A reliable cascade of green that tolerates partial shade – but place it up high to protect pets

Why will I love it?
Epipremnum aureum is known as devil’s ivy because it is almost impossible to kill, and it stays green even when kept in the dark. However, it is not actually an ivy. The heart-shaped leaves are bright green and variegated with white, yellow or light green streaks and blotches. It’s a trailing plant with stems growing up to 20 metres long.

Light or shade?
Bright but indirect light.

Where should I put it?
In the macramé hanger you created during lockdown, or on a high bookshelf (but remember to water it –it’s easy to miss plants above eye level). Height is also useful because it is toxic if ingested by cats and dogs.

How do I keep it alive?
Although it will survive in partial shade, the coloured patterns on its leaves may fade or disappear entirely without enough sunlight. Allow the compost to dry out completely between waterings. It thrives in average room temperatures and humidity, but can endure extreme temperature ranges of 5–35C.

Did you know …
They rarely bloom, even in the wild, which led to the plant being mistaken for a member of the Pothos genus for many years – hence its other common name, “golden pothos”.

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