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An illustration of a green ivy branch with star-shaped leaves, detailed veins, and subtle color variations. The background is a soft cream tone, conveying tranquility.

English Ivy

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hedera helix

KNOWN AS: European Ivy, Ivy

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Eastern Europe | Temperate

DESCRIPTION: Ivy is often thought of for their ability to give the side of your house a distinguished look or invade your entire yard. But as a plant, the lovely tangle of vines is a welcome addition to any collection (and much easier to manage).

Moderate difficulty & pet toxic

English Ivy Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

The evergreen climbing vine known as English ivy prefers bright, direct light. It can handle lower light levels but will experience limited growth. It is advisable to keep the plant out of direct sunshine because it can scorch the leaves. If you want to ensure that English ivy gets enough light without getting too much, it is preferable to plant it close to a north-facing window or a few feet away from a south or west-facing window while growing it indoors. If necessary, you can also use LED grow lights to augment natural light.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

English ivy prefers to be kept evenly moist, with soil that is consistently moist but not soaked. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch, using room temperature water. Be sure to allow any excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot, and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this will often cause root rot. During the winter months, reduce watering but do not let the soil dry out completely. English ivy can tolerate lower humidity levels, but misting the leaves or using a humidifier can help the plant thrive. It's important not to overwater the plant, as this can cause yellowing or dropping of the leaves. In general, maintaining consistently moist but well-draining soil and avoiding extremes of wet or dry soil will help your English ivy grow.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 50º - 70º

English ivy, scientifically known as Hedera helix, is an indoor plant that prefers cooler temperatures. It thrives in a temperature range between 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C). It can tolerate slightly lower temperatures as long as it doesn't go below 45°F (7°C) for prolonged periods. However, English ivy is sensitive to high temperatures. Temperatures above 75°F (24°C) can cause the plant to suffer, and temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can be fatal. Therefore, it's best to keep the plant in a cooler area of the house away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators and vents. It's important to not keep it in too breezy of an area either as this may cause the ivy to dry out prematurely.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

Make sure to keep the humidity level between 40-60% for optimal growth. You can achieve this by placing a humidifier near the plant or by placing a tray of water next to it. Another great tip is to group your plants together, which creates a mini-environment that helps maintain the right humidity levels. Ensure proper ventilation as stagnant air can lead to increased humidity levels and create an environment for bacteria. It's essential to provide enough space between plants and avoid overcrowding to allow for proper air circulation. Keep an eye out for any signs of excess humidity, such as yellowing leaves or fungal growth. If you notice these signs, reduce the humidity levels and increase ventilation by opening windows or using fans.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
English ivy can be propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with several leaves and cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. Place the cutting in a jar of water or directly into a pot filled with moist potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light until the cutting develops roots and new growth. Once the plant has established roots, it can be transferred to a larger pot or planted outside in a shady area with well-draining soil. It's important to note that English ivy can be invasive, so it's important to monitor its growth and contain it to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably, and avoid planting outdoors. Additionally, it's important to avoid overwatering, as English ivy can be sensitive to soggy soil.
Toxicity
English ivy, also known as Hedera helix, is toxic to both humans and animals. The plant contains a toxic chemical called saponins, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, and skin irritation if ingested. Additionally, the plant can cause breathing difficulties and asthma-like symptoms if the sap is inhaled. Ingestion of English ivy can be particularly dangerous for children and pets, and symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the amount ingested.
Repotting
English ivy plants prefer to be tight in it's pot, so repotting should only be done when the roots are visibly growing out of the drainage holes. Choose a pot that is only one or two sizes larger than the current one and has drainage holes. Fill the bottom of the pot with a layer of fresh potting mix and gently loosen the roots of the plant. Place the plant in the new pot and fill the space around the roots with fresh potting mix, gently pressing it down. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a bright, indirect light. Be sure to keep the soil consistently moist, but not soaked, during the first few weeks after repotting to help the plant adjust to its new environment.
Pruning
English ivy plants can benefit from pruning to keep their growth under control and encourage fuller, bushier growth. The best time to prune English ivy is in the spring or summer when it's actively growing. You can use pruning shears or sharp scissors to snip off any leggy or overgrown stems at the base of the plant or where it meets a healthy stem. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to encourage branching and create a fuller plant. Be sure to avoid cutting into the stem or damaging the leaves. Additionally, you can remove any yellow or diseased leaves to keep the plant healthy. Always clean your pruning tools with rubbing alcohol before and after use to prevent the spread of diseases.
Fertilizing
English ivy plants can benefit from regular fertilization during their growing season, which typically runs from spring to early fall. The best approach is to use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, such as a 10-10-10 formula. It's recommended to dilute the fertilizer to half-strength before applying it to the soil, you can always add more but you can't take it back once applied. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize every two to four weeks during the growing season and reduce the frequency or stop fertilizing altogether during the winter months when the plant is dormant. Additionally, it's essential to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package/bottle and avoid getting the fertilizer on the foliage, as this can burn the leaves.
Soil
English ivy plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good potting mix for English ivy plants would consist of a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. This soil mix will help provide good drainage and prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. Additionally, adding some sand to the mix can also improve drainage. English ivy plants can also benefit from occasional fertilization with a balanced fertilizer.

Hanging Heights

English Ivy Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - English Ivy

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - English Ivy

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - English Ivy

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - English Ivy

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • Not Recommended

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - English Ivy

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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