English Ivy
Hedera helix · Araliaceae
- Light
- Medium to bright-indirect
- Water
- Moderate
- Humidity
- Average
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Pet-safe
- No
- Propagation
- Stem Cuttings
Common problems: Spider MitesScale InsectsMealybugsPowdery Mildew
Quick facts
- Light: Medium to bright indirect · Water: Keep lightly moist, not swampy · Humidity: Average to high
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Pet-safe: No
Description
A trailing or climbing ivy with lobed evergreen leaves and a classic old-school indoor-vine look. Indoors it is attractive, but it is also one of the more pest-prone common houseplants, so it looks easy until spider mites show up and make their case.
Care
- Light: Bright indirect is best; it tolerates medium light but gets looser and weaker.
- Water: Keep the mix lightly moist, allowing the top inch to dry a bit between waterings.
- Soil & potting: Standard well-draining houseplant mix.
- Humidity & temperature: Prefers cooler rooms and decent air movement.
- Feeding: Light feeding in active growth.
- Repotting / propagation: Trim often if you want a fuller plant rather than long strings.
Propagation
Easy from stem cuttings rooted in water or soil. Multiple cuttings in one pot make a denser plant faster. See Propagation Basics.
Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs. English ivy contains compounds that can cause vomiting, drooling, stomach upset, and skin irritation in sensitive animals.
Common ailments, afflictions & pests
Click any item for how to identify and treat it.
- Spider Mites — the classic English ivy problem indoors.
- Scale Insects — can settle along stems and leaf undersides.
- Mealybugs — occasional in dense growth.
- Powdery Mildew — possible where air is stale and foliage stays damp.
See also: Diagnose a Problem.