Devil's Ivy vs Wallflower 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.
Wallflower
Erysimum cheiri
Wallflower (Erysimum cheiri) is a short-lived perennial or biennial often grown as an annual. It's known for its vibrant, fragrant flowers that bloom in spring and early summer. The plant typically reaches a height of 12-30 inches. The flowers come in a range of colors, including yellow, orange, red, purple, and brown. Wallflowers are primarily outdoor plants, valued for adding color and fragrance to gardens, borders, and rockeries. While some attempt to grow them indoors, they often struggle due to insufficient light and humidity.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | Devil's Ivy | Wallflower |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright, indirect light is ideal. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but variegation may fade. | Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering. |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions. | Every 7-10 days, depending on weather and soil drainage. |
| Humidity | 40-70% | 30-50% |
| Temperature | 18-27°C | 10-21°C |
| Care Level | Easy | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Fast | Moderate |
| Max Height | Indoors, typically 0.6-3 meters (2-10 feet) | 30-75 cm (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, fertile soil. A mix of garden soil, compost, and perlite is suitable. |
| Beginner Friendly | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 5 minutes weekly | 15 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. |
Wallflower
| Scientific Name | Erysimum cheiri |
|---|---|
| Family | Brassicaceae |
| Native To | Southern Europe |
| Also Known As | Wallflower, Cheiranthus cheiri |
| Leaves | The leaves are lance-shaped, typically 2-4 inches long, and have a slightly rough texture. They are usually a grayish-green color and are arranged alternately along the stems. |
| Flowers | Wallflowers produce clusters of fragrant flowers in spring and early summer. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter and come in a variety of colors, including yellow, orange, red, purple, and brown. They are rarely grown indoors and therefore flowering indoors is unlikely. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
Devil's Ivy
Wallflower
🌱 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.
Wallflower
Methods: Seed, Stem cuttings
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: For seeds, sow indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors in spring. For stem cuttings, take cuttings in late spring or early summer and root them in a well-draining medium.
✨ 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
Wallflower
Wallflowers are known for their strong, sweet fragrance and their ability to bloom in early spring, providing color when many other plants are still dormant. Their vibrant flower colors and compact growth habit make them a popular choice for borders and containers.
- ✓ Adds vibrant color to the garden
- ✓ Provides a pleasant fragrance
- ✓ Attracts pollinators
- ✓ Can be used in cut flower arrangements
- ✓ Relatively easy to grow outdoors in suitable conditions
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
Devil's Ivy
Wallflower
🌞 Light Requirements
Devil's Ivy
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Can tolerate lower light conditions, but variegation may fade.
Low light tolerant: ✅ Yes
Wallflower
Full sun to partial shade. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering.
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.
Wallflower
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Ensure good drainage. Signs of underwatering include wilting and dry, crispy leaves. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and a soggy soil.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Devil's Ivy
Temperature: 18-27°C
Humidity: 40-70%
Wallflower
Temperature: 10-21°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.
Wallflower
Erysimum cheiriGardeners looking to add vibrant color and fragrance to their outdoor spring and early summer gardens.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a fragrant spring flower for your garden.
- You enjoy vibrant colors in your outdoor space.
- You want to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- You have a sunny garden spot.
- You are experienced with caring for flowering plants.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You lack a sunny outdoor space.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
Devil's Ivy is rated Easy care level, while Wallflower is Expert.
Devil's Ivy has fast growth, while Wallflower 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.
Wallflower Care Tips
Wallflowers are primarily outdoor plants and require full sun and well-draining soil. Indoor cultivation is challenging due to the need for intense light and specific temperature requirements. They are toxic to pets, requiring careful placement if grown in areas accessible to animals.
- Provide well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Protect from frost in colder climates.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Ensure adequate sunlight for optimal flowering.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
Devil's Ivy
Wallflower
❓ 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.
Wallflower
What are the light requirements for Wallflower?
Wallflowers require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce abundant blooms. A south-facing window or sunny patio is ideal. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth and reduced flowering. If growing indoors, consider using a grow light to supplement natural light, especially during the winter months. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even light exposure on all sides. Monitor the plant for signs of insufficient light, such as pale leaves or elongated stems. Adjust the placement accordingly to provide optimal light conditions.
How do I care for Wallflower?
Wallflowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer to promote abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued flowering. Prune lightly after blooming to maintain shape. Protect from frost in colder climates by moving potted plants indoors or providing adequate cover. Wallflowers prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frost. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Regularly check for pests and address infestations promptly.
How do I propagate Wallflower?
Wallflowers are typically propagated by seed, but stem cuttings can also be used. For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from non-flowering stems in spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist. Rooting should occur in 4-6 weeks. Alternatively, collect seeds from dried flower pods in late summer or fall. Sow the seeds indoors in early spring or directly into the garden after the last frost. Division is less common but possible with established clumps, carefully separating the roots and replanting.
Last updated: May 20, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.