Blue Spruce vs Devil's Ivy Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
Blue Spruce
Picea pungens
The Blue Spruce is a coniferous evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-green needles and pyramidal shape. It is a large tree, typically growing outdoors to heights of 50-75 feet. Its needles are stiff and sharp, radiating in all directions from the branches. Cones are light brown and papery. It's primarily grown as an ornamental tree for its striking color and symmetrical form. It is not naturally an indoor plant and will struggle significantly indoors.
Devil's Ivy
Epipremnum aureum
Epipremnum aureum, commonly known as Devil's Ivy or Golden Pothos, is a popular evergreen vine prized for its ease of care and attractive foliage. Native to Moorea, it's widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Its leaves are heart-shaped and glossy, often variegated with shades of yellow or white. Devil's Ivy is a climbing plant in its natural habitat, but indoors it is typically grown in hanging baskets or trained to climb on supports. People grow it for its air-purifying qualities and aesthetic appeal, adding a touch of greenery to homes and offices.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Blue Spruce | Devil's Ivy |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) | Bright, indirect light is ideal. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but variegation may fade. |
| Watering | Water deeply at planting and then as needed during dry periods, typically every 2-4 weeks once established. | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-70% |
| Temperature | 10-24°C | 18-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Easy |
| Growth Rate | Slow To Moderate | Fast |
| Max Height | Not applicable indoors. Outdoors: 15-23 meters | Indoors, typically 0.6-3 meters (2-10 feet) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Avoid heavy clay soils. | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Weekly Maintenance | 15 minutes monthly (mostly inspection for pests/disease) | 5 minutes weekly |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
Blue Spruce
| Scientific Name | Picea pungens |
|---|---|
| Family | Pinaceae |
| Native To | Rocky Mountains of the United States |
| Also Known As | Colorado Blue Spruce, Blue Spruce |
| Leaves | The needles are stiff, sharp, and approximately 1-inch long. They are four-sided and radiate in all directions from the branches. The color ranges from blue-green to silvery-blue, depending on the individual tree and the amount of wax coating on the needles. |
| Flowers | Blue Spruce trees produce small, inconspicuous flowers in the spring. These are not typically noticeable and are not the primary ornamental feature of the tree. It does not flower indoors. |
Devil's Ivy
| Scientific Name | Epipremnum aureum |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Native To | Moorea, French Polynesia |
| Also Known As | Devil's Ivy, Golden Pothos, Pothos, Hunter's Robe, Ivy Arum, Money Plant |
| Leaves | Heart-shaped leaves, typically 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) long. Glossy texture with variegation in shades of yellow, white, or light green. The amount of variegation can vary depending on light exposure. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. In its natural habitat, it can produce small, inconspicuous flowers on a spadix, but this is extremely uncommon in indoor cultivation. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Blue Spruce
Devil's Ivy
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
Blue Spruce
Methods: Seed, Cuttings, Grafting
Difficulty: Difficult
Tips: Propagation from seed is slow and requires stratification. Cuttings are difficult to root and grafting is the most reliable method, but requires specialized skills.
Devil's Ivy
Methods: Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Take stem cuttings with at least one node. Place the cutting in water or directly into moist potting mix. Roots will typically develop within a few weeks.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
Blue Spruce
The Blue Spruce is known for its striking blue-green needles, which are sharper and more rigid than those of other spruce species. The color intensity can vary among individual trees, with some exhibiting a more pronounced blue hue.
- ✓ Provides year-round visual interest
- ✓ Offers shelter and nesting sites for birds
- ✓ Can be used as a windbreak
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance once established
- ✓ Increases property value.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Ivy is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions. Its variegated leaves add visual interest, and it's an effective air purifier. It can adapt to different light levels, making it a versatile houseplant.
- ✓ Air purification, removing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene.
- ✓ Easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance.
- ✓ Visually appealing, adding a touch of greenery to any space.
- ✓ Versatile, can be grown in various ways and locations.
- ✓ Boosts mood and reduces stress, creating a more relaxing environment.
- 🌬️ NASA-verified air purifier
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Blue Spruce
Devil's Ivy
🌞 Light Requirements
Blue Spruce
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Devil's Ivy
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but variegation may fade.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
💧 Watering Needs
Blue Spruce
Water deeply when planting and during dry periods, especially when young. Established trees are relatively drought-tolerant. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure well-draining soil. Signs of underwatering include browning needles and drooping branches. Signs of overwatering include yellowing needles and soggy soil.
Devil's Ivy
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Allow excess water to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering results in wilting and dry, crispy leaf edges.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Blue Spruce
Temperature: 10-24°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Devil's Ivy
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 40-70%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
Blue Spruce
Picea pungensLandowners with large properties seeking a striking ornamental evergreen tree.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have a large outdoor space and want a striking evergreen tree
- You live in a climate with cold winters and full sun
- You want to attract birds and other wildlife to your property
- You appreciate the unique blue-green color of the needles
- You are looking for a relatively low-maintenance tree once established.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You live in an area with hot, humid summers
- You have limited space or are looking for an indoor plant
- You have pets that may ingest the needles
- You have poorly draining soil
- You dislike sharp needles.
Devil's Ivy
Epipremnum aureumBeginners looking for a low-maintenance, visually appealing houseplant.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a plant that is easy to care for and can tolerate neglect.
- You want a plant that can help purify the air in your home.
- You want a plant that can be grown in a variety of ways, such as in a hanging basket or trained to climb.
- You want a plant that is relatively inexpensive and readily available.
- You want a plant that adds a touch of greenery to your home without requiring a lot of maintenance.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that may chew on plants, as it is toxic to them.
- You are looking for a plant that requires very little light, as it needs some light to thrive.
- You are looking for a plant that stays small, as it can grow quite long.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Blue Spruce is rated Expert care level, while Devil's Ivy is Easy.
Blue Spruce has slow to moderate growth, while Devil's Ivy grows fast.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
Blue Spruce Care Tips
Blue Spruce is an outdoor tree and is not suitable for indoor growing. It requires full sun, well-draining soil, and cold temperatures to thrive. Indoor attempts will likely result in a stressed and unhealthy plant.
- Plant in well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Water deeply during dry periods, especially when young
- Mulch around the base of the tree to retain moisture
- Protect young trees from heavy snow and ice
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly.
Devil's Ivy Care Tips
Devil's Ivy is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in a variety of conditions. It is relatively tolerant of neglect, making it a good choice for beginners. However, it is toxic to pets and should be kept out of their reach.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely before watering to prevent root rot.
- Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth and variegation.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Prune regularly to control size and shape, and to encourage bushier growth.
- Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and improve air purification.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Blue Spruce
Devil's Ivy
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
Blue Spruce
What are the light requirements for Blue Spruce?
Blue Spruce requires bright, indirect light to thrive indoors. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and faded coloration. A south-facing window with sheer curtains is ideal, providing ample light without direct sun exposure, which can scorch the needles. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light distribution on all sides. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights to maintain healthy growth. Proper lighting is crucial for the development of the characteristic blue hue of the needles. Monitor the plant for signs of light stress, such as yellowing or browning needles, and adjust its placement accordingly.
How do I care for Blue Spruce?
Blue Spruce thrives indoors with proper care. Provide bright, indirect light, preferably near a south-facing window. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain moderate humidity levels, especially during dry winter months. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Prune lightly to maintain shape and remove any dead or yellowing needles. Repot every 2-3 years into a slightly larger pot with well-draining soil. Ensure proper air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Monitor for pests like spider mites and treat promptly if detected. Provide a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity levels. Avoid placing near heat vents or drafts.
How do I propagate Blue Spruce?
Blue Spruce can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering, though success rates can be low indoors. For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in late winter or early spring. Remove the lower needles and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. For air layering, make a small incision on a branch and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it with tape. Keep the moss moist. Once roots develop, cut the branch below the rooted area and pot it in soil. Be patient, as rooting can take several months.
Devil's Ivy
What are the light requirements for Devil's Ivy?
Devil’s Ivy thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east-facing window is often ideal, as it receives gentle morning sun. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as it can cause the leaves to burn. If the leaves start to lose their variegation, it may indicate that the plant is not receiving enough light. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth. Devil’s Ivy can tolerate low light conditions, but its growth will be slower and the variegation may be less pronounced. Artificial grow lights can supplement natural light, especially during the darker months.
How do I care for Devil's Ivy?
Devil’s Ivy is a relatively easy plant to care for. Place it in bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant variegation; avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain away. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has good drainage. Maintain humidity levels of 50-70% by misting regularly or using a humidifier, especially in dry climates. Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Repot every 1-2 years in spring, using a well-draining potting mix. Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Keep temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C).
How do I propagate Devil's Ivy?
Devil’s Ivy is easily propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a 4-6 inch section of stem with at least one node. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water. Roots will typically develop within a few weeks. Once the roots are an inch or two long, plant the cutting in well-draining potting mix. For division, carefully separate the root ball of a mature plant into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and foliage. Plant each section in its own pot. Air layering involves wrapping a stem node with moist sphagnum moss and covering it with plastic wrap until roots develop, then cutting the stem below the roots and planting.
Last updated: April 25, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.