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Name: devil's ivy, golden pothos, Epipremnum aureum. Cultivars include “Aureum”, “Snow Queen” and “Marble Queen”.
Height: height and spread can reach 4 or 6m, however as a trailing species this greatly varies
Foliage: evergreen glossy green marbled or variegated heart-shaped leaves, depending on the species or cultivar.
Climate: originating from tropical and temperate regions, but will thrive indoors in most climates.
Soil: a light, porous, aerated and well-drained soil is required to keep the roots moist but not soggy, usually containing peat moss or coco peat.
Position: grows well in full to partial shade outdoors. Indoors, devil's ivy prospers to the greatest extent with bright light, but will also grow in low-light conditions.
Flowering and fruiting: rarely flowers when placed indoors. Outdoors, flowering of the purple/green spathes only occurs in the mature phase.
Feeding: use a controlled-release fertiliser upon planting. Alternatively, using a liquid fertiliser is beneficial every few times it is watered.
Watering: keep moist but allow the surface of the potting mix or soil to dry out between each watering. Usually once a week for indoor plants.
Categorised under the genus Epipremnum, devil's ivy is a lush and hardy plant that can survive in minimal light and is almost impossible to kill. This evergreen trailing vine will thrive all year round, although variegated varieties may lose their colour in low-light conditions. Surviving well in a variety of positions, the diverse range of different-hued forms are a perfect accent to any indoor or sheltered outdoor space. Devil's ivy can be grown as a ground cover, in hanging baskets, in containers or along walls. It will grow to around 6m, but up to 20m in the wild.
Epipremnums were first discovered in French Polynesia and have become acclimatised to sub-tropical forests globally. Preferring a humid or temperate environment, they can withstand occasional periods of cold, but will not survive frost. In the cooler winter months, additional misting of tepid water will create a humid environment. Moderate diffused light is recommended for the foliage to retain its colour and variegation.
Devil's ivy is poisonous to cats and dogs, and harmful to humans if ingested, so avoid placing Devil's ivy on the floor inside if this is a significant risk. Instead, place it up high within a hanging basket, or on a shelf.
An integral aspect for the growth of all plants is soil quality. Devil's ivy will flourish in a large spread of soil types, ranging from acidic to alkaline. The soil should not be left overly wet, as this encourages root rot. Leave the surface of the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Do not be overly concerned about underwatering, as Epipremnums only require minimal watering, and have a strong ability to withstand dry periods and neglect.
When planted in indoor environments, devil's ivy requires a premium standard potting mix with additional sphagnum moss or cocopeat to maintain health and vigour.
When planting, mix in a controlled-release fertiliser to nourish the growth of the vine. Alongside this, use a soluble liquid fertiliser during the warmer seasons of growth but not during the cold and wet winter months.
Trimming back the trailing stems is essential to control and enhance the plant's shape, otherwise this species, which is invasive in some tropical areas, may take over. To ensure it does not grow too big, regularly trim the stem of the plant, always leaving a healthy piece of foliage at the end. Yellowed leaves are often the result of over watering, and can be easily removed simply by bending them back until they snap.
Devil's ivy is mostly resilient to diseases and pests, with most problems being related to the soil. Other issues stem from bacterial or fungal infections such as root rot, and leaf spots from excessive over watering throughout the growing season. Limp and curled foliage originate from inconsistent drops in temperature, cold air below 10°C or lack of water.
Spider mites and mealy bugs pose a significant issue, but this is easily solved by simply spraying the foliage with a garden insecticide. Repeat this in two weeks to completely eradicate the problem.
Devil's ivy is easy to propagate:
Long trailing stems with aerial roots can be cut off and placed in a seed and cutting mix or a 50:50 peat and coarse propagating sand. Alternatively, they may be pegged down into pots of seed and cutting mix with wire or hair clips. When they have formed a sufficient root system they may be cut off from the parent plant and treated individually.
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