Devil's Ivy vs Ginkgo Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
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.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba, the Maidenhair Tree, is a unique species of tree with no close living relatives. It's characterized by its fan-shaped leaves that turn a vibrant golden yellow in the fall. Ginkgos are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees. Female trees produce seeds with a fleshy outer layer that has a very unpleasant odor when ripe. Ginkgos are incredibly hardy and long-lived, often planted as ornamental trees in parks and gardens. They are deciduous and lose their leaves in the winter. Ginkgos are not suitable for indoor growing due to their size and high light requirements.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Devil's Ivy | Ginkgo |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light is ideal. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but variegation may fade. | Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions. | Once or twice a week during the growing season, less frequently in winter. |
| Humidity | 40-70% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C | 10-25°C |
| Care Level | Easy | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate To Fast |
| Max Height | Indoors, typically 0.6-3 meters (2-10 feet) | Not applicable for indoor growing. Outdoors: 20-35 meters (66-115 feet) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. | Well-draining soil, such as a mix of loam, sand, and compost. |
| Beginner Friendly | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 5 minutes weekly | 15 minutes weekly (mostly watering and occasional pruning) |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
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. |
Ginkgo
| Scientific Name | Ginkgo biloba |
|---|---|
| Family | Ginkgoaceae |
| Native To | China |
| Also Known As | Maidenhair Tree |
| Leaves | The leaves of Ginkgo biloba are fan-shaped, typically 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) wide, with veins radiating from the base. They are a light green color in spring and summer, turning a vibrant golden yellow in the fall before dropping. |
| Flowers | Ginkgo biloba is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate trees. The flowers are inconspicuous and not typically noticeable. They are wind-pollinated. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Devil's Ivy
Ginkgo
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
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.
Ginkgo
Methods: Seed, Cuttings, Grafting
Difficulty: Moderate To Difficult
Tips: Seed propagation requires stratification. Cuttings are best taken from semi-hardwood in summer. Grafting is often used to propagate specific cultivars.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
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
Ginkgo
Ginkgo biloba is a living fossil, being the only surviving species in its plant division. Its fan-shaped leaves are unlike any other tree, and its golden fall color is spectacular. The tree is also known for its resilience and tolerance of urban pollution.
- ✓ Provides shade in the summer
- ✓ Adds beauty to the landscape with its unique foliage and golden fall color
- ✓ Tolerates urban pollution
- ✓ Long lifespan
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance once established
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Devil's Ivy
Ginkgo
🌞 Light Requirements
Devil's Ivy
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but variegation may fade.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
Ginkgo
Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
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.
Ginkgo
Water deeply when the top few inches of soil are dry, especially during the growing season. Established trees are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Devil's Ivy
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 40-70%
Ginkgo
Temperature: 10-25°C
Humidity: 30-50%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
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.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo bilobaGardeners with large outdoor spaces who appreciate unique trees with beautiful fall color.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have a large outdoor space and want a unique shade tree with beautiful fall color.
- You live in an urban environment and need a pollution-tolerant tree.
- You appreciate the historical significance of a 'living fossil'.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance tree once it is established.
- You want a tree that will provide shade for many years to come.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have a small garden or limited space.
- You are looking for an indoor plant.
- You are sensitive to strong odors (female trees produce foul-smelling fruit).
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Devil's Ivy is rated Easy care level, while Ginkgo is Expert.
Devil's Ivy has fast growth, while Ginkgo grows moderate to fast.
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
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.
Ginkgo Care Tips
Ginkgo biloba is not suitable for indoor growing. It requires full sun, ample space, and specific temperature fluctuations to thrive. It's a large outdoor tree that is relatively low-maintenance once established, but requires careful consideration of location due to its potential size and the unpleasant odor of the fruit from female trees.
- Choose a male tree to avoid the unpleasant odor of the fruit from female trees.
- Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Protect young trees from strong winds.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Devil's Ivy
Ginkgo
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
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.
Ginkgo
What are the light requirements for Ginkgo?
Ginkgo trees thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light can lead to leggy growth and pale leaves, while direct sun can cause scorching. An east-facing window is ideal, providing gentle morning sun. A south- or west-facing window can also work, but filter the light with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf damage. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with a grow light. Rotate your Ginkgo regularly to ensure all sides receive adequate light, promoting even growth and preventing it from leaning towards the light source. Monitor the leaves for signs of overexposure (scorching) or underexposure (paleness).
How do I care for Ginkgo?
Indoor Ginkgo trees require bright, indirect light; direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Use a well-draining potting mix. Fertilize sparingly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Maintain moderate humidity levels. Prune lightly to shape the tree and remove any dead or damaged branches. Repot every few years as needed, choosing a pot only slightly larger than the previous one. Protect from extreme temperature fluctuations and drafts. Regularly check for pests and address promptly. Provide consistent care to ensure healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even growth on all sides.
How do I propagate Ginkgo?
Ginkgo can be propagated through stem cuttings or air layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from new growth in the spring. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix and keep it moist. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Rooting can take several weeks. For air layering, make a shallow cut on a stem 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 stem below the roots and plant it in a pot. Both methods require patience and consistent care. Ensure adequate humidity and warmth for successful propagation.
Last updated: April 24, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.