Devil's ivy
Epipremnum aureum · Family Araceae
Also known as: pothos, golden pothos, epipremnum
- Light
- Partial shade to bright indirect
- Watering
- Every 5 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pet-safe
- No, keep it away from cats and dogs
Care
Where to put it
High shelves or hanging pots in the living room and kitchen.
Light
Medium to bright indirect light. Direct sun scorches the leaves.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3 cm of compost is dry.
About the plant
A climber with heart-shaped green leaves splashed with yellow, lovely trailing or climbing a support. It is one of the easiest plants to grow and propagate: a cutting in water soon roots. The stems easily grow beyond 2 metres.
Origin
Native to the island of Moorea in French Polynesia, where it climbs tree trunks in the forest.
What it likes
- Indirect light or partial shade
- Slightly moist compost
- A support or shelf to trail from
What it dislikes
- Direct afternoon sun
- Compost waterlogged for days
- Cold below 12 °C
Did you know?
In the wild, when it climbs trees, its leaves can exceed 1 metre and become split, very different from potted ones.
Toxicity
| Cats | Toxic |
|---|---|
| Dogs | Toxic |
| People | Mildly toxic |
It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate the mouth and digestive tract of cats and dogs. Keep it out of pets’ reach.
If any is eaten, contact a vet or a poison information service.
Common problems
Brown tips
Symptoms: Leaf tips and edges dry and brown.
Causes: Very irregular watering, compost left bone dry for long periods or very dry air.
What to do: Water more evenly so the compost stays lightly moist, and trim only the dry part with clean scissors.
Prevention: Keep a regular watering routine and keep the plant away from air conditioning and radiators.
Frequently asked questions
Can devil’s ivy grow in water alone?
Yes. Cuttings with at least one node root in water and can stay that way for a long time. Change the water often and keep the container in indirect light.
Native range
- Pacific: South-Central Pacific
Climate: Tropical
