Here are 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid when Growing English Ivy Indoors for a thriving climber with evergreen leaves!
Ivy (Hedera helix) is an evergreen trailer flourishing in low light and neglect. While aggressive in landscapes, it is perfect as a houseplant in cold climates, cascading from hanging baskets and high shelves. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when growing it indoors!
Mistakes To Avoid When Growing English Ivy Indoors
1. Overcrowding in Too Small Containers
Known for its extensive root system and invasive tendencies, this robust grower needs ample space to grow. Planting ivy in really small pots can crowd its roots, stunt growth, and weaken the plant over time.
This prevents nutrient and water absorption, leads to yellow leaves, and makes ivy more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Pick a 4-5 inches pot for a young plant, and repot to a slightly larger container every year or when the roots begin to circle the pot’s interior. If you don’t wish to upgrade the container, trimming roots and changing soil at the time of repotting is one more option.
2. Overcleaning Leaves
Yes, this festive climber has stunning green leaves that last year-round with versatile shapes and patterns! However, avoid cleaning and shining up its leaves with commercial polishers and chemical cleaning agents comprising oil, alcohol, or harsh ingredients.
This will damage the natural coating of the leaves, clog pores, disrupt photosynthesis, cause leaf burn, and expose the plant to fungal infections. If you love glossy foliage, wipe the leaves gently with a damp, soft cloth to remove dust occasionally. Sometimes you can use milk diluted with water to get the extra shine!
3. Using Tap Water Without Letting It Sit
Chlorine and fluoride in tap water may build up in the soil over time, which causes leaf burn, yellowing, and poor health. Let tap water sit for at least overnight, allowing the chemicals to disperse, and then use it to water your houseplants—or go with filtered water or RO water.
4. Watering on a Fixed Schedule
When growing ivy indoors, its water needs vary depending on light, temperature, and humidity. If you continue with a fixed watering schedule, it can lead to overwatering or underwatering. Too much causes root rot, while too little leads to wilting and leaf loss.
To ensure proper hydration, check the soil’s moisture level before watering. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure the pot drains excess water. Change the amount of water as per season, boosting it in summers and pulling it back in the cold.
5. Inconsistent Humidity Levels
This plant thrives in steady humidity, ideally around 40-50%. If you use a lot of air conditioning or central heating, your home tends to be dry, causing the leaves to brown and turn crispy. This stress also exposes the plant to common pests like spider mites.
Use a pebble tray with water or a humidifier to maintain adequate humidity. You can also go for misting to keep plants thriving. Avoid this mistake and your English ivy will flourish!
6. Not Pruning Regularly
Pruning keeps your English ivy tame and tidy, even making it bushier. Overgrown vines divert energy from producing healthy, dense foliage, making the plant more susceptible to pest infestations. Remember to use clean scissors to avoid contamination.
English ivy can harm walls by burrowing its aerial roots into crevices, which can cause structural damage and trap moisture. To address this issue, you should trim your ivy regularly to prevent overgrowth and inspect walls frequently for signs of damage.
7. Placing in a Sunlit Spot
Our final mistake to avoid when growing English ivy indoors comes down to sunshine! Ivy’s delicate leaves are sensitive to direct sunlight, and overexposure can cause leaf scorching, resulting in brown, crispy edges and a weak plant.
English ivy thrives best in indirect light or partial shade, where it can maintain its lush green foliage. Place it on a north-facing window or shaded corners that receive filtered light.
While this European and Scandinavian native is cherished for its glossy leaves, red winter berries, and prolific growth, it is invasive and toxic if given a chance to spread naturally, outdoors. So ensure you keep it in check and out of reach from curious children and pets.
