Devil's Ivy vs New Zealand Flax 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.
New Zealand Flax
Phormium tenax
Phormium tenax, commonly known as New Zealand Flax, is a large, evergreen perennial plant forming clumps of long, strap-like leaves. It's native to New Zealand and is primarily an outdoor plant, valued for its dramatic architectural form and fiber production. The leaves can grow up to 3 meters long and come in various colors, from green to bronze and variegated forms. While it can be grown indoors, it requires very bright light and significant space, making it challenging for most homes. People grow it for its striking appearance in gardens and landscapes.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Devil's Ivy | New Zealand Flax |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light is ideal. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but variegation may fade. | Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Indoors, requires extremely bright, direct sunlight for several hours daily. |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions. | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on light and temperature. Less frequent in winter. |
| Humidity | 40-70% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C | 10-27°C |
| Care Level | Easy | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | Indoors, typically 0.6-3 meters (2-10 feet) | 1-2 meters indoors (much larger outdoors) |
| 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 is crucial. A mix of potting soil, sand, and perlite is suitable. |
| Beginner Friendly | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 5 minutes weekly | 30 minutes weekly |
🔬 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. |
New Zealand Flax
| Scientific Name | Phormium tenax |
|---|---|
| Family | Asphodelaceae |
| Native To | New Zealand |
| Also Known As | New Zealand Flax, Harakeke |
| Leaves | Long, strap-like leaves that can grow up to 3 meters long. The leaves are stiff and leathery, with a smooth texture. Colors range from green to bronze, red, and variegated forms. |
| Flowers | Rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces tall flower stalks with reddish-brown flowers in summer. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Devil's Ivy
New Zealand Flax
🌱 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.
New Zealand Flax
Methods: Division, Seed
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Division is best done in spring. Carefully separate the rhizomes and plant them in well-draining soil. Seeds can be sown in spring after soaking them in water for 24 hours.
✨ 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
New Zealand Flax
New Zealand Flax is known for its long, strap-like leaves and dramatic architectural form. It is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscaping applications. The plant's fibers were traditionally used by the Maori people for weaving.
- ✓ Adds a dramatic architectural element to indoor or outdoor spaces.
- ✓ Provides a bold statement with its striking foliage.
- ✓ Offers a connection to New Zealand's natural heritage.
- ✓ Can be used as a privacy screen outdoors.
- ✓ Relatively low-maintenance once established (outdoors).
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Devil's Ivy
New Zealand Flax
🌞 Light Requirements
Devil's Ivy
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but variegation may fade.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
New Zealand Flax
Full sun to partial shade outdoors. Indoors, requires extremely bright, direct sunlight for several hours daily.
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.
New Zealand Flax
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially indoors. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Signs of underwatering include drooping leaves; overwatering includes yellowing leaves and a soggy soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Devil's Ivy
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 40-70%
New Zealand Flax
Temperature: 10-27°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.
New Zealand Flax
Phormium tenaxExperienced plant enthusiasts with very bright indoor spaces or those looking for a striking outdoor plant.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have a very bright, sunny indoor space and want a statement plant.
- You live in a mild climate and want a striking evergreen for your garden.
- You appreciate plants with architectural form and interesting foliage.
- You are interested in the traditional uses of plants and their cultural significance.
- You are an experienced plant owner looking for a challenging indoor plant project.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited indoor space.
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You struggle to provide bright, direct sunlight.
- You are a beginner plant owner.
- You tend to overwater your plants.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Devil's Ivy is rated Easy care level, while New Zealand Flax is Expert.
Devil's Ivy has fast growth, while New Zealand Flax grows moderate.
💡 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.
New Zealand Flax Care Tips
New Zealand Flax is primarily an outdoor plant and requires expert care to thrive indoors. It needs very bright light, well-draining soil, and careful watering to avoid root rot. Due to its size and light requirements, it's not well-suited for most indoor environments.
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily indoors.
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Monitor for pests and diseases and treat promptly.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Devil's Ivy
New Zealand Flax
❓ 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.
New Zealand Flax
What are the light requirements for New Zealand Flax?
New Zealand Flax prefers bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east-facing window is ideal, as it receives gentle morning sun. A south-facing window can also work, but be sure to filter the light with a sheer curtain to prevent leaf burn. Insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and faded leaf colors. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights to maintain healthy growth. Consider the intensity and duration of light, aiming for at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light per day. Consistent light exposure is crucial for vibrant foliage.
How do I care for New Zealand Flax?
New Zealand Flax thrives with bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent scorching. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot. Maintain moderate humidity levels. Ideal temperatures range from 60-80°F (15-27°C). Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks. Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound, using a well-draining potting mix. Prune dead or damaged leaves regularly to maintain appearance and promote healthy growth. Provide adequate ventilation to prevent fungal diseases. Monitor for pests such as spider mites and treat promptly. Stable conditions are key to success.
How do I propagate New Zealand Flax?
New Zealand Flax can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, take a healthy cutting from a mature plant, ensuring it has at least one node. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water or directly into a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and in a warm, bright location until roots develop. 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 with well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly and keep in a warm, bright location. Propagation is best done in spring or summer. Use rooting hormone to improve success rates.
Last updated: May 12, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.