Devils Ivy
Epipremnum aureum
Devil's ivy, or golden pothos, is one of the world's most popular and indestructible houseplants, a fast-growing tropical vine with glossy, heart-shaped leaves marbled in gold.
- Light
- Low to bright indirect light
- Water
- When top inch of soil dries
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
Devil's ivy earned its name for being nearly impossible to kill, staying green even in low light and through neglect. Commonly sold as golden pothos, it is a vigorous climbing and trailing aroid grown for its attractive variegated foliage.
Native to the Solomon Islands but now pantropical, Epipremnum aureum is the go-to plant for beginners, tolerating a huge range of light and watering conditions.
How to identify it
Recognize devil's ivy by:
- Leaves: glossy, heart-shaped, typically green marbled with golden-yellow or cream
- Habit: trailing or climbing vine with stems that can reach many feet
- Aerial roots: produced at nodes for climbing surfaces
- Mature leaves: develop large size and splits (fenestrations) when climbing in ideal conditions
- Variegation: varies by cultivar (golden, marble queen, neon, jade)
Care & growing
Light: Tolerates low light but variegation is best in bright indirect light; avoid harsh direct sun.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries; very forgiving of occasional drought, sensitive to soggy soil.
Soil: Standard well-draining potting mix.
Temperature: 65-85F; keep above 50F.
Feeding: Balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Propagation: Effortless from stem cuttings rooted in water or soil; cut just below a node with an aerial root.
Habitat & origin
Epipremnum aureum is native to French Polynesia and the Solomon Islands, growing as a forest climber that scales tree trunks toward the canopy.
It has naturalized across tropical regions worldwide, sometimes invasively, and is one of the most widely grown indoor plants on the planet.
Frequently asked questions
Why is devil's ivy so easy to grow?
It tolerates low light, irregular watering, and a wide temperature range, and roots readily from cuttings, making it nearly foolproof.
Why are my pothos leaves turning all green?
Loss of variegation usually means too little light. Move it to brighter indirect light to bring back the golden markings.
Can I grow it in just water?
Yes, cuttings root and can live in water for a long time, though they grow best when eventually potted in soil.
What cultivars of devil's ivy are there?
Common forms include golden pothos, marble queen, neon, and jade, which differ mainly in the amount and color of their leaf variegation.
Devils Ivy guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Devils Ivy.
