Hedera hibernica, or Irish Ivy, as it is commonly known, is ideal for covering walls and fences. This lush, climbing ivy creates a year round, evergreen feature, perfect for hiding unappealing surfaces.
Ivies don't like wet soil. Wait to water until the top inch or so of the potting mix dries out. It's best to keep this houseplant a little too dry than little too wet. (This is true for most houseplants.)
Most cultivars of ivy grow best in bright light, but not direct sun. They tolerate low to medium light, but growth is reduced and variegated forms may turn all green. To maintain the bright color of a variegated ivy, give it plenty of light.
Seldom needs fertilizer, but if you don’t think your plants are growing as they should, spray them with half-strength liquid fertilizer.
Plant ivy in an all-purpose potting soil, in a pot with drainage. Let the top of the soil dry to the touch between waterings, and fertilize your ivy about once a month in the spring, summer, and fall. Especially in dry, winter air, it will benefit from regular misting of the foliage.
Simply pinch or snap the vine with your fingers just above a leaf, or prune the plant with clippers or scissors.
Indoors, ivy plants grow best in bright but indirect light with consistently cool temperatures that do not rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit or fall much below 50 degrees.
Humans: Ivy can cause severe skin irritation. Ingestion can cause burning in the mouth and throat, stupor, convulsions, fever, and rash. Usually symptoms are only severe if large amounts of the plant are eaten.
