You may be pleased to know that devil’s ivy care is really very simple and not at all time consuming. But first, a little background on this amazing plant.
Devil’s ivy, also known as hunter’s robe and money plant, is a species of a flowering plant from the Araceae family.
It originates from the Moorea, an island from the Society Islands in French Polynesia.
It’s one of the most popular indoor plants in temperate parts of the world; however, it’s also common in tropical and sub-tropical forests globally, including Australia, South Asia, and the West Indies.
It’s called devil’s ivy because it’s practically impossible to kill it and it has the power to preserve its greenery even in reduced light.
Because of a genetic impairment, it’s considered a shy-flowering plant. To release flowers, it usually requires artificial hormone supplements.
It’s an evergreen vine which can grow up to 66 feet in height and its stems can reach up to 2 inches in diameter.
It has beautiful alternate heart-shaped leaves whereas its flowers are produced in spathes that can reach up to 9 inches of length.
If you chose it as a plant for your home or office, know that it can reach up to 2 meters of height, but, it needs the right support for climbing.
It demands indirect light and brightness to grow properly. Exposing it to direct sunlight should be avoided.
Like Mother In Law Tongue and Peace Lilies, it’s also listed as a beneficial plant for elimination of indoor pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene.
Important to know:
This plant is toxic to dogs and cats according to the ASPCA. Make sure you place it in an area where no pet can consume it.
Like many other indoor plants, such as plumeria, devil’s ivy is toxic to humans, and it’s possible that consumption can lead to burning and swelling in the mouth region and skin irritation. Place it in an area that’s away from the reach of children.
How to Care for Devil’s Ivy
Light
Your devil’s ivy indoors will thrive in a place which gets filtered sunlight or a bright artificial light. Make sure it’s not overly exposed to direct sunlight because this may burn its leaves.
Even though it’s said to tolerate darker areas, if it’s spending most time in a dark area, its growth will diminish.
Temperature
Proper devil’s ivy care means giving it the right temperature, and the best temperature is around 60 and 85 degrees F throughout the whole year.
The plant is good at tolerating occasional temperature drops down to 50 degrees F; however, if the temperature goes below this, it’s unlikely to survive.
Water & Humidity
The best option is to water when the 1st quarter inch of the soil is dry when you touch it.
Make sure you don’t give it too much water, as the roots can rot.
Under watering shouldn’t be a problem as the plant is good at tolerating lack of water. However, if you underwater it, the growth will diminish and other problems may develop.
In the fall and winter, wait before the quarter inch of the soil at the top feels completely dry, then water it.
The plant needs a drainage pot and when you’re watering it, especially in the growing periods, pour water until you see it running from the drains.
In terms of humidity, it’s known to withstand different humidity levels.
Soil
You won’t go wrong if you choose a potting blend for cactuses. You can add some gravel or small pebbles at the bottom of the pot to boost the drainage.
Feeding
One or two applications of a general-purpose liquid fertilizer for houseplants during the growing season will suffice.
Before applying the fertilizer, make sure you check out the directions on the label concerning the amount and proper application.
And, don’t worry if you’ve skipped a feeding – devil’s ivy doesn’t require heavy fertilization.
Repotting
Your devil’s ivy will ‘let you know’ that it needs a bigger home when you see the roots growing outside of the draining holes.
This is when it’s a good time to repot it. You can also repot it when you want it to grow more vigorously.
Choose a pot that’s an inch or so larger than the current one and use fresh soil. Water it thoroughly and place it in a proper area.
Propagation
This plant is so easy for propagation and it can actually be fun.
You’ll need good scissors, a jar, a pot, soil, and water. Cut a vine with a bit of length and several leaves.
Make sure there are several bumps along the vines (they’re called nodes). They’re propagation-friendly.
Place the cutting in a bowl of water, but do your best not to immerse the leaves in the water.
Keep the jar at a window sill or in a place with filtered light.
If it’s summer, the roots can be seen very fast; in the colder months, more time may be necessary.
You need to change the water daily. When there are several strong roots, remove the cutting from the jar and transfer it in soil and water it.
Best Devil’s Ivy Varieties
Golden Pothos
This is the most commonly grown devil’s ivy variety and most common in stores. It features variegated green leaves with an attractive golden hue.
Neon Pothos
This vibrant variety of devil’s ivy has striking bright yellow and green foliage.
Marble Queen
This amazing variety has contrasting marbled white-green foliage.
However, it’s more demanding in terms of care and it’s a slower grower.
Other Tips
This plant is usually sold as a hanging and climbing plant. In each case, you should check if the thickness and length of the plant are proportionate to the form.
Your devil’s ivy will appreciate mist- spray it occasionally with clean water from a spray bottle.
According to a NASA study, devil’s ivy is among the several houseplants that can better the air quality in the room.
Trouble Shooting- Common Issues
Problem: Black spots on the leaves
Cause: Overwatering
Solution: Even though your devil’s ivy loves moist soil and regular watering, excessive watering and a very moist soil can cause the leaves to develop black spots or to become yellowish.
Problem: Pale or scorched leaves
Cause: Too much light
Solution: If you notice that the leaves of your devil’s ivy are going pale, they’re probably receiving too much direct sun exposure.
To prevent this from happening, move the plant to a more adequate area- bright or with filtered light and not directly exposed to sunlight.
Problem: Dry brown leaf edges
Cause: Underwatering
Solution: Make sure you water it regularly during the warmer months (fewer times during the colder months).
Pour water until you see it dripping from the drainage openings on the bottom.
I hope this devil’s ivy care article has furthered your interest in this very decorative plant.
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