, as it can burn. Move either into a sunnier spot gradually.

Watering: the main difference

Heartleaf philodendron. Clemson says water often enough to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, and never let the pot stand in water. Iowa State says keep plants evenly moist. NC State says keep the soil slightly moist and slow down on watering in winter.

Snake plant. NC State says let the soil dry between waterings from spring to autumn, and water only every one to two months in winter. Penn State says water only when the soil is dry; it can go a month or so without water. The RHS says push a finger into the compost to check, rather than watering routinely, and avoid pouring water into the centre of the rosette. Iowa State is blunt: overwatering is the one sure way to kill it.

So a beginner’s habits decide it. If you like to water little and often, a philodendron suits you better. If you forget for weeks, a snake plant forgives that. See snake plant root rot if a snake plant has been kept wet, and philodendron yellow leaves if the vine is yellowing.

Humidity and temperature

Both tolerate the dry air of a heated home. NC State says heartleaf philodendron tolerates dry air but prefers medium humidity. The RHS says snake plant likes low humidity: never mist it, and keep it out of steamy bathrooms.

Snake plant handles cooler rooms better. NC State says it tolerates cool temperatures around 10 °C (50 °F). Clemson gives a warmer range for heartleaf philodendron: 21–29 °C (70–85 °F) by day and 18–24 °C (65–75 °F) at night.

Growth, pruning and propagation

The philodendron grows quickly. NC State rates it rapid. Iowa State says cut stems back when they grow too long, which encourages new branches. Clemson says stem cuttings root at any season.

The snake plant changes slowly. The RHS calls it relatively slow-growing and suggests buying a larger plant if you want instant impact. Iowa State says it can be divided or grown from leaf cuttings, but leaf cuttings may give plain green leaves instead of the parent’s pattern. Our snake plant propagation guide has the steps.

Pet safety

Neither is safe for a pet that chews plants.

  • Heartleaf philodendron. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses because of insoluble calcium oxalates. Signs include mouth pain and swelling, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. See philodendron toxicity.
  • Snake plant. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs and cats because of saponins, with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The RHS notes the sap can irritate skin.

Which should you choose?

  • You want trailing growth for a shelf, hanging basket or trellis: heartleaf philodendron.
  • You want an upright accent for a floor or narrow corner: snake plant.
  • You water often: philodendron.
  • You travel or forget to water: snake plant.
  • Cool room in winter: snake plant.
  • You want to see fast progress: philodendron, the quicker grower.

For full care, see our heartleaf to rare philodendron care guide and snake plant care guide. Choosing between drought-tolerant plants? Compare snake plant vs ZZ plant.

References