QUESTION: Why is Pothos Called Devil’s Ivy?
ANSWER: The golden pothos goes by many names. But one that uncharacteristically sticks out is the Devil’s Ivy.
It isn’t hard to see why the pothos is assimilated with ivy in the way it sends out vines that wrap themselves around moss poles or along walls with their aerial roots.
However, why people insist on associating this beautiful plant with the word ‘devil‘, befuddles us!
We can speculate that, like the devil, golden pothos is hard to kill. Because, even those with the brownest of thumbs would struggle to kill a golden pothos.
It could also be related to the fact that the golden pothos is an epiphyte, which means it uses other plants as physical support to reach for the sun. Unfortunately, in the process, golden pothos have been known to suffocate the host plant by depriving it of light and nutrients. A move the devil would very much put its name against with pride.
Whatever name you prefer to use, you cannot deny they are a stunning tropical plant that can look great indoors and out.
Golden Pothos Naming Guide: Why is it Called Devil’s Ivy?
Golden Pothos: Name Guide
Like many plants, the golden pothos has many names, which can make it confusing for gardeners beginning their journey. So to help avoid confusion, here is a naming guide.
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
Common Name: Golden Pothos
Other Name(s): Devil’s Ivy, Money Plant, Hunter’s Rove, Ceylon Creeper, Ivy Arum