How to Grow English Ivy

Hedera helix

Perennial

English ivy is one of the most adaptable houseplants available, tolerating low light and neglect while producing attractive trailing or climbing foliage. It prefers cool to moderate temperatures, consistent moisture, and good air circulation to stay healthy indoors. Mist the leaves regularly in heated rooms to deter spider mites, and trim back leggy growth to keep the plant full and bushy.

Yearly Lifecycle

Jan

Spring Growth

Feb

Growing

Mar

Growing

Apr

Growing

May

Growing

Jun

Growing

Jul

Growing

Aug

Growing

Sept

Growing

Oct

Growing

Nov

Growing

Dec

Growing

Care Essentials

Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertiliser during spring and summer. Reduce to every six to eight weeks in autumn and stop in winter. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which promote excessive leafy growth.

Watch For

Spider mites — stippled, yellowing leaves and fine webbing in dry air
Scale insects on stems and leaf undersides
Vine weevil notching leaf edges and grubs damaging roots
Bacterial leaf spot in overwatered or poorly ventilated conditions

Care Requirements

Light

Low to bright indirect light

Highly adaptable to low light conditions, making it excellent for spots away from windows. Variegated forms need brighter light to maintain colouring. Avoid harsh direct sun.

Watering

Keep evenly moist

Water when the top centimetre of soil feels dry. Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Mist leaves regularly in heated rooms to deter spider mites.

Fertilizing

Monthly in spring and summer

Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertiliser during spring and summer. Reduce to every six to eight weeks in autumn and stop in winter.

Pruning

Trim regularly for bushy growth

Trim back leggy growth regularly to encourage a bushier habit. Remove any all-green shoots on variegated types immediately to prevent reversion.