English Ivy
Hedera helix
AKA: Common Ivy, European Ivy
easy_to_medium
medium water
medium, bright_indirect
Pet caution
English ivy is a fast-growing trailing or climbing plant with classic lobed leaves. Indoors, it prefers bright indirect light, cooler temperatures, and evenly moist soil.
Care snapshot
☀️ Light
Medium, Bright Indirect
💧 Water
Medium
💨 Humidity
Medium
📈 Growth
Fast
English Ivy Care at a Glance
English ivy is a classic trailing plant well suited to shelves, hanging baskets, or trained on supports indoors.
Best For
- Cool rooms
- Shelves and hanging baskets
- Trailing or climbing displays
- Classic interiors
Not Great For
- Hot, dry rooms
- Homes with pets
- Infrequent watering habits
Light Requirements
Bright indirect light keeps growth dense and healthy. Too little light leads to leggy vines.
How to Water English Ivy
Water regularly to keep soil lightly moist. Ivy reacts quickly to drought by dropping leaves.
Watering Tips
- Never allow soil to dry out completely.
- Empty saucers after watering.
- Reduce watering slightly in winter.
Humidity & Temperature
English ivy prefers cooler temperatures and moderate humidity. Heat and dry air increase pest problems.
Pruning & Training
Prune frequently to control growth and maintain a bushy appearance. Can be trained to climb trellises or trail freely.
How to Propagate English Ivy
- Cut a healthy vine with at least one node.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place cutting in water or moist soil.
- Roots typically form within 2–3 weeks.
English Ivy Problems (Fast Fix Guide)
Leaf drop
Cause: Dry soil or heat stress
Fix: Increase watering consistency and lower temperature
Yellow leaves
Cause: Overwatering
Fix: Improve drainage and reduce watering
Spider mites
Cause: Dry air
Fix: Increase humidity and rinse leaves
Pet Safety Warning
- English ivy is toxic to cats and dogs.
- Sap may irritate skin—wear gloves when pruning.
When the top inch of soil is dry. It prefers evenly moist soil.
Yes, especially in cooler, well-lit indoor spaces.
Usually from dry soil, heat stress, or low humidity.
No. It is toxic if ingested.
Pet warning
Toxic if ingested. Can cause vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, and skin irritation.
Video tips
Extra reading
FAQ
When the top inch of soil is dry. It prefers evenly moist soil.
Yes, especially in cooler, well-lit indoor spaces.
Usually from dry soil, heat stress, or low humidity.
No. It is toxic if ingested.
