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Care and Cultivation of Ivy

Hedera

January 13,1999 Because of the number of requests I receive for information regarding ivy (Hedera), I will try to include as much information about this plant as possible on this page. Other ivy information can also be found on the following pages:

Ivy is one of the most commonly grown ground covers in the world. It is also widely used as a climber to cover walls, fences and trellises. As a ground cover it is invaluable because of it's ability to help discourage soil erosion. As the ivy vine grows, it sets roots into the soil very deeply and densely, and will create a network of roots which knit the soil, thus helping to prevent erosion and slippage on slopes. Ivy will climb almost any vertical surface, clinging by means of aerial roots. Once established they will rapidly cover any wall or fence with lush green foliage. Several types of ivy are also suitable for growing as a house plant, and may be used as a hanging plant, topiaries, or espaliered on a small trellis. Most people, when they think of ivy, picture the traditional English ivy (Hedera helix), however the number of varieties is enormous. They range from the 6 inch leafed Algerian ivy (Hedera canariensis) to the tiny foliage of the hybrid 'Itsy Bitsy' or heart leaf ivy (Hedera helix 'scutifolia'). The leaves may me crinkled as with the variety 'Curlilocks', or variegated such as 'California gold' (yellow, gold, and green) or Hedera helix 'discolor' (green and creamy white).

Ivy in the garden

Plant ivy in partial to full shade in well-drained garden loam enriched with peat moss, compost or leaf mold. Ivy in full sun tends to winter-burn, so it is particularly important to have them planted in the shade in Zones 4-7 where winters very are cold. Set the plants out in spring, placing English ivy 12 inches apart and Algerian ivy 18 inches apart. It is important to be sure that the plant and the soil are well watered prior to setting them. If the plant is to grow up a wall, put them as close as possible to the base of the wall. New plants should be pruned to 6' and then not fertilized for the first 3-4 months. Once established, feed them every other month with an all purpose (10-10-10) fertilizer during their growing season. Regular pruning 2-3 times a year will promote fuller growth, but the plants can be trimmed at any time there are bare spots. Ivy may be propagated by cuttings, which are only partially successful, or by layering (pin a section of the stem to the ground, where it will root, then once rooted you may sever the new start from the parent plant).

Ivy as a houseplant

Ivy grown as a house plant does best where they get four or more hours a day of direct sunlight, but will grow fairly well in bright indirect light. Keep the soil evenly moist and feed with an all purpose (10-10-10) fertilizer, half strength, once a month. Ivy prefers to be kept on the slightly cool side, night temperatures of 50° to 55° and day temperatures of 68° to 72° are ideal. Overcrowded plants may be repotted during any season. For best results they should be potted using a mixture of 1 part sterile potting soil, 1 part peat moss or leaf mold and 1 part sharp sand. To induce bushiness, pinch off stem tips. el. Repot crowded plants at any time.

Ivy diseases

These diseases can easily be controlled by following sound gardening practices and with prudent and careful pesticide applications. Bacterial leaf spot and stem canker begins as light green spots which later turn brown or black. The leaf stalks become black and shriveled. Avoid high temperatures, high humidity, and wetting the foliage. Several different fungi can attack and cause leaf spots. Infected leaves can be easily picked off and destroyed.

Ivy pests

Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, scale and white flies....

Spider mites are very small and are very hard to see without a magnifying glass, but heavy infestations can cover the leaves with very fine webbing quickly. The plants gradually lose their green color and appear dusty or speckled. Submerging the plant in a solution of mild soapy water is often succesful in combatinng mites. You can also use insecticidal soaps or use a house plant insect spray according to label directions. Mealybugs look like white puffs of cotton. They suck plant juices and heavy infestations will coat the leaves with sticky honeydew. Mealys can be tough to erradicate. They have a waxy covering which tends to repel liquids. I would suggest (and prefer for safety's sake) that you dab each individual insect with a Q-tip dipped in alcohol. Systemic insecticides and some house plant insecticides are sometimes effective, but be certain that it is appropriate to use them on ivies. Always read the entire label of any pesticide or other chemical, and only use when it is absolutely necessary. You must be vigilante in rechecking your plants every 2 weeks or so to be sure that you have eliminated every trace of these bugs or you will quickly be facing the problem all over again. Aphids are small flea size insects which suck plant juices. They are usually found at the leaf axis or stem tips. A serious infestation will coat the leaves with sticky honeydew, which may then develop a black, sooty mold. The insects can be green, white, pink or black, and are often accompanied by ants who farm them. They are easily controlled with diligent use of rose dust or other suitable commercial remedies. Scale are usually light brown or tan. They have hard shells and attach themselves to the stems or undersides of the leaves. Sprays are usually not effective since the shell protects the insects. Heavily infested plants should be discarded immediately.

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