
Everyone has come across an ivy plant at least once in their life – whether it’s climbing up a brick wall or cascading down from a hanging basket. But what exactly is ivy, and how do you care for it? What if problems arise? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about this classic gardening plant!
Having an ivy in your garden is a great way to add some greenery, whether you’re covering up an unsightly wall or filling in some bare spaces. Ivy is also easy to care for and can be very resilient – making it a great plant for beginners. Here are some basics about ivy that you should know:
What is ivy?
Ivy (Hedera helix) is a evergreen climbing plant that is part of the Araliaceae family. It’s a very versatile plant that can be used in a number of ways in your garden, including as groundcover, in hanging baskets, or to cover walls and fences. This particular plant is very easy to care for and is known for its resilience – it’s perfect for beginner gardeners!
What does ivy look like?
Ivy is a very distinctive plant, with its large, dark green leaves. The leaves are usually around 5-10cm long and 2-5cm wide, and they have a glossy appearance. The stems of the plant are woody and can grow up to 20m in length! Ivy is a very fast-growing plant, so you’ll need to make sure that you prune it regularly to keep it under control.
How long will ivy last?
With a little bit of TLC, an ivy can last for over 3 weeks. Especially if you’re not using fresh flowers for your garlands or topiaries, adding some greenery like ivy can really help to make them last longer.
How fast does ivy grow?
Ivy is a very fast-growing plant, so you’ll need to make sure that you prune it regularly to keep it under control. It can grow up to 30cm per year, so you’ll need to be vigilant in order to keep it from taking over your garden. At best, what you’ll have to do is cut it back a couple of times each year; at worst, you may have to remove it entirely if it gets out of hand.
What are the types of ivy?
There are many different types of ivy, but the most common one is English ivy (Hedera helix). Other popular varieties include Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis), Irish ivy (Hedera hibernica), and Persian ivy (Hedera colchica). Each of these plants has slightly different care requirements, so be sure to do your research before you choose one for your garden.
-The English ivy (Hedera helix) is a flowering type of ivy broad large dark-green leaves that is a clinging evergreen vine and a popular plant in many countries.
-Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis) is a fast-growing vine that produces small, greenish-yellow flowers. It’s often used as an ornamental plant in gardens.
-Irish ivy (Hedera hibernica) is a woody, evergreen climbing plant that can grow up to 20m in length. It has dark green leaves and small, white flowers.
-Persian ivy (Hedera colchica) is deciduous climbing plant that is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. It has large, dark green leaves and small, white flowers.
Watering and Growing your ivies

Now that you know a little bit more about ivy, it’s time to learn how to care for it. Ivy is a very resilient plant, but it does require some basic care in order to thrive. Here are some tips on how to water and grow your ivy:
How often to water ivies?
Ivy should be watered about once a week, or when the soil is dry to the touch. If you live in a hot climate, you may need to water your ivy more often. As much as possible, you should try to water your ivy in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall.
How to water ivies?
When watering your ivy, be sure to use lukewarm water. Cold water can shock the plant and cause the leaves to turn brown. Ivy prefers to be watered from the roots, so you should water the soil around the base of the plant. If you’re using a watering can, be sure to have a gentle spray so that you don’t damage the leaves.
How much water to give ivies?
Ivy doesn’t require a lot of water, so you should be careful not to overwater it. Avoid getting the leaves wet when you water, as this can cause them to rot. When in doubt, it’s better to err on the side of too little water rather than too much.
What kind of soil do ivies need?
Ivy prefers well-drained, sandy soil. If your soil is too heavy or clay-like, you can add some sand to it in order to improve drainage. Ivy is also tolerant of a wide range of pH levels, so you don’t need to worry about that too much.
What kind of fertilizer do ivies need?
Ivy doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give it a light feeding every few weeks during the growing season. A general-purpose fertilizer will do the trick. Avoid using a fertilizer with too much nitrogen, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow.
How much sunlight do ivies need?
In terms of putting them under the sun, ivies like bright, indirect sunlight. too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and cause them to turn brown. If you live in a hot climate, you may need to provide some shade for your ivy during the hottest hours of the day.
What is the best temperature for growing ivy?
Ivy is a very versatile plant and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. However, it prefers to grow in cool to moderate temperatures. If the temperature gets too hot, the leaves may start to wilt. In very cold weather, the leaves may turn brown and drop off.
Pruning and Propagating your ivies

Pruning is an integral part of caring for ivy. Not only does it help to keep the plant under control, but it also encourages new growth. Here are some things we recommend you doing for your precious ivies:
How to propagate ivies?
There are two main ways to propagate ivies: by seed or by cuttings.
If you want to grow your ivy from seed, you’ll need to plant the seeds in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks. Once they’ve sprouted, you can transplant them into individual pots.
If you want to propagate your ivy by cuttings, you’ll need to take a cutting from a healthy plant. Cut a 4-inch (10 cm) piece of stem from the plant, making sure to include a leaf node. Place the cutting in a pot of well-draining soil, and keep the soil moist but not wet. The cutting should root within two to three weeks. Once it has rooted, you can transplant it into an individual pot.
How to repot ivies?
You’ll need to repot your ivy every two to three years, or when the roots start to become pot-bound. When repotting, be sure to use a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot. Ivy doesn’t like to be disturbed, so you should only repot it when necessary.
The best pot for ivies?
The best pot for ivies is a clay or ceramic pot with drainage holes in the bottom. Avoid using a plastic pot, as this can cause the roots to rot. Typically, a 4-inch (10 cm) pot is large enough for a single ivy plant.
How to prune ivies?
It’s best advised that you prune your ivy every six to eight weeks during the growing season. This will help to encourage new growth and keep the plant under control. To prune, simply cut back the stems to the desired length using a sharp pair of scissors.
Where to cut ivies?
When pruning ivy, you should always cut just above a leaf node. This is where new growth will emerge, so it’s the best place to make a cut.
Problems with your ivies

Problems are bound to occur in every situation. But don’t fret! Here are some solutions to common problems that you might encounter while growing ivies:
Why are my ivies dying?
One of the most common reasons why ivies die is because they’re not getting enough water. Ivy plants need to be kept moist at all times, so make sure you’re watering them regularly. Another common reason for ivy death is because the plant is pot-bound. When the roots of a plant become too crowded in a pot, they begin to suffocate, which can lead to death. If you think your ivies are dying, try repotting them in a larger pot.
Why are my ivies turning brown?
Your ivies are turning brown? There are a few reasons why this may be happening. One possibility is that the plant is not getting enough water. Make sure you’re watering your ivies regularly, and try to keep the soil moist but not wet. Another possibility is that the plant is experiencing too much direct sunlight.
Why are my ivies turning yellow?
There are two main reasons why ivies turn yellow: either they’re getting too much sun, or they’re not getting enough nitrogen. If you think your ivies are turning yellow because of too much sun, try moving them to a shadier spot. If you think they’re not getting enough nitrogen, try fertilizing them with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Why are my ivies wilting?
Plant wilting can be caused by a number of different factors, including lack of water, too much sun, or root rot. If you think your ivies are wilting because they’re not getting enough water, try watering them more frequently.
How to revive my ivies?
If your ivies are looking a little worse for the wear, there are a few things you can do to revive them. One option is to mist them with water. This will help to replenish their moisture levels and give them a boost of hydration. Another option is to fertilize them with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This will help to encourage new growth and revive the plant.
In most cases, ivies are relatively easy to care for and don’t require a lot of maintenance. However, problems can still arise from time to time. By familiarizing yourself with the most common problems associated with ivies, you can take corrective action when necessary and keep your plants in tip-top shape.
As with any plant, it’s a rewarding feeling to see your ivies grow and thrive. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that your plants stay healthy and look their best. If you’re reading this, chances are you have more plants to take care of. We have articles on a variety of topics, so be sure to check out our other gardening guides!