How to Water English Ivy

English ivy prefers moist, shaded areas.

English ivy is a versatile vine for the home landscape. It grows equally well indoors or outside. There are varieties with deep-green foliage and those with variegated foliage of shades of green and white. Plant English ivy alone fences or walls, as a ground cover, in pots, or let it trail attractively over the edges of hanging baskets. Watering the English ivy correctly, regardless of where it is planted, helps ensure this foliage plant thrives for many years.

Things You'll Need

• Compost
• Potting soil

Instructions

1. Plant English ivy in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter, as these retain the proper amount of moisture for the ivy plants. Work a two- to four-inch layer of compost into outdoor beds prior to planting to provide organic matter. Use well-drained potting soil that is rich in peat moss for potted ivies and plant them into planters that have bottom-drainage holes.

2. Water outdoor ivies once a week when there is less than one inch of natural rainfall. Water until the top six inches of soil is moistened.

3. Water potted ivies when the top one inch of soil in the pot is beginning to feel dry but before it has dried completely. Water from the top until the excess water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot and into the drip tray. Empty the drip tray 30 minutes after watering so that the plant does not stand in the water and become waterlogged.

4. Wash the foliage of potted English ivy once a week to prevent aphid and spider mite infestation while also providing moisture to the leaves. Place your hand over the soil in the pot, then hold the foliage under lukewarm running water from the faucet. Rinse the entire plant, then gently shake the excess moisture from the leaves.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a watering wand attached to a garden hose to water hard-to-reach hanging baskets of ivy.

• Yellowing leaves and leaf drop of both old and new foliage is a sign that the ivy is over-watered.

• English ivy is considered an invasive plant in some locations. Plant it in containers only if this is a concern.

References

• University of Florida: English Ivies To Know and Grow
• University of North Dakota Extension: Questions on Ivy