English ivy·Perry's Plants
Hedera helix
English ivy
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Gallery
Care Guide
Care Requirements
LightBright indirect light to shade; tolerates low light indoors. Avoid harsh afternoon sun behind glass.
WateringKeep evenly moist; water when top 1 inch (2–3 cm) dries. Reduce slightly in winter; avoid waterlogged soil.
SoilWell-draining potting mix; loamy, humus-rich soil outdoors. pH 6.0–7.5.
FertilizerBalanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength monthly in spring–summer; pause in winter.
HumidityAverage home humidity is fine; prefers 40–60%. Keep away from hot, dry air.
TemperatureIndoors 50–75°F (10–24°C). Outdoors hardy to freezing in USDA zones 4–9, depending on cultivar.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitEvergreen woody vine; clinging climber and groundcover with aerial roots.
Mature SizeVines 30–50+ ft (9–15+ m) outdoors; 1–6 ft (0.3–1.8 m) trailing indoors when pruned.
Growth RateFast
BloomingSmall greenish umbels late summer–fall on mature (adult) shoots; black berries in winter.
DormancyEvergreen; growth slows in winter without full dormancy.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings (tip or node), Layering, Division of rooted runners
DifficultyEasy
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPrune anytime to control size; best structural cuts in late winter–early spring. Remove flowering/berrying shoots to limit spread; keep off trees and structures you don’t want covered.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years in spring when rootbound; refresh top inch of soil annually for large containers.
Pests & DiseasesSpider mites (common in dry air), aphids, scale, mealybugs; leaf spot and root rot if overwatered; edema from inconsistent moisture.
ToxicityToxic if ingested by pets and humans (saponins); sap may irritate skin—wear gloves when pruning.