Want lush, green English ivy?
It’s easier than you think!
Check out these 7 simple tactics to help your ivy thrive. Perfect for any garden or home.
Ready to get growing?
Let’s go!
Pick the Right Spot
First things first, you’ll want to choose a good spot for your English Ivy. It loves indirect sunlight, so think about areas with filtered light.
If you’re planting outdoors, find a spot with some shade during the hottest parts of the day. Indoors, a bright room but not in direct sunlight is perfect.
Just avoid places that get too dark or super harsh light.
Prepare the Soil
English Ivy isn’t too picky, but it does best in well-draining soil. Before you plant, mix in some compost or organic matter to enrich the soil.
If you’re using a pot, make sure it has drainage holes to keep roots from sitting in water. You can even use a general-purpose potting mix – just make sure water doesn’t pool around the roots.
Watering Tips
Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet. Check the top inch of the soil and if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
During hot weather, you might need to water more often. In cooler months, let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so always make sure the pot has good drainage.
Feeding Your Ivy
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. You can start feeding your ivy in the spring and stop in late summer.
Just mix the fertilizer according to the package instructions and apply it when you water. This will give your ivy the nutrients it needs to thrive and grow lush.
Pruning and Trimming
Pruning helps keep your ivy looking neat and encourages new growth. Use clean scissors or garden shears to trim back any overgrown or straggly vines.
You can also pinch off the tips of the vines to promote bushier growth. Don’t worry too much – English Ivy is pretty forgiving if you accidentally cut too much.
Watch for Pests
Keep an eye out for pests like spider mites and aphids – they love English Ivy too! If you notice tiny insects or webbing, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or spray with a mild soapy water solution.
For a serious infestation, you might need to use an insecticidal soap. Regularly check and clean your ivy to keep it healthy and pest-free.
Training Your Ivy
English Ivy loves to climb and spread, so give it something to latch onto. Outdoors, it will happily climb walls or fences.
Indoors, you can use a trellis or even guide it along a shelf. Just make sure to gently attach the vines with plant ties or clips so they don’t get damaged.
Training your ivy makes for some really cool decorative effects!