Hedera helix is an evergreen climbing plant, growing to 20–30 m (66–98 ft) high where suitable surfaces (trees, cliffs, walls) are available, and also growing as groundcover where no vertical surfaces occur. It climbs by means of aerial rootlets with matted pads which cling strongly to the substrate. The ability to climb on surfaces varies with the plants variety and other factors: Hedera helix prefers non-reflective, darker and rough surfaces with near-neutral pH. It generally thrives in a wide range of soil pH with 6.5 being ideal, prefers moist, shady locations and avoids exposure to direct sunlight, the latter promoting drying out in winter. The leaves are alternate, 50–100 mm (2–4 in) long, with a 15–20 mm (0.6–0.8 in) petiole; they are of two types, with palmately five-lobed juvenile leaves on creeping and climbing stems, and unlobed cordate adult leaves on fertile flowering stems exposed to full sun, usually high in the crowns of trees or the top of rock faces. The flowers are produced from late summer until late autumn, individually small, in 3-to-5 cm-diameter (1.2-to-2.0 in) umbels, greenish-yellow, and very rich in nectar, an important late autumn food source for bees and other insects. The fruit are purple-black to orange-yellow berries 6–8 mm (0.2–0.3 in) in diameter, ripening in late winter,[8] and are an important food source for many birds. One to five seeds are in each berry, which are dispersed after being eaten by birds.
Green Ivy Care
Hedera Hedex
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Humidity
Normal
Lighting
Full Sun
Temperature
11°C - 21°C
Hardiness zone
4 - 9
Difficulty
Easy
Hibernation
Cold Period
Toxicity
Poisonous
How to Care for the Plant
Water
If you have green ivy as a houseplant, it's just as important to water it properly. Fertilize the well-drained soil with an all-purpose mix (10-10-10) and feel free to add plant food to encourage growth. Keep the soil moist by watering two to three times a week, but don't overwater.
Pruning
Simply pinch or snap the vine with your fingers just above a leaf, or prune the plant with clippers or scissors. Although you can discard the cuttings, you can also use them to propagate a new plant. Just stick the cuttings in a vase of water, then set the vase in a sunny window.
Fertilizer
The second secret to variegated ivy care is to significantly reduce the amount of fertilizer you give the plant. Because variegated ivy leaves have less chlorophyll, the plant produces less energy for growth. This means variegated ivy plants grow much slower than their all green cousins. Because they grow slower, they need much less food in the soil. The best fertilizer care of a variegated ivy is to fertilize only once a year, at most. Even then, do so only lightly. If you fertilize your variegated ivy any more than this, excess fertilizer will build up in the soil and can kill your plant.
Sunlight
Growing ivy indoors isn’t difficult as long as you provide what the plant needs. The most important part of indoor ivy plant care is light. All true ivies need bright light. Variegated cultivars can take medium light, but be aware that their variegation will become less pronounced in less light. Without enough light, inside ivy plants will become leggy and sickly looking. They will also be more prone to pests.
Soil
Fertile, moist, but well-drained soil is ideal for ivy. In hotter, drier climates, the ground should be heavily mulched to keep it cool and moist. Indoors, ivy likes a loose, well-drained potting mix. Soil pH isn't overly important to ivy, but it thrives best in a slightly acidic blend.
Temperature
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.
Additional
About poison ivy. Poison ivy is a poisonous plant that causes a red, blistered, extremely itchy rash. You can't catch poison ivy from another person, but you can get it by touching or rubbing up against something that has come into contact with the plant, such as a pet, or clothing.
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