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How to Grow Pothos (Devil's Ivy)

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Pothos (Devil's Ivy)

Epipremnum aureum

vine

Pothos is a fast-growing tropical vine with heart-shaped leaves that ranges from solid green to variegated white, yellow, or silver depending on variety. It is one of the most popular and forgiving houseplants, thriving in a wide range of indoor conditions and capable of trailing from hanging baskets or climbing moss poles. This plant is nearly impossible to kill, making it ideal for beginners.

Looking for a specific variety?

Golden Pothos Marble Queen Neon Pothos Satin Pothos Jade Pothos Pearls and Jade

When should you plant Pothos (Devil's Ivy) in your zone?

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Example Pothos (Devil's Ivy) timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Pothos (Devil's Ivy)

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Pothos (Devil's Ivy)

    Around Apr 21

    ≈ 4 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Pothos (Devil's Ivy) dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light but grows slower. Avoid direct scorching sun which can bleach leaves.
💧
Water: Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering is the primary cause of failure.
📏
Spacing: Not applicable for vines; space individual plants 12-18 inches apart if growing multiple inches
📅
Days to maturity: Mature size depends on conditions; establishes in 4-6 weeks
🌱
Planting depth: Root cuttings with 1-2 nodes submerged in water or soil; plant transplants at same depth as original pot

Soil

Type: Well-draining potting mix, peat-based or peat-free
pH: 6.1-6.5
Amendments:
Perlite Orchid bark Activated charcoal for drainage

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives outdoors in zones 10-11; grown as houseplant everywhere

10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment (Cuttings/New Growth)

2-4 weeks

Single or few vines with small leaves, developing root system in water or soil

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light. Mist occasionally to encourage root development if propagating in water.

2

Vegetative Growth

Ongoing (months to years)

Vine lengthens with new leaves emerging regularly along stems. Plant becomes fuller and more vigorous.

Maintain bright indirect light for best growth. Water when top soil layer dries. Rotate pot weekly for even growth. Can begin training to moss pole or trellis.

3

Climbing/Trailing

Ongoing

Vines extend 3-10+ feet depending on support and conditions. Leaves may develop deeper lobes if climbing (juvenile to mature leaf form).

Provide support structure if desired. Prune to control size and encourage bushier growth. Remove dead leaves and trim leggy stems.

4

Mature Growth

Indefinite

Plant reaches full size for container with stable, consistent foliage production

Maintain regular watering schedule. Fertilize monthly during growing season (spring/summer). Prune as needed for shape. Can flower indoors but rarely in household conditions.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Monstera Philodendron Anthurium ZZ plant Snake plant Dracaena Peperomia

Avoid planting near:

Direct heat sources Cold drafts Extremely dry air sources

Common Pests

  • Increase humidity, mist leaves weekly, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until resolved

  • Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap

  • Scrape off manually with fingernail; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray

  • Spray with strong water stream to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation persists

Uses

🏠

Air Purification

Household

Pothos removes common indoor air pollutants including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, making indoor air healthier. It is one of the most effective houseplants for air purification. [source]

🏠

Interior Decoration & Living Walls

Household

Ideal for hanging baskets, trailing from shelves, or training up moss poles and trellises to create living walls and green screens. Works in offices, homes, and commercial spaces. [source]

🦋

Pet-Friendly Alternatives

Wildlife

While pothos is toxic if ingested by cats and dogs, it serves as a non-toxic alternative when grown alongside pet-safe plants. A great choice for homes where safety from toxic houseplants is a concern. [source]

🎨

Easy Propagation & Plant Gifting

Craft

Propagates effortlessly from water or soil cuttings, making it perfect for sharing with friends and creating new plants from a single mother plant with minimal effort. [source]

Harvest Tips

Pothos is not typically harvested for food. Cuttings can be taken year-round for propagation—cut 4-6 inches below a node, remove lower leaves, and root in water or moist soil. Trim any dead, damaged, or excessively long stems to maintain plant shape and encourage fuller growth.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Pothos is called 'Devil's Ivy' because it is nearly impossible to kill and spreads rapidly—the 'devil' being nearly impossible to get rid of once established.
  • 🌱 In its natural rainforest habitat, pothos can climb trees to heights of 40+ feet, but indoor pothos rarely exceed 10 feet due to space and light constraints.
  • 🌱 Pothos leaves develop different shapes depending on age and light conditions: juvenile plants have heart-shaped leaves, while mature climbing pothos may develop deeply lobed, fenestrated leaves resembling Monstera.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Trellis
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