Devil's Ivy, also known as Pothos, is a popular indoor plant known for its attractive trailing vines and lush green leaves. It is often chosen as a houseplant due to its ability to thrive in various lighting conditions and its low maintenance requirements. Devil's Ivy is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia and belongs to the Araceae family, thus perfect for tropical gardens or bright light indoors.
Size:
Pot size: 200mm pot
Width: 30-40cm
Height: 20cm including pot
Weight: 1kg
Care Guide:
1. Lighting
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Ideal Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Bright light also helps maintain the variegation in its leaves (if you have a variegated variety).
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Tolerates low light: Devil’s Ivy can tolerate low light, making it perfect for areas with less natural light, like bathrooms, offices, or hallways. However, it may grow slower and lose some of its vibrant color in low light conditions.
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Avoid direct sunlight: too much exposure, especially during the hottest part of the day, can scorch the leaves, causing brown or yellow spots.
2. Watering
Devil’s Ivy likes consistently moist soil, but they don’t like to sit in water.
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When to water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly, allowing water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
In the warmer months: water 1-2 times a week.
In winter months: water less frequently, every 10-14 days.
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Note: Make sure your pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s important to find a balance.
3. Temperature
Devil’s Ivy thrives in warm indoor conditions and prefer temperatures between 18-27°C.
Keep the plant away from cold drafts, air conditioners, or heaters, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress the plant.
4. Humidity
Devil’s Ivy thrives in moderate to high humidity.
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Ideal humidity: 40-60% humidity is ideal, though it can tolerate slightly drier conditions..
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Increase humidity: you can mist the leaves lightly (especially in winter), place the plant on a humidity tray (a shallow dish filled with water and pebbles), or using a humidifier.
Note: Misting should be done sparingly to avoid fungal issues.
5. Soil
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Ideal soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix. You can mix in some perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage. A general-purpose houseplant mix will work fine as long as it drains well.
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pH: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.5).
6. Fertilizing
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When to fertilize: Feed your plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or a slow-release fertilizer.
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Avoid: Fertilizing during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows down. Excessive fertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, harming the roots.
7. Repotting and Maintenance
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Repotting : Repot in spring when the plant outgrows its current pot or if the roots are visibly circling the bottom of the pot, which could be every 2-3 years. Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure the pot has good drainage.
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Pruning: Trim back any long, leggy vines with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Pruning will encourage the plant to grow more branches and become bushier. You can also cut back vines to control the plant’s size or to propagate.
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Cleaning leaves: Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or give the plant a gentle shower to remove dust. This helps the plant absorb more light and prevents pest buildup.
8. Common Issues
Here are a few common problems you might encounter with Devil’s Ivy:
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Yellowing leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or a lack of nutrients. Make sure you’re not watering too often (in winter) and that your pot has good drainage.
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Brown leaf tips: This is often a sign of low humidity or underwatering. Increasing humidity or more consistent watering may help.
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Leggy growth: If your plant is growing tall and spindly, it’s probably not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location, or consider pruning it back to encourage bushier growth.
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Leaf drop: Leaves can drop as a natural response to stress (e.g., temperature changes, overwatering, or sudden changes in light). Make sure your plant is in a stable environment and avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
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Pests (like spider mites, aphids, or scale): Regularly inspect the plant, and treat any infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or a natural remedy like neem oil.
Pet-friendly: The Devil Ivy is toxic to pets and should be kept away from animals and small children.
