English Ivy
The classic trailing ivy, in dozens of leaf shapes and variegations. It likes cooler rooms and bright light, drinks more than people expect, and is the plant spider mites love most. Toxic to pets.
English ivy indoors is a different plant from the one climbing garden walls. It wants bright light, a cool room, evenly moist soil and humid air, and when it does not get them it invites spider mites. Get those right and it trails beautifully and is easy to shape.
The small-leaved and variegated cultivars are the houseplant types. Keep it away from cats and dogs.
Light
Bright indirect light, and a few hours of gentle sun are fine. Variegated types need the brighter end to keep their pattern. In low light it grows leggy and pale.
Water
Keep the soil lightly moist. Water when the top inch is dry, about every six days in summer and every ten in winter. It wilts fast when dry and yellows when wet, so check rather than schedule. It also appreciates a shower every couple of weeks, which doubles as mite prevention.
Soil and potting
A standard potting mix with some perlite. Repot every eighteen months or so, one size up, in spring.
Feeding
A half-strength balanced feed monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation
Cuttings with a few leaves root easily in water or moist soil at any time of year. Plant several back into the pot for a fuller plant.
In a hot, dry home
Difficult here in summer. It dislikes heat above the mid-seventies and dry air, and spider mites arrive within weeks in an air-conditioned room. If you want it, keep it in the coolest, brightest room, shower it often and expect to fight mites. Hoya or heartleaf philodendron trail just as well with none of the trouble.
English Ivy varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Green
Plain dark green lobed leaves.
- Gold Child
Green leaves with wide gold margins.
- Glacier
Grey-green leaves edged in white.
- Eva
Small leaves with cream edges.
- Kolibri
White-speckled small leaves.
- Teardrop
Unlobed, teardrop-shaped leaves.
- Topiary heart
Ivy trained over a heart-shaped frame.
Problems and fixes
Fine webbing, speckled leaves
Likely cause: Spider mites
Fix: Shower the plant thoroughly, treat with insecticidal soap weekly for a month, and raise humidity.
Yellow leaves, wet soil
Likely cause: Overwatering
Fix: Let the top inch dry before watering. Improve drainage.
Crispy, dropping leaves
Likely cause: Dry soil, hot room or dry air
Fix: Water more consistently, move to a cooler spot, raise humidity.
Leggy stems, pale leaves
Likely cause: Not enough light
Fix: Move to a brighter spot and trim back the vines.
English Ivy questions
Is English ivy toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. The leaves contain saponins that cause vomiting, drooling and pain if chewed. Keep it well out of reach or choose a pet-safe trailing plant such as hoya.
Why does my ivy keep getting spider mites?
Warm, dry air. Ivy wants cool rooms and humidity. Shower it regularly and keep it away from heating and AC vents.
How often should I water English ivy?
About every six days in summer and every ten in winter, keeping the soil lightly moist but never soggy.
Plants with a similar rhythm
Heartleaf Philodendron
- Light
- Low to bright indirect
- Water
- Weekly
- Pets
- Toxic
