Last Updated on March 22, 2021 by Sophie
If you’re looking for an easy care houseplant which grows quickly and is ever-so-striking, then the Devil’s Ivy is an ideal started plant. Officially known as Epipremnum aureum, but also sometimes referred to as golden pothos, here’s a complete Devil’s Ivy care guide, as well as propagation and watering tips.
Devil’s Ivy common names: Thanks to the sheer number of common names that are used when people refer to Epipremnum aureum, I’ve decided to begin this article by listing them all out. As well as Devil’s vine, other common nicknames include golden pothos, Ceylon creeper, hunter’s robe, ivy arum, money plant, silver vine, Solomon Islands ivy, and marble queen.
Please note that, while Devil’s Ivy is often labelled as a ‘Philodendron’ at plant sales and in plant stores, this is a mistake.
For those who are new to indoor plants, Devil’s Ivy is a fantastic started plant thanks to the fact that it often thrives on a little neglect and will grow quickly in the right conditions, thus quickly rewarding the indoor gardener. It should be noted that the plant rarely flowers indoors.
A flowering plant part of the arum family Araceae, the plant originates from French Polynesia but can now be found as a popular houseplant across the world. The plant was first described in 1880 as Pothos aureus, which is why many of the plant’s nicknames include the term ‘pothos’. Please note that in some places, Devil’s Ivy is considered an invasive plant and should not be grown outdoors as is can smother native plants.
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Devil’s Ivy: hanging or climbing plant?
Due to its trailing and climbing qualities, the plant can be sold as either a hanging or climbing plant. The plant can either be placed into a hanger and the heart-shaped leaves allowed to trail down to the floor, or alternatively the plant can be grown up a moss pole.
Growing Devil’s Ivy up a moss pole will allow the leaves to become much bigger. It’s also worth noting that the key to growing a plant successfully up a moss pole is adequate moisture and humidity, meaning that you should regularly mist your moss pole for maximum effectiveness.
Varieties of Devil’s Ivy
It may well surprise you, but there are actually a handful of cultivars and variegations of Devil’s Ivy, though when it comes to appearance, there is truly not that much difference. Most varieties are green with mottled yellow variegations and, the lighter the leaves, the more sunlight they’ll need. The heart-shaped leaves of Devil’s Ivy should not be confused with the heart-leaf philodendron, which looks incredibly similar in appearance.
Devil’s Ivy Plant Care & Watering Guide
Watering your Golden Pothos
As with many types of trailing vines, Devil’s Vine being no exception, I find that the easiest way to encourage healthy leaves and plant growth is by allowing the plant to dry out entirely between waterings. When it comes to watering my Epipremnum aureum, I’ll soak it entirely, before allowing it to dry out completely before the next watering.
Best soil conditions for the Devil’s Vine
The golden pothos is much less fussy than other plants when it comes to soil conditions, though can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered. As such, the best soil mix for Devil’s Ivy is a well draining one with both organic matter as well as well-draining materials such as sand and pumice.
If you’re looking for a pre-made soil mix, then many garden centres which sell indoor plants will sell soil mixes formulated specifically for indoor tropical houseplants. When it comes to fertilising Devil’s Ivy, the plant should be lightly fertilised every few weeks in the growing season (i.e. spring and summer), though it’s worth noting that the vine isn’t as much of a heavy feeder as many other tropical houseplants.
Best light conditions for the Epipremnum aureum
Direct sunlight will burn the leaves of Devil’s Ivy and so some care should be taken as to the placement of the plant. Though the pothos plant is often advertised as faring well in lower light conditions, this does not mean a dark room or lots of shade! The plant will grow best when exposed to bright indirect sunlight, such as a little way away from a South-facing window or in a North-facing window.
How to propagate Devil’s Ivy
One of my favourite aspects of Devil’s Ivy is just how easy it is to propagate! You simply need to take a cutting from the vine which includes at least a few leaves and a node (but preferably two nodes). Simply place the vine in water and after a few weeks, roots will start to develop around the node area.
Once the roots are long enough, the plant can be potted up into a soil substrate. Just after potting your devil’s ivy cuttings up, be wary not to overwater the delicate roots. Due to the straggly nature of the plant, I would also recommend potting at least three or four cuttings up into a plant so as to create a fuller plant.
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