Ivy Indoor Plant Types

Glacier ivy is a variety of English ivy, but it was cultivated specifically for use indoors, making it much tamer than the standard English ivy. It enjoys bright, indirect light and is sensitive to overwatering. Bettina ivy, another indoor English ivy variety, stays quite small, making it a popular desk plant.

How do I know what kind of ivy I have?

Identifying species of ivy plants is usually done by the distinctive leaf shape. Generally, ivies have lobed leaves that grow alternately along climbing or trailing vines. The size, shape and color of the leaves depend on the variety of the ivy plant.

What is indoor ivy called?

There is something so charming about English ivy, with its winding, trailing growth habit and instantly recognizable leaves. As lovely as it is outdoors, it is just as delightful indoors as well.

What is the most common house ivy?

Jubilee Ivy While English ivy cultivars are by far the most popular varieties to grow indoors, other ivy species can also make great houseplants, and their care is very similar to that of English ivy.

How often do you water indoor ivy?

Ivy grows best when planted in well-drained soil. Most have moderate water requirements and don't like to be soggy, so be sure to let the soil dry out between watering. Once a week during the spring and summer, and less often in winter, is typical.

How do you keep ivy happy indoors?

Ivies benefit from good air circulation, and they should not be crowded. Ivies do well at cool to moderate room temperatures of 50 to 70 °F during the day and about 5 to 10 °F lower at night. A good, rich commercial houseplant potting mix will be fine for ivy. They should be planted in a container with good drainage.

What is the easiest indoor ivy?

Boston ivy has small leaves, and is low maintenance and easy to keep alive inside all year round. The Boston ivy plant grows best in bright but indirect sunlight without being near windows because they are prone to burn with too much sunlight.

Is it good to have ivy on your house?

Wooden Walls and Fences: Ivy can easily work its way between boards, opening the joints and damaging the structure. The roots can also penetrate small weaknesses and cracks in the wood grain, increasing the risk of rot. And, if that's not enough, ivy can harbor wood destroying insects and other pests.

Can you touch common ivy?

Many people are allergic to English ivy. Touching its sap alone can cause contact or allergic contact dermatitis, which is a very itchy—and uncomfortable—rash. Contact with English ivy can also cause swelling and shortness of breath.

Does indoor ivy attract bugs?

Generally, there are not that many pests that invade ivy but there are an annoying few. Aphids and spider mites occur most often. Mealy bugs and scale also find ivy a delectable diet and can be harder to treat.

What is the difference between English ivy and ivy?

“For the botanist the difference is significant. Irish ivy has a tetraploid chromosome count of 96, whereas English ivy is a diploid with a chromosome count of 48. ” Although both species have tiny white leaf hairs, their shape is different.

Should you mist ivy plants?

Ivies like to be misted at least once a week. The misting helps keep the Ivy hy- drated. Water well and let the excess water drain into the sink. Never leave ivy sitting in water.

Does ivy like full sun or shade?

Growing well almost anywhere, ivies are remarkable for their shade tolerance – and for the fact that they also grow well in full sun. They make excellent groundcover, quickly covering difficult areas such as dry shade, stabilising the soil and providing year-round greenery.

Is ivy a good bedroom plant?

Whether draping over your nightstand or from a hanging planter, English ivy is a great choice for the bedroom, as this trailing plant is known to release oxygen and absorb indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and ammonia.

Is ivy an easy houseplant?

As a houseplant, ivy will never get out of hand. With the right light, water, and care, it can be one of the most beautiful indoor plants, exelling in containers and cascading from hanging baskets.

Does ivy do well in bathrooms?

Ivy is ideal for the bathroom because of its purifying properties, clearing the air and preventing mould, which can be common in bathrooms where there is often a lot of moisture.

How do I know if my ivy needs water?

Watering Instructions Check the soil moisture with your finger. If the top 2-4” (5-10cm) of soil is dry, or plants are wilted, it is time to water. Apply water at the soil level if possible to avoid wetting the foliage. Water the entire soil area until water runs out the base of the pot.

How do you feed indoor ivy?

Does ivy need fertilizer? Ivy is a notorious grower, but you may want to help it along if it's not taking off on its own. Use a 20-20-20 houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during spring and summer for optimal ivy fertilization.

Does ivy like to climb or hang?

It still grows energetically indoors but don't worry, it won't take over your living room when your back's turned. Ivy is always keen to climb, and it might shimmy up your walls if you let it. It attaches itself to surfaces with little aerial roots which grow along its stems.

What does overwatered ivy look like?

I can see signs of it failing as well – the yellow and very pale leaves are an indication of too much water.