Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)

Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)

Angus & Celeste Blog
May, 2019
Perfect in any planter – hanging or potted! Image from Stackwood, shot by Rae Fallon.

You may know this plant by many names: Golden Pothos, Ceylon Creeper, Hunter’s Robe, Ivy Arum, Money Plant, Silver Vine, Solomon Islands Ivy, or Taro Vine. However, you might more commonly know this plant as Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum). Oooooh, scary! Nah, not really. The plant gets this name from its ability to stay green even when kept in dark places and that fact that it is practically impossible to kill (which makes it a great plant for beginners).

Bright green marbled leaves in our Bush Grey Hanging Planters.

Originally discovered in French Polynesia, the Devil’s Ivy has become acclimatised to sub-tropical rainforests around the world. Devil’s Ivy have become one of the most popular household plants. But wait, there’s more to Devil’s Ivy being an attractive and easy to grow plant. This plant also has many beneficial qualities that help keep our spaces vibrant and liveable. Devil’s Ivy have been used in aquariums to reduce nitrates in the water, and are known to be efficient at removing indoor pollutants such as benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde. So give the Devil his due, this sure is one awesome plant.

Propagation of Devils Ivy couldn’t be easier! Image from abeautifulmess.com

Environment & Light:

Devil’s Ivy does best in bright light, but will also continue to grow in low-light conditions.

Compliment the shiny green foliage with a matt surface such as that of our Shale Green Raw Earth Hanging Planter. Image from Stackwood, shot by Rae Fallon.

Soil:

An aerated, well-drained soil is best to keep the roots moist. Look for soil containing peat moss or coco peat.

Feeding & Fertiliser:

Use a liquid fertiliser every second or third time you water.

Watering:

For indoors plants, water about once per week. Keep the soil moist but allow the surface to dry out between each drink of water.

An additional misting of tepid water is recommended during the cooler months. This will create the humidity that your plant enjoys.

Overwatering can be an issue, so keep an eye out for warning signs of this. The presence of yellowed leaves is one of the main signs of overwatering. Any yellowed leaves can easily be removed by bending them back until they snap away from the stem.

Pruning:

Devil’s Ivy sure love to grow! To ensure that your plant doesn’t take over, make sure to regularly trim the stem of your Devil’s Ivy. Ensure that you leave a healthy piece of foliage at the end.

Diseases & Pests:

Spider Mites and Mealy Bugs are an issue, but can be easily taken care of with a garden insecticide. Repeat in two weeks time to ensure you eradicate the problem.

Devil’s Ivy looks great paired with other tropical foliage. Image from Stackwood, shot by Rae Fallon.

Warning: Devil’s Ivy is poisonous to cats and dogs, and can be harmful to humans if it is ingested. Place high in a hanging basket to avoid any risks.

Did you know?

Devil’s Ivy rarely flower without artificial hormone supplements. The last known spontaneous flowering of a Devil’s Ivy was reported way back in 1964.

Devils Ivy waterfalling over the side of a Large Raw Earth Hanging Planter in Siltstone Grey. Image from Stackwood, shot by Rae Fallon.