Devil's Ivy

Devil’s Ivy are easy to care for, and can happily withstand a certain amount of neglect - survive if not regularly watered. To avoid the risk of overwatering, use lukewarm water when you water the plant and do not let the soil become completely dried out between waterings. If the leaves are wilting then it’s time to water the plant.

Devil's Ivy prefers to grow in bright, indirect light but it can also flourish in low-light areas. It may even produce white and yellow variegated leaves in low light. Too little sunlight will slow its growth and will not bring out its variegation, while too much sunlight can cause its leaves to yellow and brown.

Epipremnum aureum can grow comfortably in temperatures ranging from 55° to 90°F (13° to 33°C) with optimal growth between 65° and 85°F (18° and 30°C). Temperatures below 55°F (13°C) should be avoided as this can cause yellow leaves.

Epipremnum aureum, or Devil’s Ivy, is a tropical plant and loves humidity. It is fairly adaptable, however, and can grow in a range of humidity levels, from as low as near 0 to as high as 100%. During the winter, an increase in humidity will help to combat dry air in the home.

Epipremnum aureum prefers well-drained soil with good aeration. This will help to prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged and will provide the plant with good drainage. The soil should be light and contain organic matter such as peat or compost. To ensure the best drainage, you can use a soil mix that is one part potting soil and one part perlite or sand.

It is important to fertilize your Epipremnum aureum to ensure that it receives all the necessary nutrients. Feed your plant every 2-3 weeks in during the summer months with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 the strength. Do not fertilize during the winter, as this will only encourage leaf growth and will not contribute to a strong root system. Use a fertilizer that is balanced and contains macronutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

Epipremnum aureum can be susceptible to several pests, such as mealy bugs, aphids, scale, whiteflies, and spider mites. If your plant becomes affected by pests, you should inspect it regularly and take steps to eradicate the pests as soon as possible. The most common method for getting rid of pests on a Devil’s Ivy is introducing natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, into the environment. You can also make a solution of water and mild dish soap and spray it onto the leaves to get rid of any pests.

Epipremnum aureum does not need to be repotted very often, as the plant prefers to be slightly pot-bound. A move to a new pot should only be done when the roots become so tight that they fill the entire pot. Check the pot’s drainage holes and the soil; if it is dry for two weeks, you may need to repot, but wait until it’s dry for three consecutive weeks to be sure. When it’s time to repot, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.

Pruning Devil’s Ivy is important to keep it healthy and looking its best. Prune away any yellow or dead leaves, and trim the vine tips or stems that are longer than you’d like. This can be done with a pair of clean pruning shears. Pinching the vine tips encourages new growth and bushiness, as well as providing a manageable size. Be sure not to prune the main vine.

Mulching the soil around the Devil’s Ivy can help it to retain moisture and protect the roots from temperature changes. It can also help to maintain even moisture in the soil and prevent evaporation. You can use a layer of gravel, pebbles, or bark mulch to achieve the desired effect.

Epipremnum aureum can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a 4- to 6- inch (10- to 15-cm) cutting from an existing plant. Make sure the cutting has at least two leaves, and cut it just below a node (where the leaves were attached). Place the cutting in water until it develops roots, then transfer the cutting to moist soil and wait a few weeks for the roots to take hold and the plant to grow.

Because Devil's Ivy is a trailing, climbing or hanging plant, it may need a support or trellis to help it hold its shape. You can use thin bamboo stakes, string, or fishing line to provide the necessary support. It will also help to keep the branches in place if you need to prune them for size.

During the winter months when the sun and ambient temperatures are lower, Devil’s Ivy may enter a rest period during which its leaf production and growth will slow. This is natural, and the plant will usually remain healthy during the winter. Do not be alarmed if your Epipremnum aureum stays the same size or even begins to lose a few leaves.

Devil's Ivy is toxic to puppies and cats, so it’s best to keep it out of reach of pets. The sap of the plant can cause skin irritation and difficulty breathing. Ingestion of the plant may result in vomiting, difficulty swallowing, and possible respiratory failure.