Plant of the Week! - 10/15/26 - Ivy (Houseplant)
Earlier this week, we noticed that our Ivy plants had grown over their containers, down through our mesh greenhouse tables, down several feet to the concrete floor, and had even begun to grow horizontally on the ground. Needless to say, it was time for a haircut!
Houseplant Ivy (Hedera helix) is a beautiful, fast-growing houseplant known for its trailing vines and attractive leaves! It is one of the easiest houseplants to care for, and comes in so many different varieties.
📈Quick facts:
Light Reqirements:Â Bright, indirect sunlight to partial shade.
Water:Â Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry.
Temperature: Prefers cooler indoor temperatures, around 60–75°F.
Varieties we carry: Glacier Variegated Ivy, English Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, and Shamrock Ivy.
What does Ivy look like?
Ivieshave trailing or climbing growth habits, making them great for hanging baskets, shelves, and decorative containers. They form small star-shaped leaves, and one of the best things about ivies is the different variations of color!
For example:
Glacier Variegated Ivy: Beautiful gray-green leaves with creamy-white edges.
English Ivy: The classic variety, featuring glossy green leaves with pointed lobes.
Sweetheart Ivy: Known for its rounded, heart-shaped green leaves.
Needlepoint Ivy: Features delicate, narrow leaves with long, pointed tips.
Shamrock Ivy: A compact variety with small, rounded lobes resembling little shamrocks.
How to care for Ivy -
Ivy grows best in bright, indirect light, although it can tolerate some shade. Variegated varieties, like Glacier Ivy, do better with a little extra light to maintain their beautiful coloring.
Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry, and always use a pot with good drainage. Ivy doesn't like sitting in soggy soil! It also prefers cooler temperatures and a little extra humidity (a spray bottle can help), especially during the winter when indoor heating can dry out the air.
Trimming the vines occasionally will encourage fuller, bushier growth and help keep your plant looking its best.
Propagation -
1) Simply cut a healthy vine about 4–6 inches long, making sure it has several leaves and nodes (the little bumps where leaves grow). Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water, keeping the nodes submerged.
2) Place it somewhere with bright, indirect light and change the water regularly. Once the roots are about 1–2 inches long, transfer your new Ivy plant into potting soil!
You can also root Ivy cuttings directly in moist potting mix (this is the method we use here at the Garden Center). :)
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Additional Information -
Ivy has been grown as an ornamental plant for centuries and is especially popular for its ability to climb and trail.
When growing Ivy, one thing to watch for is spider mites, which are especially common when indoor air becomes too dry. These little guys look harmless, but they can wreak havoc on your houseplants. Check the undersides of leaves occasionally and rinse off the foliage when needed.
A quick note: English Ivy is toxic if eaten by pets or people, so keep it away from curious children and animals.
While some of the varieties are hardy to plant outside in our area, we usually suggest growing them as houseplants, because Ivy can grow very aggressively. So, if you do plant it outside, make sure it is in an area that gives it plenty of space to grow!
To add an ivy to your list or read more information about it, please browse our products and search for 'ivy'. We've got several varieties that we carry.
Until next week, happy planting!🌺
- Split Mountain Garden Center
