The common houseplant known as Devil’s Ivy is botanically classified as Epipremnum aureum, a popular species appreciated for its cascading vines and variegated foliage. This plant is a member of the Araceae, or arum family, which also includes familiar plants like philodendrons and peace lilies. The unusual common name, “Devil’s Ivy,” is a direct reference to two distinct aspects of the plant’s nature: its physical appearance and its legendary resilience.
Identifying the Plant
The scientific name for Devil’s Ivy is Epipremnum aureum, though it is most frequently sold under the simpler common name Pothos, a name resulting from an earlier misclassification. Originating from the island of Mo’orea in French Polynesia, the plant has become a globally ubiquitous indoor specimen. Its leaves are typically glossy, heart-shaped, and often feature a striking golden or cream-colored variegation. It has acquired a variety of other nicknames, including Golden Pothos, Hunter’s Robe, and Money Plant.
The “Ivy” Connection
The “Ivy” part of the name relates directly to the plant’s vining morphology and growth habit. Epipremnum aureum is a root-climbing vine, meaning it produces aerial roots along its stems that allow it to cling to surfaces in its natural environment. When grown indoors, this habit translates into long, trailing stems perfect for hanging baskets or for climbing up supports like moss poles. This growth pattern strongly resembles that of true ivy, plants belonging to the genus Hedera. Furthermore, the juvenile leaves—typically seen on houseplants—are heart-shaped and relatively small, visually mimicking the foliage of its namesake. In the wild, however, the leaves can mature to massive sizes, developing deep lobes and reaching lengths of up to 3 feet.
Unpacking the “Devil” Moniker
The plant earned the dramatic “Devil” moniker due to its extreme hardiness and ability to thrive under conditions that would kill most other houseplants. It is renowned for being incredibly difficult to eliminate, surviving periods of neglect such as low light, drought, and poor soil conditions. The nickname also stems from its remarkable ability to stay green, even when placed in near-total darkness. Unlike many variegated plants, which lose their colorful markings and revert to solid green when deprived of adequate light, Epipremnum aureum often maintains its color and continues growing, albeit slowly.
Outside of its role as a houseplant, the “Devil” aspect also refers to its highly invasive tendencies in tropical and subtropical regions where it has been introduced. Once established in a warm climate, the vine spreads aggressively, climbing up and smothering native trees by blocking sunlight with its dense foliage.