How to Grow Devil's Ivy
Wikimedia Commons
Devil's Ivy
Epipremnum aureum
vineDevil's Ivy is a fast-growing, trailing houseplant with heart-shaped leaves that are typically green with yellow or white variegation depending on the cultivar. It's an extremely low-maintenance plant that thrives in a wide range of indoor conditions and is nearly impossible to kill. This popular vine is perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or as a climbing plant on stakes or moss poles.
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Example Devil's Ivy timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Devil's Ivy
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Devil's Ivy
Around Apr 21≈ 4 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10b-11; primarily grown as an indoor houseplant in colder climates
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Propagation/Rooting
1-2 weeksStem cuttings (4-6 inches) develop roots in water or moist soil. Nodes develop small white root primordia.
Change water every 3-5 days if propagating in water. Provide bright, indirect light. Rooting typically occurs in 1-2 weeks.
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung plant develops a root system and begins putting out new leaf nodes. Growth accelerates once roots are established.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright indirect light. Avoid fertilizing until roots are fully developed.
Vegetative Growth
Ongoing (spring-fall)Plant produces vigorous vine growth with new heart-shaped leaves at regular intervals. Vines can grow 6-12 inches monthly.
Provide support structure if desired. Fertilize monthly during growing season with balanced houseplant fertilizer. Prune to encourage bushiness.
Mature/Trailing
Indefinite; plant can live for many yearsPlant reaches desired size and produces long trailing or climbing vines with established leaf patterns and variegation.
Maintain watering schedule. Fertilize less frequently (every 6-8 weeks). Prune and propagate as desired. Clean leaves monthly with soft cloth.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days. Isolate affected plant. Inspect stems and leaf nodes thoroughly.
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Increase humidity; mist leaves regularly. Use neem oil spray. Severe infestations may require miticide application.
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Remove manually with alcohol-soaked cotton swab. Treat with horticultural oil spray every 10-14 days.
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
Uses
Air Purification
HouseholdDevil's Ivy helps remove indoor air pollutants including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from household environments. NASA studies on indoor air quality have documented the plant's effectiveness in filtering common volatile organic compounds. [source]
Interior Decoration & Vertical Gardening
HouseholdExtremely popular as a decorative houseplant for hanging baskets, shelves, and as a climbing plant on moss poles or trellises. Works well in offices, bathrooms, and living spaces due to its attractive variegated foliage and forgiving nature. [source]
Toxic to Pets
WildlifeContains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing mouth irritation, difficulty swallowing, and digestive upset. Important consideration for pet-owning gardeners when deciding on placement. [source]
Propagation & Sharing
CraftExtremely easy to propagate from cuttings, making it ideal for plant lovers to share with friends and family. The nearly 100% success rate of propagation makes it perfect for beginners learning plant multiplication techniques. [source]
Low-Maintenance Living Decor
HouseholdOne of the most resilient houseplants available, tolerating neglect, low light, and inconsistent watering better than nearly any other plant. Ideal for beginners, busy individuals, or offices with variable light conditions. [source]
Harvest Tips
Devil's Ivy is not harvested for food or traditional uses. Instead, propagate by taking 4-6 inch stem cuttings just below a node. Cuttings can be rooted in water or moist soil. Prune stems regularly to maintain shape and encourage fuller growth. Trimmed cuttings root easily and can be shared or replanted.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Devil's Ivy gets its name 'Devil's Ivy' because it's nearly impossible to kill and spreads so vigorously it's considered nearly 'devilishly' indestructible. Some sources suggest the name comes from the plant's ability to spread everywhere like the devil.
- 🌱 The plant is native to French Polynesia and Southeast Asia, where it grows as a natural vine in tropical rainforest canopies. In some regions, it's considered an invasive species due to its aggressive growth habit.
- 🌱 Devil's Ivy has been shown in NASA's Clean Air Study to be one of the most effective houseplants for removing multiple types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from indoor air, making it valuable beyond just decorative purposes.
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