Scindapsus Aureum is a plant native to the forests of Southeast Asia. Today, the plant is a common houseplant grown by many around the world.
And there are several reasons for this.
Its lush, beautiful evergreen leaves give the plant a striking, attractive look. And this makes it perfect as an ornamental for home decor.
Also…
It is a hardy plant that requires very little care. Hence why it is famously known as Devil’s Ivy. No matter how bad the conditions are for growth, it will live and continue to grow.
Thus, if you are a beginner to planting or feel like your daily duties may lead to plant neglect in the future- Scindapsus Aureum is a sensible option.
Let’s dive in.
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Before we get started… what is it actually called?
Many people get confused with what the plant is called. So I think it is best to clear this before diving into the plant itself.
Botanists today recognise this plant as Epipremnum Aureum but publicly, the plant is better known as either Devil’s Ivy or Pothos.
Other names the plant is known by are Golden Pothos and Ivy Arum.
Plant description
The plant has beautiful, bold green leaves with variegated patches of yellow. The heart-shaped leaves have a satin-like texture and this has made them an extremely popular choice when choosing houseplants.
And this doesn’t surprise me.
The Pothos is a versatile plant giving you the choice to either grow it in a pot or in a hanging basket to eventually drape downwards.
Expect your plant to grow around 50-80cm tall. In some cases, the plant can reach a height of up to 200cm.
Benefits of Scindapsus Aureum
Its beauty is not the only reason to grow this plant. Other benefits include:
Filters the air
This plant is known for its air filtering qualities. It reduces the amount of formaldehyde in the air. This will purify the air.
This will help improve concentration, focus and reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Easy to grow
I recommend all new plant growers start with a simple, tough plant. Devil’s Ivy is one of the best plants that I can think of. It is one of those plants that allows you to experiment and learn how plants work without killing them off.
For example, I remember the first time I came across this plant and the owner kept referring to the plant as ‘Devil’s Ivy.’
It made me think… why this name?
It is only until you grow the Devil’s Ivy that you realise why.
Also, if you have responsibilities and cannot give time to your plants, then plants like this work out best.
Grow where you want
Being able to grow anywhere in the house is one reason Devil’s Ivy is a no-brainer for home décor.
Most plants need to be grown close to a light source and be kept warm with regular watering. This makes it difficult to grow the plant where you desire.
It sucks when you have a plant that will look exceptional in the corner of a room, but it will not grow because conditions are not ideal.
To avoid disappointment- try this plant.
It will grow and maintain its variegated, green leaves even with less water, poor light and harsh conditions.
Grow from a pot
Plant in a pot and train this tropical beauty to climb up trellises or a moss pole. Below are the steps on how you can start:
1. Choose a strong pot
This plant grows quickly and can get heavy, especially when if it grows above 1 metre.
Choose a pot that is approx. 12cm bigger than the plant to allow the roots to grow.
2. Add soil to the bottom of the pot
Fill around a third of the pot with well drainage soil and place your plant inside. Let the roots sit comfortably but be gentle.
3. Add soil to fill the rest of the pot.
4. Add a moss pole at the centre so the plant can use it as support to climb onto.
You can top dress your plant with rocks or pebbles. I normally top-dress succulents such as Korean succulents to give them a professional touch. The same can be done here with Devil’s Ivy.
How to set up a hanging basket for Scindapsus Aureum
Another option when growing this plant is to grow in a hanging basket. This will look so cool when the foliage drape downwards over shelves, countertops or are just left to hang downwards on a wall.
Below are the steps if you are keen:
1. Find a ceiling joint or walk stud and drill here
You will need a firm place to hang your basket. Over time, your basket will get heavier as the plant gets bigger. You need a concrete place to hook on the basket to avoid it falling.
2. Use a strong hanging basket
Initially, it may be okay to use a weaker basket. But over time, your plant will grow and get heavy. Be sure to use a stronger basket when the plant booms.
3. Have a step ladder
Unless you are a friendly giant over 7ft tall, I would get a stepladder. It will make your life a lot easier.
4. Add soil and make sure your hanging basket is big enough to allow the roots to spread
Grow your plant in a pot at least 12cm bigger to allow new roots to grow and spread.
Good Tip!
Compost is important to add to your soil to allow drainage and keep the soil nutrient-rich.
How to care for Scindapsus Aureum
What I love about this plant is the fact it doesn’t ask too much of you. But there are a few things you need to be careful of:
Water
Like all plants, Devil’s Ivy also needs water. Try to water once a week when the plant is growing. Do this from early spring till late summer.
In contrast, during winter, your plant will grow through a dormant period. Growth will slow down and you may need to water less frequently.
Try to keep the soil dry. The plant does not like to be kept moist. Compost helps with drainage too.
Plant Problem!!
Yellow leaves can suggest overwatering. Aim to only water once the soil is dry.
Humidity & Temperature
Devil’s Ivy likes humidity. One of the easiest ways to increase humidity is to mist the leaves. However, be careful… wet leaves have high moisture and this invites a lot of pests!
Also, keep the plant at room temperature. This is perfect.
But in winter, try to keep the temperature above 10 degrees.
Soil
Pothos prefer slightly dry soil. Too much moisture can hinder plant growth. Hence, it is best to invest in a soil mixture that promotes good drainage.
Also, perlite, sand and compost are good examples of what you can add to the soil to improve drainage.
Light
Avoid direct sunlight. This is important. The leaves will burn and the plant can get damaged.
Thus, plant your basket somewhere the plant can receive a sufficient amount of light a couple of metres away from a window. This light is filtered and is ideal for this trailing plant grown.
The plant is tough and very resilient. It can survive low light. However, for best growth, grow in medium indirect light.
Good Tip!
Use a bulb or fluorescent lighting if the room receives low light.
Fertilizer
It is important to fertilize every month, especially during the growing season.
In winter, reduce feed as the plant will go through a dormant period.
Once early spring arrives, the plant will grow new leaves. This will be a good time to start the use of fertilizer.
If you are not sure which fertilizer to use, check out this post which will help you decide which type of fertilizer you need.
When to Repot Scindapsus Aureum
When the plant is growing, repot when the plant is root-bound. It is not an emergency to immediately repot once the roots hit the pot, but try to change pots as soon as possible.
When the plant is mature, repot every couple of years.
Prune the plant to keep it clean
This helps keep your plant tidy. Also, cutting off the edges will help encourage fresh shoots. This will help keep the plant bushy and full. Spring is the best time to cut it back.
If you are looking for other ways to give your houseplant a bushy appearance, you can plant smaller plants in the same basket to give it a more full look.
Plant toxicity of Scindapsus Aureum
This is one of those plants you do not want your pets going anywhere close to. It is toxic to pets if eaten, and can irritate eyes or skin as well.
Hence, if you have pets such as cats or dogs, then keep the plant away from them.
If you want more information on what plants are harmful, then click here.
Final words
Devils Ivy is an easy-to-care-for houseplant ideal for beginners or for those who do not have a lot of time.
Not only that- it is a beautiful tropical evergreen plant with big, heart-shaped variegated leaves. Its striking appearance has made this a popular houseplant and its demand is showing no signs of decreasing soon.
It’s a versatile plant- able to be grown vertically with a pole or planted in a hanging basket to trail down.
Its air purifying nature will filter out harmful gases, but be careful if you keep pets as the plant can be toxic.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with this- it’s beautiful, simple and lush. I have full faith this Scindapsus Aureum will be one of your favourites in no time.
Good luck!
