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March 1, 2023

Grow and Care for Devil’s Ivy

Pothos Devil's Ivy

Devil’s Ivy is a stunning plant with heart-shaped, patterned, and glossy leaves that can grow in all directions. It’s a tropical plant that is perfect for indoor enthusiasts, and it’s one of those plants that is bound to survive almost anything you throw at it.

Are you ready to add a touch of lush greenery to your home? Devil’s Ivy is an excellent choice for you! This climbing or hanging plant is a must-have in any plant lover’s collection. In this blog, we’ll show you how to grow and care for this beautiful plant.

Quick Tips

  • They like a light spot, preferably not in direct sunlight – it’s not too fussy though.
  • It is a popular houseplant. It provides a relaxing, fresh ambience, and it can also help purify the air.
  • Probably best to avoid this plant if you have small children or pets that are likely to eat plants!

Sunlight and Placement

Devil’s Ivy is a tropical plant, but it will thrive indoors in most climates. It loves hanging baskets, containers, and can grow along walls. It’s not fussy about where it’s placed, but it prefers a light spot, preferably not in direct sunlight.

The paler leaves need more light, so if you notice the leaves turning yellow, it might be a sign that it’s not getting enough light. Outdoors, it grows well in full or partial shade.

Watering and the Devil’s Ivy  – Hydrated and Happy

Of all the things you do for your Devil’s Ivy, watering may be the most critical. Proper watering is the key to the growth and success of this hardy plant. Too much water, and you risk root rot, which can be fatal. Too little water, and the plant will wither and die. Fear not, though – we have some expert tips to help you achieve the perfect balance!

The first step to proper watering is to understand the plant’s needs. As we mentioned earlier, the Devil’s Ivy doesn’t need a lot of water, but it does need regular watering. The plant’s root system is relatively shallow, so it only needs a small amount of water to reach the roots. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is a common cause of Devil’s Ivy death.

The best way to water Devil’s Ivy is to use the ‘finger test’. Stick your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry at this depth, it’s time to water. If it’s still moist, wait a day or two and check again. During the growing season, you should water the plant every seven to ten days. In winter, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks.

When watering your Devil’s Ivy, make sure to water the soil, not the leaves. Watering the leaves can lead to fungal growth and disease. If you’re using tap water, allow it to sit out for a day or two before watering your plant. This will allow any chlorine or fluoride to evaporate, which can be harmful to your plant.

If your Devil’s Ivy is growing in a hanging basket or container, make sure to check the drainage holes regularly. It’s crucial to ensure that water isn’t standing in the bottom of the pot, which can lead to root rot. To prevent this, you can add a layer of pebbles to the bottom of the pot before adding the soil. This will help with drainage and prevent water from standing in the pot.

Finally, it’s essential to remember that the amount of water your Devil’s Ivy needs will depend on a variety of factors, including the temperature, humidity, and sunlight in your home. Keep an eye on your plant and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. With a little practice and attention, your Devil’s Ivy will thrive and grow into a beautiful, lush plant that will bring joy and beauty to your home for years to come!

The Dirty Truth: Soil Requirements for Devil’s Ivy

When it comes to soil requirements for the Devil’s Ivy, there are a few things to keep in mind. This plant likes a well-draining, light and porous soil mix that is rich in organic matter. This type of soil provides the right balance of nutrients and moisture for the plant to thrive.

One of the most important things to remember is that Devil’s Ivy does not like to sit in wet soil, so it’s important to choose a soil mix that drains well. This helps to prevent overwatering and root rot, which can be fatal for the plant.

You can make your own soil mix using ingredients such as perlite, vermiculite, peat moss, and sand. These ingredients help to create a light, airy texture that allows for good drainage while still retaining enough moisture for the plant. Alternatively, you can purchase a good quality potting mix from your local garden centre or nursery.

It’s also important to choose the right size pot for your Devil’s Ivy. A pot that is too small can restrict the plant’s growth and make it more susceptible to problems such as overwatering, while a pot that is too large can lead to soil that stays wet for too long. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pot that is 3-6 cm larger than the current size of your plant’s root ball.

Lastly, remember to re-pot your Devil’s Ivy every 1-2 years to ensure that it has fresh, nutrient-rich soil to grow in. When repotting, gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil. This will help keep your plant healthy and happy for years to come.

Overall, providing your Devil’s Ivy with the right soil mix and pot size is key to keeping it thriving and looking its best. With a little bit of care and attention, your Devil’s Ivy will reward you with its beautiful foliage and easy-going nature.

From Good to Great: Enhancing Devil’s Ivy with Fertiliser

Fertilising your Devil’s Ivy is a great way to promote healthy growth and keep those leaves looking lush and green. In fact, a regular feeding schedule can make all the difference when it comes to the overall health and vitality of your plant.

The good news is that fertilising your Devil’s Ivy is super easy. All you need is a good-quality fertiliser and a basic understanding of how to apply it. Let’s dive in and learn everything there is to know about fertilising this tropical beauty!

First, it’s important to know that Devil’s Ivy doesn’t need a lot of fertiliser. Too much fertiliser can actually harm the plant, so it’s best to err on the side of caution. A general rule of thumb is to feed your Devil’s Ivy once a month during the growing season (spring and summer), and then reduce to every 6-8 weeks during the dormant season (fall and winter).

When choosing a fertiliser, look for one that’s balanced, meaning it has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) listed on the label. These three nutrients are essential for plant growth and development, and they work together to promote healthy foliage, strong roots, and robust flowering (if your Devil’s Ivy blooms).

You can choose between liquid or granular fertiliser. Liquid fertiliser is quick-acting and easy to apply, while granular fertiliser is slower to release but provides longer-lasting results. Both options will work well for your Devil’s Ivy, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.

When applying fertiliser, be sure to follow the instructions on the label. Too much fertiliser can burn the roots and damage the plant, so it’s better to use too little than too much. It’s also a good idea to water your Devil’s Ivy thoroughly before and after fertilising to ensure the nutrients are absorbed properly.

If you want to take your Devil’s Ivy to the next level, consider using a specialised fertiliser that’s 

formulated specifically for tropical plants. These fertilisers are often rich in micronutrients and other trace elements that are essential for tropical plants to thrive.

Propagation

Devil’s Ivy is easy to propagate. You can propagate it through stem cuttings or layering. To propagate through stem cuttings, select a healthy stem and cut it just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and put the cutting in water or moist soil. It should take root in a few weeks.

To propagate through layering, select a healthy stem and bend it down to the soil surface. Make a small cut on the stem and cover it with soil. Wait for a few weeks until roots develop, then cut the stem from the mother plant and repot it.

Warning!

Devil’s Ivy gets its name for a reason. Every part of the plant is poisonous if ingested by domestic animals and humans. Therefore, it’s best to avoid this plant if you have small children or pets likely to eat plants.

In conclusion, Devil’s Ivy is a wonderful indoor plant that is easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for beginners. With its gorgeous foliage and air-purifying properties, it can add a touch of green to any space. Remember to keep its soil moist but not waterlogged, give it plenty of indirect sunlight, and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. With proper care and attention, your Devil’s Ivy will thrive and bring a fresh, vibrant atmosphere to your home or office. Just be sure to keep it out of reach of pets and small children, as it can be toxic if ingested. Happy growing!

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