Ivy · Hedera helix

You can grow ivy as a trailing plant or let it climb a support. It is an evergreen plant with lobed leaves. It does well in filtered light and slightly moist soil, without standing water.

Botanical name: Hedera helix
Plant family: Araliaceae
Identification: Species
Growth and life cycle: You can grow ivy as a trailing plant or guide it onto a support to climb. It is an evergreen perennial with lobed leaves and clinging roots that attach to surfaces. Keep it out of reach of children and pets, as the leaves and fruits are poisonous if swallowed.
Choosing a pot: Choose a pot with drainage holes, only slightly larger than the root ball when it is time to repot. If you use a decorative container or a hanging container, make sure you can easily remove the pot and empty out the water.
Light: Bright, indirect light
When to water: Check the potting mix with your finger at a depth of 2-3 cm, and water when this layer starts to dry out. Water until it runs out of the drainage holes, then empty the saucer or decorative container. Dry leaves with very dry potting mix can indicate a lack of water. Yellowing leaves with potting mix that stays wet call for a check for overwatering.
Potting mix and drainage: Use an airy potting mix that holds a little moisture but drains well, for example with added perlite. Make sure there are drainage holes and that water does not sit around the bottom of the pot.
Feeding: Feed your ivy when it puts out new leaves and stems, following the instructions on the fertilizer for foliage plants. When growth stops, during intense heat or when the plant shows signs of stress, stop feeding and check the conditions first.
Pruning and tidying: Trim stems that are too long just above where a leaf grows to encourage branching, and remove dry leaves. Keep healthy stems growing in the direction you want, and wear gloves because contact with the sap may irritate your skin.
The first few days at home: Remove the wrapping and check that the drainage holes are clear. Choose a bright, relatively cool spot away from the air conditioner’s airflow, and check the potting mix before watering. Look under the leaves too, and keep the plant in its current pot as long as the roots are not crowded and there is no drainage problem.
What to watch for: If you see pale spots and fine webs, check under the leaves for mites. Brown tips may appear from dryness or heat, and yellowing while the potting mix is wet may indicate too much water.
Placement and climate: In the Israeli summer, choose a shaded, airy balcony or a bright spot indoors, away from hot glass and dry airflow from an air conditioner. In winter, you can leave it outdoors in a suitable spot, but check for standing water after rain and keep the air moving even in the humidity of the coastal plain.
Propagation: You can root a healthy stem cutting with a few leaves. Remove the lower leaves and place at least one node in moist, airy potting mix, in light without direct sun.
Around pets: We haven’t verified whether this plant is safe around pets. Ask us before choosing.
Care level: Needs regular attention