Is English Ivy a Good House Plant?

Place plants on wet pebbles to increase humidity.

English ivy is one of the nation's top three best-selling plants, according to Denver Plants, a horticultural gardening reference website. People purchase the plant for multiple indoor and outdoor uses, including as houseplants. The plants are relatively easy to care for and maintain, which makes them well-suited for gardening novices.

About English Ivy

English ivy, also known as Hedera helix, is an ideal houseplant for hanging in a basket or displaying in a pot or container. More than 100 varieties of this woody evergreen exist, and they have various-sized leaves of different colors and textures. Most English ivies have heart-shaped leaves and produce yellow-green flowers. Plants grow like vines that cascade down over the sides of its container.

Growing Conditions

They generally need temperatures of between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and slightly cooler temperatures at night. Plants can handle normal indoor humidity as long as you spritz them with tepid water every few days or so in the winter when the air in your home is drier from running the heater. Do not place them in direct sunlight, but do house them in an area where they receive sun exposure. Without sufficient light, cultivars with variegated foliage are apt to turn green. Water plants from overhead when the soil 1/2 to 1 inch below the surface feels dry.

Soil and Placement

English ivy should be planted in loose, nutrient-rich potting soil that allows for good drainage. Fertilize plants monthly during periods of new growth in the spring.

Keep your plant in an area that provides space for it to breathe. Overcrowding your plant can stifle its growth. Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the plant's shape and desired size.

Propagation

You can grow English ivy from a root stem or cuttings. Clip stems from a mature plant and remove its lower leaves. Place the cutting in water until it sprouts roots and then transplant into a container.

References

• My Indoor Houseplants: English Ivy
• North Dakota State University Extension; Questions on Ivy; Ron Smith
• Houseplants: English Ivy
• Denver Plants: "English Ivy" Wreath