Once upon a time, a plant genus called Pothos (POH-thos) had a bit of an identity problem.
Not only did one species get renamed to Epipremnum aureum while still being referred to as pothos, but many people began to believe these indoor plants were the only pothos out there.
But the remaining pothos plants aren’t afraid of a little confusion because the 50-plus species and numerous cultivars have become some of the most beloved houseplants.
Pothos plants have a large native habitat, from the Indian Subcontinent and Orient down into Australia, while Epipremnum aureum hails exclusively from Mo’orea in French Polynesia.
As with its former pothos relatives, this perennial member of the Araceae family has many nicknames, including:
- Ceylon creeper
- Devil’s Ivy
- Devil’s Vine
- Hunter’s Rope
- Ivy Arum
- Money Plant
- Silver Vine
- Solomon Island’s Ivy
- Taro Vine
While there are a lot of wonderful pothos species out there, such as Pothos scandens and the slender-leafed Pothos longipes, Epipremnum aureum and its many cultivars continue to steal the show.
Devil’s Ivy Houseplant Care
Size & Growth
Devil’s vine is – as the name suggests – a vining plant some with (variegated leaves aka golden pothos) that love climbing up trees, trellises, and other objects.
In its native habitat, the Devil’s Ivy can reach a height of 40′ feet, although it tends to be much shorter indoors, where it tends to cap off at a more respectable 8′ feet.
The mature leaves of the plant are fairly large, causing it to be often mistaken for a philodendron despite other differences.
Depending upon whether you have the species or a cultivar, those leaves may or may not display variegation.
Flowering and Fragrance
Pothos are usually grown indoors in the US and rarely flower as a result.
These plants will only produce their cream-colored spathes once they reach 35′ feet or more in length.
Indirect Light & Temperature
Devil’s ivy can handle a wide range of lighting including low-light conditions.
Avoid direct sunlight that will easily scorch its leaves.
Generally, aim for full to partial shade when planting outdoors and bright, indirect light when indoors.
Remember that variegated cultivars of this species will need more light than non-variegated if you want those patterns to stand out.
A moderate to high humidity is best, so augment the plant with a pebble tray or humidifier (or keep it in the kitchen or bathroom).
They’re capable of growing in lower humidity levels, but the leaves will tend to be smaller and less vibrant.
It’s possible to grow these pothos outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11.
Indoors, it thrives, preferring temperatures between 60 and 80° degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep the Pothos plant away from drafts and avoid temperatures below 50° degrees Fahrenheit, as devil’s ivy isn’t cold tolerant.
Water and Fertilizer
As with many popular houseplants, your pothos prefers the soak-and-dry method.
Check the moisture of the potting soil by sticking your finger in the potting mix and water when it feels dry 1″ inch down.
Use room temperature distilled water or natural rainwater and our slowly and evenly around the base of the plant until it starts seeping from the drainage holes.
Not only will this help ensure the perfect amount of water, but it will also flush wastes from the soil.
Fertilizing is a low priority for this plant, so that you can go with any balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted according to the package.
One application in the spring is generally enough to keep it happy for the entire growing season.
Soil & Transplanting
It’s really hard to go wrong with soil for this plant, as long as it’s well-draining. Always use a pot with a drainage hole.
Any quality, balanced potting mix is perfect, although adding a little perlite can help keep the soil from getting too compact.
You will usually need to repot with fresh potting soil every 2 years or so as the plant becomes rootbound.
During this time, you may choose to either graduate one container size larger or divide the plant.
Grooming And Maintenance Of The Pothos Vine
Pothos vines don’t require much maintenance and generally only need a prune if you’re planning to propagate or remove infested or diseased leaves.
You can also use pruning to shape or restrict its growth throughout the growing season.
Clean the dust from the heart-shaped leaves with a damp cloth once per month.
How To Propagate Taro Vine
There are two major ways to propagate this tropical plant: through stem cuttings from the mother plant or division.
One of the great things about using cuttings is that they can be propagated in water, allowing your family to enjoy some living art.
Just be sure to change the water often, and you can either transplant to the soil once the roots are at least 2″ inches long or leave it in water indefinitely.
Devil’s Vine Pests or Diseases
This former pothos has a reputation for becoming invasive and has led to extensive ecological damage in Southeast Asia and Australia after being introduced.
It’s cold intolerant and easily damaged if exposed to temperatures below 50° degrees Fahrenheit.
That said, this plant is extremely resistant to pests and disease, with root rot and mealybugs being the two biggest threats and causing yellow leaves.
As with all arums, pothos plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, considered toxic to humans and pets.
When ingested, these crystals can cause numerous health issues, including irritation of the mouth, kidney stones, and vomiting.
Pothos Uses
Due to their ability to thrive in fluorescent lighting, pothos is popular plants for offices and dorms.
They’re also clean air plants, removing harmful substances from the air.
The combination of low light tolerance and love of humidity make them great choices for the bathroom, where they will also help remove toxic gasses being produced by your shower curtain (and family).