Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos.
Is this the easiest indoor plant of all time, if its not, Devil’s Ivy is very close to whatever wins.
It has great foliage all year round, tolerates low light with no problems and you can even forget to water it for a while and it will thrive.
The leaves are heart shaped, waxy and glossy and a good green and gold combination.
It grows on long trailing stems and it also is regarded as one of the best air purifying plants. It is related to Monstera, however it is a very different plant.
The botanical name is Epipremnum aureum, and if you want to know why it is called Devil’s Ivy, this common name comes from the fact that its very difficult to kill. In fact it will stay green even if grown in very dark rooms.
Uses
The first time we saw this plant was growing in a restaurant, low light and less than ideal conditions, it was thriving. It is often grown up a pole or totem and this works well in containers.
Use it a a clumping plant indoors, or outdoors in a position protected from the cold.
For the best look, place Devil’s Ivy in a position where it does get good filtered light, in very dark areas it will lose the variation in the foliage.
How to Grow Devil’s Ivy
Being a plant from sub tropical to tropical rainforests this is a plant that grows well in shade it also likes warmth so in cooler climates it is an ideal indoor plant.
- Light – Good filtered light is best, direct sun will cause the foliage to burn.
- Soil/Potting Mix – Use a free draining potting mix the retains some moisture but does not get soggy and wet.
- Watering – Water well when the soil dries out. Be aware that underwatering Devil’s Ivy is better than overwatering it.
- Fertiliser – A slow release fertiliser designed for indoor plants works well. Low odour liquid fertilisers applied every month are also suited.
Potting and Growing
This is a plant that naturally sends out aerial roots, these will attach themselves to coir poles (totems) and similar. You can also train the plant to grow over a climbing frame or trellis.
Propagation
Usually from stem tip cuttings taken just below a node.
Propagation can be in ordinary potting mix or water.
You can also propagate by layering the stems into potting mix, they will send down new roots from where the nodes meet the soil.
Problems
- Why is my Devil’s Ivy turning yellow or brown?
A common problem is the leaves turning yellow or brown.This is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage.
The solution is to cut back on watering. OR Better still, repot in a fresh free draining potting mix. - Why is my Devil’s Ivy turning green?
Usually because you are growing it in to much shade, the variegation needs good filtered light to be a feature.
Pruning
The best time to prune Devil’s Ivy is in summer, however it can be trimmed at any time if needed.
Every now and then it is best to prune the stems back so that they reshoot, this prevents long bare stems.
After a year or two you may wish to control the size of your Devil’s Ivy. You can prune it back.
- Look for a leaf or a node on the stem.
- Use a sharpe pair of secateures to cut back just above this point.
Propagation
Although you can grow cutting in water, they are usually better if they are propagated in potting mix . The best time to take cuttings is in spring.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Epipremnum aureum
- Common Names – Devil’s Ivy or Golden Pothos.
- Position – Low light to brighter filtered light. The more light, the better the variation in the foliage.
- Soil – Humus rich, moist and well drained.
- Height – Generally to around 3 – 4 metres
- Spread – Will spread to around 3 metres.
- Growth Rate – Medium to Fast
- Foliage – Mid to deep green splashed with yellow.
- Flowering Time – Mainly in spring, although it will flower through the year..
- Frost tolerant – No
- Drought tolerant – Yes
Devil’s Ivy is available for sale from the following nurseries
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