What Is a Pothos, and Why Is It Called Devil's Ivy?
Pothos is the everyday name for Epipremnum aureum and its relatives, climbing aroids from the tropical forests of Asia and the Pacific. The plant was once classified in the genus Pothos, and the old name stuck. It earned the nickname devil's ivy because it is so hard to kill and stays green in rooms too dim for most houseplants.
In shops, pothos also covers Scindapsus, a separate genus with thicker, matte leaves marked in silver. This collection brings both together. If you already know which you want, browse Epipremnum varieties on their own.
Pothos vs Philodendron vs Scindapsus: How to Tell Them Apart
The heartleaf philodendron is the plant most often mistaken for a pothos. Three quick checks settle it:
- Pothos (Epipremnum): thicker, waxy leaves. Each new leaf unfurls straight from the stem, with no papery sheath around it.
- Philodendron: thinner, softer, more sharply heart-shaped leaves. New leaves emerge from a papery sheath that browns and drops. Compare them in our Philodendron collection.
- Scindapsus: thick, matte, often velvety leaves with silver spots or patches.
The good news is that all three are happy on the same care routine.
Which Pothos Suits Your Light?
Every pothos prefers bright, indirect light, but some cope with shade far better than others. Our plant listings rate each variety:
The best place for a pothos is near an east or west window, or set back from a south-facing one. Heavily variegated leaves lose their contrast in shade, and strong midday sun through glass can scorch them.
Should Pothos Hang or Climb?
Either works, and the choice changes how the plant grows. Trailing from a shelf or a hanging planter, a pothos produces long vines of small leaves. Given a moss pole to climb, its aerial roots grip on and each new leaf grows larger, as it would on a tree trunk in the wild. Trim long vines just above a leaf joint for a bushier plant, then root the cuttings in water.
How to Care for Pothos Plants
- Light: bright, indirect light for the best colour and growth; see the light guide above for shade-tolerant varieties.
- Water: when the top few centimetres of compost are dry, and less often in winter. Let Scindapsus treubii dry out fully between waterings.
- Feed: a balanced liquid fertiliser every two to four weeks in spring and summer.
For yellowing leaves, repotting and more, read our full pothos care guide or the Scindapsus care guide.
Are Pothos Plants Safe for Pets?
No. Both Epipremnum and Scindapsus contain calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate the mouth of a cat or dog that chews the leaves, causing drooling and sometimes vomiting. Keep pothos out of reach of pets that nibble plants, and call your vet if you think your pet has eaten some. For a worry-free alternative, browse our pet-safe houseplants.
Why Buy Pothos from GrowTropicals?
All plants are shipped directly from our nursery to your door, and every dispatch is protected by our live arrival guarantee. Every plant is checked by our horticultural team before it leaves us, and we pack using recyclable, plastic-free materials designed to keep your plant safe in transit. Stock of rarer varieties such as Scindapsus treubii 'Moonlight' changes often, so sign up for restock alerts on any product page.