How to Grow Epipremnum (Devil's Ivy)
Epipremnum (Devil's Ivy)
Epipremnum aureum
vineEpipremnum is a fast-growing tropical climbing aroid with heart-shaped leaves that can be solid green or variegated with yellow or white markings. It is an excellent houseplant and outdoor vine in warm climates, thriving in various light conditions and tolerating neglect. The plant naturally climbs by producing aerial rootlets and can also trail elegantly from hanging baskets.
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Example Epipremnum (Devil's Ivy) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Epipremnum (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 Epipremnum (Devil's Ivy)
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives outdoors in zones 10-12; excellent houseplant everywhere
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Get my Epipremnum (Devil's Ivy) timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-4 weeksYoung cutting or small rooted plant with 2-4 leaves, minimal growth
Maintain consistently moist (not wet) soil; provide bright indirect light; keep in humid environment to encourage rooting and reduce transplant shock
Vegetative Growth
3-12 months (ongoing)Rapid leaf production and stem elongation; plant grows 6-12 inches per month under ideal conditions; aerial rootlets visible along stem
Provide climbing support or hanging structure; fertilize monthly during growing season; prune regularly to encourage bushiness; maintain humidity 50%+ for best growth
Climbing/Trailing
Indefinite (perennial)Mature vines with well-developed aerial rootlets; can climb to 10+ feet outdoors or trail from hangers; leaves are larger and more deeply lobed on mature growth
Provide moss poles or trellises for support if climbing; fertilize every 4-6 weeks; prune aerial roots if desired for appearance; can withstand lower humidity than young plants
Flowering (rare indoors)
Variable (uncommon indoors)Small, inconspicuous green-white flowers enclosed in a spathe (modified leaf), followed by berry-like fruits; very rarely occurs in container cultivation
Flowering indicates mature, thriving plant; not necessary for ornamental purposes; ensure excellent light and humidity if flowers occur; toxic berries should be removed and disposed of
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; wipe leaves with 70% isopropyl alcohol on cotton swabs; isolate infected plants; repeat every 7-10 days
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water or neem oil; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation
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Hand-remove visible scales; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil; apply alcohol to individual insects; repeat applications every 7-14 days
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Reduce watering frequency; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; remove mushy roots; improve drainage; ensure pots have drainage holes; consider adding perlite or sphagnum moss
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Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; treat weekly until clear
Uses
Air Purification
HouseholdStudies indicate Epipremnum removes indoor air pollutants including formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene from the air, improving indoor air quality in homes and offices. [source]
Toxic - Do Not Consume
CulinaryContains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic to humans and pets if ingested, causing oral irritation, throat swelling, and gastrointestinal upset. Fruits and leaves should not be eaten. [source]
Living Wall & Structural Decor
CraftIdeal for creating living walls, moss poles, trellises, and vertical garden structures indoors and outdoors in warm climates. Aerial rootlets naturally adhere to supports, making installation and maintenance easy. [source]
Wildlife Habitat (Outdoor)
WildlifeIn tropical regions, provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, insects, and small animals. Fruits feed wildlife when plant reaches flowering maturity outdoors. [source]
Low-Maintenance Houseplant
HouseholdExtremely forgiving plant tolerating low light, irregular watering, and variable humidity; perfect for beginners and office environments where care is inconsistent. [source]
Harvest Tips
Not a harvest plant. For propagation: cut 4-6 inch sections below a node; propagate in water (roots develop in 1-2 weeks) or moist soil; can also propagate aerial root sections. Prune year-round to control growth and encourage bushiness.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Epipremnum aureum is called 'Devil's Ivy' because it is nearly impossible to kill and grows persistently even in poor conditions; the 'devil' nickname reflects its vigorous, hard-to-control nature.
- 🌱 Mature outdoor specimens in tropical rainforests can grow to 66 feet (20+ meters) in length, climbing high into rainforest canopy; they display dramatic change in leaf size and shape as they mature.
- 🌱 The plant's aerial rootlets are specialized structures that absorb moisture from the air and adhere to climbing surfaces; they do not harm trees or structures, as they extract moisture rather than nutrients from bark.
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