How to Care for Devils Ivy

Devils Ivy (Epipremnum aureum), also called pothos, is one of the most forgiving houseplants you can grow. Its trailing, heart-shaped leaves, often splashed with gold, cream, or white, make it ideal for shelves, hanging baskets, or climbing a moss pole.

Light

Devils Ivy tolerates a wide range, from low light to bright indirect light, which is a big part of its reputation for being unkillable. Bright, indirect light produces the fullest growth and the boldest variegation. In low light the plant survives but grows more slowly, and heavily variegated forms may revert toward plainer green. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.

Water

Water when the top inch of soil dries out. Then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, and empty the saucer. Devils Ivy is more tolerant of occasional dryness than of constant sogginess, so err on the drier side. Drooping, limp leaves usually signal thirst and perk up quickly after watering, while yellowing lower leaves often point to overwatering.

Soil & Potting

Use a well-draining, general-purpose potting mix. Adding perlite, orchid bark, or coco coir improves aeration and helps prevent compaction. Always use a pot with drainage holes. Devils Ivy adapts well to most container sizes and can also be grown long-term in plain water if roots are established in it, though soil-grown plants are sturdier.

Humidity & Temperature

Average household conditions suit it well. It prefers temperatures around 65-85F (18-29C) and dislikes cold drafts or exposure below about 50F (10C). It tolerates ordinary indoor humidity but appreciates a bit more moisture in the air, which can encourage larger leaves. Keep it away from cold windows in winter and hot air vents.

Feeding

Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength about once a month during spring and summer. Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter when growth naturally slows. Devils Ivy is not a heavy feeder, so light, regular feeding is plenty.

Propagation

Propagation could not be simpler. Cut a stem section with at least one node (the small bump where a leaf meets the stem, sometimes with an aerial root), and place it in water or moist soil. Roots emerge from the nodes within a couple of weeks. Once water-rooted cuttings have an inch or two of roots, pot them up, or plant several cuttings together for a fuller pot.

Repotting / Pruning

Repot every year or two, or when roots circle the pot or push out the drainage holes, moving up one pot size. Prune anytime to control length and encourage bushiness; cut just above a node and the stem will branch. Regular trimming keeps the plant from becoming sparse and bare at the top, and the cuttings can be rooted for more plants.

Common Problems & Pests

Yellow leaves most often indicate overwatering or roots sitting in water; let the mix dry more between waterings. Brown, crispy leaf edges suggest very dry air or inconsistent watering. Loss of variegation points to insufficient light. Pests are uncommon but can include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale; wipe leaves and treat with insecticidal soap if they appear.

Seasonal Care Tips

In spring and summer, expect active growth: water a little more often, feed monthly, and prune to shape. In fall and winter, growth slows, so water less frequently and pause fertilizer. If your home gets dim in winter, move the plant closer to a window to maintain healthy growth and variegation.