English Ivy: A Guide to Caring for your English Ivy

Originally from Europe, Hedera Helix, more commonly known as English Ivy, is a trailing, evergreen beauty that will make a stunning addition to your home décor. Whether it adds some hanging charm to a plant bundle or takes centre stage all by itself, caring for your English Ivy is easy and it is a fab choice for an indoor houseplant.

Is English Ivy a Good Houseplant?

Now, as we’re sure you can imagine, it’s difficult to find a houseplant that the TLB team wouldn’t describe as good. However, the English Ivy really does have a lot going for it! He is, of course, oh so handsome, but he’s so much more than just a pretty plant. First off, he makes a fab choice for the newbies and time-poor among us as he’s wonderfully low maintenance. Tolerant to low-light conditions, not too needy for water and happy in cooler temperatures too.

We often shout about the air-purifying powers of plants and English Ivy is a top scorer on this front. In a NASA (yes NASA!) study looking into the air purifying powers of indoor houseplants, English Ivy was found to reduce the amount of a number of toxins from the air, including benzene, formaldehyde and toluene.

With all this going for him, we can totally understand if you’re feeling inspired to include this green beauty in your indoor jungle. Keep reading to learn all about caring for English Ivy and when you welcome him into your home, you’ll know exactly how to keep him happy and healthy.

English Ivy Care Guide

How often should you water English Ivy?

Water your English ivy plant once the top 25% – 30% of the soil is dry. Always use the thumb test by pushing your thumb in the soil to check, this will help ensure your ivy gets the right amount of water. As with most houseplants, do not let your English Ivy stand in water as this can cause root rot.

Does English Ivy need plant food?

Your English Ivy will benefit from some plant food during the spring and summer to help stimulate new growth. No plant food will be needed during the winter when the plant will be in its dormant phase.

How much light does an English Ivy plant need?

Whilst your English Ivy will tolerate low light it needs bright indirect light to grow well, whereas direct light can scorch its leaves. New leaves can also appear small if they’re not getting enough light. 

Does English Ivy like humidity?

Yes, your English Ivy will thrive in humid conditions. Give him a spritz with a mister every other day and you’ll have yourself a happy little houseplant!

What temperature is best for English Ivy?

An English Ivy will suffer in direct sunlight, they prefer a slightly cooler environment. Don’t place your plant near a radiator or fire in winter. 

Shop English Ivy at The Little Botanical

As a fast-growing, easy-care houseplant with air-purifying qualities to boot, this trailing beauty is sure to style up your home décor. Our TLB English Ivy will come potted in your choice of almond or charcoal grey stoneware or our classic, textured, grey ceramic for an injection of style in an instant. Pop this gorgeous, green beauty on a shelf and watch those vines cascade beautifully down your wall. Or, for a fab space-saving solution, pop him into one of our handwoven macrame plant hangers and really maximise that tumbling, trailing potential.

Fun Facts

When grown outdoors, English Ivy can become invasive. Potting this trailing beauty as an indoor houseplant is a great way to keep it contained and still admire his distinctive beauty.

Sadly, the English Ivy is not safe for pets. It can be toxic to animals and people if ingested, so if you’re looking for a plant pet that won’t harm your furry friends, take a look at our range of pet-friendly plants.

The ancient Romans and Greeks regarded Ivy as sacred to Dionysus or Bacchus to the Romans, a nature god of fruitfulness and vegetation.

When grown outside, English Ivy can climb to 80 feet in height!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has my English Ivy gone crispy? 

 Often overwatering causes the leaves of your English Ivy to turn pale brown and crispy. If there is still some green leaves, trim off the browning leaves and reduce your watering. 

What are the benefits of English Ivy?

In addition to adding tonnes of green style to your interiors, English Ivy provides a whole host of benefits. In particular, as rated by NASA, he is an excellent air purifier, reducing airborne toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.

Is English Ivy poisonous to touch?

Some people experience an allergic reaction in the form of a skin irritation or rash after touching English Ivy. The symptoms should recede after a few days and it’s then a good idea to wear gloves when handling the plant.

Is English Ivy hard to grow?

The short answer is no! English Ivy is known to be a prolific grower and in the right conditions – not too much water or light – he will grow speedily and you’ll have a thriving, trailing beauty in no time.

Is English Ivy safe for pets?

Unfortunately not; English Ivy is toxic to cats and dogs so it is best to place it somewhere out of their reach. Or, to save any worry at all, choose from our pet friendly range instead.

So there ends our guide to caring for English Ivy, we hope you’ve found it useful and you’re now confident that you can keep your trailing beauty happy and healthy. If you still have questions, please do get in touch at [email protected], we’d be happy to help. Until next time plant people.