Tuesday, February 26, 2013

How to care for English Ivy

Hedera helix

I came across this picture today. I took it awhile ago and is of two different species of English ivy, enjoying life on a covered deck in the summertime. They are one of my neighbor's favorite plants. It's a cold and blustery day here today. It's a good thing to come upon a picture that reminds you the warmth will return.

There are many, many varieties of these noble vines available on the market. They do quite well in the house as long as it is not too hot and dry. An occasional showering in the sink that gets the dust off, will do them well.

I was walking in a park recently and saw a sign that says "Ivy Kills". Really, it is negligence that is the problem. They are quite harmless but outdoors they do need to be maintained with regular pruning. They will climb up and on about anything. They should be no trouble indoors and tend to grow rather slowly.  

NASA discovered that English ivy is among the best air cleaning plants you can own!

Care Instructions---
  • Bright indirect light or some direct sun works well.
  • Water as soon as the top of the soil is dry then water well.
  • Do not let the pots sit in drained water for long!
  • They can be pruned as you'd like and the cuttings will root in water. Fertilize regularly for best growth. 
  • They do appreciate some humidity.  Misting is good for them. They are tolerant of drier conditions unless it is quite warm indoors.
  • It is very helpful to clean their leaves with a good spray of water from time to time, either outdoors or in the sink or tub. This will help prevent insects.
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 ***For a variety of  video clips on houseplant care from my 90's TV series, click here:


1 comment:

  1. Hey! I want to add a point for caring of English lvy that is pot should be place in a window where it will receive sunlight easily. I am living in Orange County and I have cared successfully of English lvy with the help of orange county master gardeners.

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