Can Devils Ivy be Planted in Orchid Potting Mix?

Devil’s ivy, also known as Golden Pothos, is a popular indoor plant that is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. While devil’s ivy is typically grown in soil, many gardeners wonder whether it can be planted in orchid potting mix. In this article, we’ll explore whether devils ivy can be planted in orchid potting mix and provide some tips for growing healthy devil’s ivy plants.

Understanding Orchid Potting Mix

Orchid potting mix is a specialized soil mix that is designed to promote healthy root growth and drainage for orchids, one of the world's most popular flowering plants. Orchids grow best in loose, well-draining medium that allows for efficient air movement and drainage. Orchid potting mix is formulated with ingredients like bark chips, sphagnum moss and perlite, that provide these key characteristics, while also retaining moisture for the plant to absorb.

Can Devils Ivy be Planted in Orchid Potting Mix?

The answer is yes, devil’s ivy can be planted in orchid potting mix. As long as the mix has good drainage and aeration properties, devil’s ivy can thrive in this medium just as well as in soil. The key is to ensure the mix isn't too heavy or water-retaining, or devil's ivy can quickly develop root rot and other diseases.

Orchid potting mix is often used for devil’s ivy because it provides better air circulation for the roots and drains more readily. This mix also helps to prevent overwatering, which can be a common problem with devil’s ivy grown in a dense soil mix. Using orchid potting mix provides a consistently moist soil environment without the risk of waterlogging.

Tips for Growing Devil’s Ivy in Orchid Potting Mix

When planting devil’s ivy in orchid potting mix, there are a few key things to keep in mind for the best results:

Choose a container with good drainage to prevent the mix from becoming waterlogged.

Do not use a saucer to collect drainage water; this will lead to water remaining trapped in the soil, causing it to become waterlogged.

Water the plant as soon as the top inch of soil has dried out, taking care not to overwater.

Use a high-quality orchid potting mix that has good aeration and drainage properties to allow for efficient root growth.

Ensure the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat; devil's ivy prefers a cooler and shaded environment.

Fertilize regularly, every six to eight weeks, with a balanced fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.

Conclusion

Devil’s ivy is a versatile and rewarding indoor plant that can be grown in soil, water, or orchid potting mix. By choosing a high-quality mix with good drainage and aeration properties, you can grow healthy and attractive devil’s ivy plants with ease. With a little care and attention, your devil’s ivy will thrive in its new home and provide you with years of beauty and enjoyment.