English Ivy
Hedera helix
Classic trailing and climbing plant with lobed leaves in plain green or variegated cream and green. Excellent in hanging baskets or trained up a moss pole. One of the best plants for filtering indoor air pollutants.
Best rooms for english ivy
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
Tolerates shade and north-facing windows with limited natural light.
How to care for english ivy
Tolerates shade well but variegated varieties need brighter light. Keep compost moist but not soggy. Prefers cooler conditions than most houseplants — 10-21°C is ideal. Mist regularly to deter spider mites. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushy growth. Feed monthly spring-summer.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Stem cuttings in water or compost
- Layering
Toxicity
Leaves and berries are mildly toxic, causing vomiting and abdominal pain if ingested by pets.
Common problems
- Spider mites (extremely common indoors)
- Leaf drop from hot dry rooms
- Variegation fading in low light
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