No matter who you ask, the Devil’s Ivy (also known as pothos) will be in their list of top houseplants for beginner gardeners. We love this plant because of the trailing stems, lush leaves (that can actually grow pretty big) and versatility. It is a hardy plant that can grow in different light conditions all year round. BUT, there are a few basics that you need to get right to grow the ultimate devils ivy houseplant at home. If you’re looking for basic tips to keep your devils ivy thriving, look no further!
These plants grow wild in the rainforests of South America and Central America. Walk the streets of Brazil, and you will see Devils Ivy plants growing up the trunks of trees on the sidewalk! When you’re thinking about how to grow a thriving devils ivy at home, keep in mind that it loves a tropical environment!
Avoid putting your devils ivy in direct sunlight – after all, they’re used to climbing the trunks of trees. Outside of that, your pothos/devils ivy plant is pretty versatile. Shady corners or bright indirect light is best – think about how you replicate the dappled light of a shady forest.
How often should I water my devils ivy houseplant?
The best thing about a devil’s ivy plant is that it can be forgiving for forgetful waterers. Often, the plant can last up to 10-14 days without a drink. Just make sure that you give it a nice long soak, watering until drops start to flow through the drainage holes on your pot.
Pro Tip: are you noticing that the leaves are drooping or curling? It’s a telltale sign that your devils ivy needs a drink!
Honestly, this houseplant is perfect for beginners because it can handle dramatic shifts in humidity and temperature, without completely freaking out! If you’re looking for a way to make your devils ivy extra happy in fall and winter, you could mist the leaves occasionally. Otherwise, the humidity of your house will be fine.
A simple, well-draining houseplant soil is great for these plant babies. Make sure that water flows through easily so that your roots don’t get too water drenched.
If you really want to see this beginner houseplant thrive, you should use a bioactive fertilizer instead of a synthetic fertilizer. NPK fertilizer can build up as salt in the soil and ultimately harm your devils ivy. Instead, use an organic slow release fertilizer like Enrich powder in the soil ,and a fast acting plant food like Grow Concentrate. It will give your devils ivy everything it needs for new shoots and larger leaves.
With the right treatment, your pothos is going to grow fast! If you’re noticing leggy growth (stems with not many leaves), or raggedy looking growth, it can be best to cut it back. It will mean that your plant will branch out and become bushier! As a bonus, you can propagate stems easily.
Luckily, devil’s ivy plants are generally pretty resilient when it comes to houseplant pests, but it’s a good idea to protect your leaves with a Neem based spray. Some of the most common houseplant pests that you might notice on your devils ivy are: Spider mites, Fungus gnats, and Mealybugs
Your devils ivy is getting sick if:
- Your devils ivy has yellow leaves: it is most likely a sign that you are overwatering. Make sure the soil is dry before giving your plant a drink.
- Noticing brown tips on your houseplant? Likely a humidity issue. Try misting your plant.
- Curling leaves? You need to increase the amount of water you’re giving your devils ivy
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