|
Ivy (hedera), with over 100 varieties to choose from makes an excellent houseplant. Whether you want it on a table, hanging from the ceiling, sitting in a
wall sconce, or filling up the base of a tree, there is an ivy for you. Some of our
favorite easy care ivies are: California, asterick, kolibri, Algerian, gold child, and
needlepoint. NASA has determined that ivy
is a clean air plant and can rid the environment of toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene,
and carbon monoxide.
Houseplant 411 for the iPhone & i Pod Touch
|
CARE OF ENGLISH IVY
Light: Bright indirect light is best, but direct sun will burn the leaves. Although an ivy can survive in medium light: , the new leaves may get smaller and the spaces between them greater.
Water:
Most ivies die from over watering. Allow your plant to dry out until the vines are almost drooping and the top 1/3 of
the soil is dry before watering. Crispy leaves indicate OVER WATER not under water. When in doubt, do not water.
Fertilizer: An ivy placed in bright light is a fast growing plant and should be fertilized
every two weeks. Never use a fertilizer when the temperature in extremely hot or cold or if the soil is very dry
Temperature: Ivies can live in temperatures ranging from 45 degrees-90 degrees without
sustaining any damage to their leaves.
Pruning: If your plant looks thin,
trim back the vines and it will fill out. Never be afraid to prune your ivy aggressively.
Propagate: Cut several green stem tip clippings 4” long off the newest vines. Remove the bottom leaves,
dip the cut ends in rooting hormone, and plant the stems in a 4” (diameter) pot. Place the pot in a clear plastic bag
for about two weeks while the ivy roots. Be sure to keep the soil moist.
Pests:
Ivies are susceptible to spider mites, scale, mealy bugs, aphids, and whiteflies. To avoid these, keep your plant clean by spraying it once a month, more often if it is infested, with the green solution (undiluted alcohol mixed with a few drops of mineral oil and a few drops of a biodegradable soap).
 |
ENGLISH IVY FAQ’S
1. I water my plant regularly but the leaves & stems are getting brown and crispy.
The ivy is over-watered
and the roots are dying. Cut off all of the dead foliage and allow the soil to thoroughly dry out.
2. Sections of my plant are covered in fine webbing and the leaves are becoming pale.
The plant has spider
mites. Move it to a more humid location and spray it with the “green solution” (undiluted alcohol mixed with a
few drops of mineral oil & a few drops of biodegradable).
3. The new leaves
on my ivy are getting smaller and further apart.
Your ivy needs more light.
4. There are little white sticky patches all over the plant.
The plant has mealy bugs. Spray all sides of the leaves and stems with the green solution (undiluted alcohol mixed with a few drops of mineral oil & a few drops of biodegradable soap).
5. My plant started out with variegated leaves now the new leaves are all green.
Your ivy needs more light.
|
