HEDERA

Ivy

Araliaceae

 

Native to Europe and northern Africa... they are fairly easy to grow and come in many different shapes and colors... it has woody stems and three-lobed leaves ( some variations in leaves in the different varieties)

Moisture - allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings... it needs a rest period during the winter ... only water sparingly during the rest period... keep the humidity up if growing it in warm conditions

Light - bright light if possible... variegated forms look their best if they have some sunlight on a daily basis.... in low light it will take on a spindly form

Temperature - cool tems are best although it will tolerate some warmth... during the winter rest period... it will do best with temps around 50 degrees F.

Fertilize - use a dilute solution of a 10-10-10 fertilizer with each eatering during active growth... no fertilizer during the rest period

Pests - scales can be a problem... keep an eye out for spider mites in dry locations

Repotting - use a rich, moisture retentive soil... this plant rarely needs to be repotted

Propagation - stem and tip cuttings and also by layering

Tips - this plant tolerates pruning well... it will make a nice plant for use with topiaries... hanging baskets... to keep it looking full and bushy pinch off the tips... english ivy has aerial roots so it can grow on a trellis...

 

 

 

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