Algerian ivy Care

Although this plant might come off as a little thirsty for its leaves to stay shiny and strong, Algerian Ivy can also resist drought. However, if you grow this plant in a warmer climate, water before the soil gets completely dry; it always likes to have a little moisture. If you keep it indoors, make sure you mist the plant frequently and that you keep it in areas with more humidity where it can thrive. Don’t overwater it, or it might develop root rot.

As Algerian Ivy grows fast and will cover up any space you allow, pruning is important for keeping it good-looking and maintaining proper airflow between its vines. Prune in late autumn to the desired shape. New light green leaves will grow as spring arrives. Don’t hesitate to prune newly sprung runners, or the plant might expand a little more than you intended.

Although it does well by itself and grows quickly, Algerian Ivy can use some liquid fertilizer or soil compost during the growth period. The glossy leaves of this vine thrive better if fertilized every 6 weeks in early spring.

Don’t keep your Algerian Ivy in full sun as the leaves might get crispy and burn, and the soil dries out too quickly. Keep it in partial sun or full shade. However, if you want more contrast to the leaves of your Ivy, you can keep it in areas with bright indirect light, as more shade tends to put a dark green tone on most of the leaves.

Algerian Ivy is not pretentious when it comes to soil type. You can grow it in almost any type of soil, from loam to sandy soil and even acidic or chalky. As long as the soil does not retain a lot of water, you are good to go. It thrives best in soil that locks in more moisture, but it won’t suffer too much if you don’t have that around.

You can propagate Algerian Ivy from seed or with cuttings, but the cuttings method is the most efficient and common, consuming less of your time and energy. Simply cut the vines in areas with semi-hardwood and place the new cuttings directly in the soil or into the water until new roots start to grow. Offer it some more support while the cuttings are still young by giving it a cane to climb onto.

Temperature is not something to worry about when it comes to Hedera algeriensis. It can resist temperatures down to 10°F ( -12°C), so harsh winters do not really affect them. Make sure you keep it protected from windy spots or places where ice forms, and it will go dormant only to gain its powers back in early spring with the first signs of warmth. The ideal temperature range is 50-80°F (10-27°C).

Although you can grow it in containers and potting is used with propagation, keeping Algerian Ivy in a pot can be a great headache. As it grows pretty fast, you will need to prune it constantly to ensure it does not get tangled in the pot. It outgrows any container quickly, so it is easier to plant it directly in the soil with some support that it can climb on. If you choose to place the Ivy in a pot, make sure you use one with drainage holes.

Algerian Ivy can be a lifesaver plant. The title may be a bit too fancy, but it is often planted for erosion control in rough areas with steep banks or slippery slopes, making it more than a simple decorative plant.