English ivy
Hedera helix
Evergreen climbing/trailing vine with lobed glossy leaves. Used as groundcover or on walls; hardy, fast-growing, tolerates low light and a range of soils.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: toxic
Hedera helix contains saponins that can cause drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain and skin irritation; ingestion of leaves or berries by pets or children may require vet/medical attention.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place English ivy in bright, indirect light: near an east- or north-facing window or a few feet back from a south- or west-facing window. Tolerates low light but will become leggier and lose variegation in dim corners.
Water
Water when the top 2.5 cm (1 inch) of potting mix feels dry. Water thoroughly until excess drains; do not leave in a saucer of water. In winter reduce frequency; in warm, bright conditions allow quicker drying.
Humidity
Prefers moderate to higher humidity. Aim for 40–60% humidity. Increase with pebble trays, occasional misting, grouping plants, or a humidifier during dry indoor winters.
Temperature
Keeps best between 7–24°C (45–75°F). Avoid prolonged temperatures below 5°C (41°F) or above 30°C (86°F) and protect from cold drafts or hot radiators.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellowing leaves and leaf drop
Cause: Overwatering, poor drainage, or root rot
Solution: Check roots, repot into fresh, well-draining mix, reduce watering frequency and ensure pot has drainage holes
Brown crispy leaf edges
Cause: Low humidity or underwatering, or hot/dry air from heating
Solution: Increase humidity, water more regularly, move away from radiators and avoid hot dry drafts
Leggy growth and reduced variegation
Cause: Insufficient light
Solution: Move to brighter, indirect light, prune back long stems to encourage bushier growth and maintain variegation
Sticky leaves or sooty mold
Cause: Sap-sucking pests like scale, aphids or whitefly
Solution: Inspect and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil, wipe leaves and prune heavily infested areas
✂️How to Propagate English ivy
For stem cuttings: take 8–12 cm (3–5 in) tip cuttings just below a node, strip lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and place in moist soilless mix or water. Keep warm and bright but out of direct sun; roots appear in 2–4 weeks. For air-layering, wound a vine, apply moist sphagnum and wrap with plastic until roots form, then sever and pot. Division can be used on mature clumps in spring. Seeds require stratification and are slower.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Araliaceae
Native to: Native to Europe, western Asia and North Africa, widely naturalized elsewhere.
Natural Habitat: Grows in temperate woodlands, hedgerows and rocky areas where it climbs trees or spreads as groundcover in shady, moist but well-draining soils.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering and keep in cool, bright conditions; maintain moderate humidity and avoid placing near cold drafts or heating vents.
Spring
Resume regular feeding with balanced fertilizer, increase watering as growth resumes, and prune to shape and encourage fuller growth.
Summer
Keep in bright, indirect light and water more frequently if pot dries quickly; increase humidity and check for pests during active growth.
Fall
Cut back long growth, slow fertilizing, and gradually reduce water as growth slows; monitor indoor humidity as heating begins.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water English ivy?
Water when the top 2.5 cm (1 inch) of soil is dry, typically every 7–14 days depending on light, pot size and season.
Can English ivy grow in low light?
Yes, it tolerates low light but grows more slowly, becomes leggy, and variegated forms may lose patterning in dim conditions.
Is English ivy toxic to pets?
Yes. All parts contain compounds that can cause vomiting, drooling and abdominal pain if ingested; keep away from pets and children.
How do I propagate English ivy from cuttings?
Take 8–12 cm tip cuttings with a node, root in water or moist mix, keep warm and bright; roots appear in 2–4 weeks before potting on.
Why are my ivy leaves turning brown at the edges?
Usually low humidity, underwatering, or exposure to hot dry air; increase humidity and adjust watering and placement.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025