HEDERA HELIX

NASA CLEAN AIR PLANT #6

 

Available for sale at our store located at 3856 Fort Henry Drive, Kingsport, TN 37663.

 

English Ivy plants, native to North America, Europe, and Asia, can be found in over 100 different sizes, colors, and leaf shapes. You’re probably familiar with English ivy on the exterior of buildings, but it also makes a lovely houseplant. This fast-growing climber is relatively easy to care for, and looks great either hanging or dangling its vines from a shelf. It can even be trained to grow up a topiary.

Light - Native to light woodland areas, English Ivy houseplants thrive in an environment of bright filtered to low light. Ample light helps the leaves become more colorful but filter the light to prevent excessive heat which can lead to drying and poor performance.

Temperature - English Ivy plants are not greatly affected by hot and cold temperature but fluctuating temperatures can stifle performance dramatically. Keep English Ivy in an atmosphere with a consistent temperature and away from drafts, open doors, or vents. Temperatures below 40° will cause the leaves of the plants to take on a different shade. All-green ivies turn red or purple. Maroon streaks take over yellow-leaved cultivars. Marginally variegated ivies turn pink at the edges.

Water  - Most English Ivy plants die because they are over-watered. Allow the top 25-30% of the soil to dry out before watering. Crispy leaves indicate over-watering not under-watering. English Ivy prefer an evenly moist environment. Water the plants freely during growth. Keep English Ivy houseplants moist in the winter. Spraying English Ivy with soft water weekly will help prevent spider mites from infesting the plants.

Humidity - English Ivy is a very easy plant to grow but prefers medium to high humidity helps maintain the appearance of the leaves. Use a pebble tray during winter to keep numidity high and place outdoors during warmer months.

Soil - English ivy does well in regular potting soil.

Fertilizer - Feed every two weeks in the spring and summer with a balanced plant food diluted to 1/2 the recommended strength. Fertilize monthly in the fall and winter. Never feed an English Ivy if the temperature is extremely hot or cold, if the soil is very dry, or if the ivy plant is not producing new leaves.

Re-pot - Like most houseplants, English Ivy plants like to be root-bound in small pots so don't rush to move them to larger containers. Be sure any pot you use has drip holes in the bottom. Large pots retain too much water and will drown this plant.

Maintenance - Aggressively trim the long runners to keep the plant bushy and full.

Pests - English Ivy plants are susceptible to spider mites, scale, Mealy Bugs, Aphids, and white flies. Check frequently for pests by examining the backs of the leaves and new growth. If English Ivy becomes infected, spray with 91% Isopropyl Alcohol mixed with water (2 parts Alcohol, 1 part water) or an insecticidal soap at 1/2 the recommended strength. Watch out for fungal and bacterial Leaf Spot Disease. When a plant gets Leaf Spot Disease, the attacking fungus or bacteria leaves small brown spots trimmed in yellow where it is feeding on the leaves. These spots may vary in shape, color, and size.  As with all other fungal and bacterial diseases, better air circulation, well-drained soil, dry leaves, and less water help control Leaf Spot Disease on plants. Never mist a plant if Leaf Spot Disease is suspected. You can use a commercial fungicide to treat Leaf Spot Disease or the homemade remedy of putting a tablespoon or two of baking soda and a teaspoon or two of mineral oil in a spray bottle of water. Shake the solution well and then spray all areas of the plant that are infected. Keep infected plants away from your other houseplants..

Propagation - English Ivy plants are easily propagated using stem tip cuttings, just stick in dirt and they grow.

Special Notes - These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Ranked as NASA Clean Air Plant #6 for its ability to absorb air-born toxins such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and especially benzene.