English ivy · Hedera helix
English ivy trails beautifully from baskets and planters, and it is one of the plants we tuck into many of our sympathy and memorial gardens. Indoors, it grows happily for years with a cool, bright spot and even watering.
It prefers it a little cooler than most houseplants. Warm, dry rooms are where ivy struggles, mostly because they invite spider mites.
Keep it cool, bright and in its pot
Give it bright, indirect light in a room that stays on the cool side, 55–70°F. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and let it drain.
A note if you are thinking of planting it outside: English ivy is listed as an invasive plant in North Carolina, so it spreads quickly outdoors and can climb trees and crowd out other plants. Many people keep it happy indoors or in a container on the porch instead.
Finding the right spot
Ivy wants good light, but it dislikes heat.
- A few feet from a bright east or north window is ideal.
- Keep it away from heat vents and sunny, hot windowsills.
- In low light the vines get long and thin, and variegated leaves lose their pattern.
- It looks lovely trailing from a shelf or hanging basket.
Everyday care
English Ivy
Hedera helix
- Light
- Bright, indirect light. A little gentle morning sun is fine.
- Water
- When the top inch of soil is dry, then thoroughly. Don’t let it sit wet or go bone dry.
- Humidity & temperature
- Cool, 55–70°F, with some humidity. Hot, dry air brings spider mites.
- Feeding
- Half-strength houseplant food once a month in spring and summer.
- Trimming
- Pinch or snip the vine tips to keep it full. Cuttings root easily in water.
- Showers
- Rinse the whole plant in a lukewarm shower every month or so. It cleans the leaves and keeps pests off.
Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing the leaves can cause vomiting, drooling and stomach pain, and the sap can irritate skin. If any part is eaten, call your veterinarian.
The eastern North Carolina year
What to do through our Johnston County seasons.
| Season | What to do |
|---|---|
| SpringMarch–May | Growth picks up. Start feeding and trim it back if it is leggy. |
| SummerJune–August | Keep it out of hot rooms and sun. A pot on a shady porch is fine. |
| FallSeptember–November | Its favorite season. Cooler rooms suit it well. |
| WinterDecember–February | Heat pumps dry the air. Shower it monthly and keep it away from vents. |
Repotting
Repot every year or two in spring, when the roots fill the pot, one size up with drainage holes and regular houseplant mix. If it is part of a mixed planter, see our dish garden guide for separating plants.
Quick fixes
Fine webbing, speckled or dull leaves
Spider mites, from warm dry air. Shower the plant and move it somewhere cooler.
Brown, crispy leaf edges
Too dry, too hot or too sunny.
Long, thin vines with few leaves
Not enough light. Move it closer to a window and trim it back.
Yellow leaves, wet soil
Too much water. Let the top inch dry before watering again.
Variegated leaves turning green
Needs more light.
Sticky leaves
Aphids or scale. Rinse well and wipe the leaves.
Common questions
Can I plant English ivy outside in North Carolina?
You can, but know that it is listed as invasive in North Carolina and spreads into woods and up trees. Keeping it in a pot or container keeps it in check.
How often should I water English ivy?
When the top inch of soil is dry, usually about once a week.
Why does my ivy have webs on it?
Spider mites, which love warm, dry rooms. Shower it and keep it cooler.
Is English ivy toxic to pets?
Yes, to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach.
More plant care guides
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
The easiest houseplant there is. Medium light, water when the top two inches are dry.
Read the guide →Dish Gardens & Planter Baskets
Mixed green and blooming plants
Several plants in one container. Water lightly, give it bright indirect light, and separate them when they outgrow it.
Read the guide →Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum
Medium light, a drink when it droops, and filtered water for clean leaf tips.
Read the guide →About pets and plants: The pet notes in this guide are general plant knowledge from our florists, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet chews or swallows any part of a plant, contact a licensed veterinarian right away, or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. If a person swallows any part of a plant, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
“So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.”1 Corinthians 3:7
Questions about your plant?
Call or text us. We are always glad to help, whether you bought it from us or not.
Call or text (984) 250-7771 Clayton Florist · 11440 Clayton Blvd, Clayton, NC 27520claytonncflorist.com