The boa constrictor is one of the easiest plants to grow and is therefore very suitable for beginner gardeners. Beloved for its lush, leafy stems, the species is also known as devil’s ivy.
This vine can also be confused with a philodendron scandens or heart leaf that look very similar.
There are quite a few types of colorful boa constrictors, if the variegated green and yellow species do not suit your interior. ‘Neon’ has yellow leaves that will provide a bright pop of color, or try ‘Marble Queen’, with its rich green and cream look.
The boa constrictor originates from the islands of French Polynesia in the Pacific and can really help transform your indoor garden into a tropical paradise.
It is believed that the name devil’s ivy came about because it is a very difficult plant to kill and recovers after periods of neglect, which also explains why it is so popular.
Check out the main precautions for successful cultivation:
Keep it out of direct sunlight.
This type of plant prefers indirect light, i.e. place the pot away from a bright window. As a vine, the boa constrictor often climbs from dappled light on the forest floor to a leafy canopy, so try to replicate these lighting conditions in your home.
Look for a spot that is bright and out of direct sunlight for optimal growth, as too much sun can burn and bleach the leaves.
Also know that the species grows well in low humidity levels, so it can be successfully grown as an indoor plant, as well as being suitable for most rooms.
But in darker areas, your seedling may not grow as quickly and may lose its variegation, turning mostly green.
Also keep in mind that over time, care will include needing enough space for your stems to grow, whether that be up a pole or down off a shelf or tall plant stand.
Give your stems plenty of freedom
The species has beautiful heart- or spear-shaped green and yellow leaves that form on long, flexible stems, which can be left hanging in a vase on a shelf, or trained on a moss pole or along horizontal wires attached to a wall.
Hanging from a basket, where its stems can trail elegantly along the sides, the boa will grow into a large plant over time, with each stem reaching several meters in length.
However, if you want flowers, this is not the species for you, as a genetic deficiency means that it never produces flowers, reproducing itself through its stems and roots.
Water no more than once a week
Grow your boa constrictor in a pot with drainage holes in the base and water when the top of the compost is dry by running it under a faucet and letting excess moisture drain before returning it to a waterproof container.
Wet or soggy compost can encourage root rot, and during spring and summer, water no more than once every two weeks.
Overwatering is one of the few ways to kill these low-maintenance houseplants, but they quickly recover if watered after a period of neglect. Also, include a dose of balanced liquid fertilizer once a month from spring to fall.
common problem
The species is actually nearly indestructible, as it is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. However, the boa can occasionally suffer from mealybugs, spider mites, scales and thrips, which manage to live in the cubicles between the stems and the underside of the leaves.
If you spot a pest or the damage it causes, wash your plant in the shower or use a damp cloth to remove the bugs as best you can.
If the mealybugs, which look like small hard bumps, persist, try dabbing them with a cotton swab dipped in a little methylated spirit.
Is the plant toxic to cats?
Unfortunately, yes, the species is toxic to cats and other pets if ingested. If your cat has taken a sneaky bite, he might show signs of an upset stomach and start vomiting – a trip to the vet is usually a good idea if you’re concerned.
You can discourage any curious critters by placing devil’s ivy high on a shelf or in a planter, or try using citrus peel around the base to deter them.
Why is my boa constrictor turning yellow?
As with many indoor plants, incorrect watering has consequences for the seedling. Yellowing leaves are usually caused by too much or too little water.
Drooping leaves that slowly turn yellow and then dry out are usually a sign that your seedling needs good water. On the other hand, leaves that suddenly turn pale yellow before turning brown are a sign of overeating, so give it a rest and wait for it to dry.
If the compost is soggy, repot your plant in a container with drainage holes at the base and don’t water for a few weeks until it recovers.
*Via Gardening Etc