sam@ahuta.UUCP (sam) (03/13/85)
GROWING ENGLISH IVY INDOORS
There are over 300 varieties of Hedera Helix, commonly
called English ivy. They are of many sizes, colors and
foliage shapes. Some have long trailing stems; others are
small shrub-like plants. Most have solid green leaves,
though many are variegated. Foliage types include those
with leaves shaped like a bird's foot, fan, or heart; some
have curly leaves. The uses of English ivy are almost
limitless. They make excellent hanging basket or pot
plants, depending on variety. May are ideal for topiary
designs or may be trained up a wire support.
All varieties of English ivy have similar requirements.
This culture sheet explains how easily the can be grown and
maintained.
Light
English Ivy tolerates relatively low light levels but will
not grow well in a dark corner far away from a light source.
This plant is ideal for a north-facing window sill or
wherever it will receive fairly bright indirect light.
Water
English ivy should be watered when the top layer of soil
begins to feel dry to the touch. Always water thoroughly,
until water runs out the drainage holes in the bottom of the
container. Then, discard the excess water which has
accumulated in the drip plate beneath the pot. The soil
should be kept evenly and consistently moist, never soggy.
Every 2 or 3 weeks wash the leaves in a sink or shower.
Keeping foliage clean helps plants function better and may
discourage spider mites which are frequently a problem on
ivy.
Humidity
Ivy thrives in a humid environment. Small containers of ivy
can be set on a watertight tray filled with pebbles. Pour
water over the pebbles until the water rises to the bottom
of the top layer of pebbles. Water will evaporate from the
tray and humidify the air around the plant. All ivies,
especially those which cannot be set on a pebble tray,
should be sprayed with water (misted) daily to increase
humidity. Keeping humidity high will help prevent leaf
edges from turning brown and discourage spider mite
infestation.
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Temperature
Ivy is an ideal plant for a cool room since night
temperatures of 45 to 55 degrees F. and day temperatures
less than 70 degrees are recommended. However, this plant
will tolerate and grow in warmer temperatures.
Soil
Ivy grows best in a rich well drained soil. Appropriate
mixes include 2 parts packaged potting soil and 1 part perly
OR 2 parts rich productive garden soil and 1 part perlite.
Perlite is a type of volcanic ash added to improve drainage.
It is available in plant and garden shops. Packaged potting
soils are sterilized and ready to use. Garden soils must be
sterilized before using because they contain small insects,
insect eggs, and weed seed. Sterilize by spreading the soil
out evenly on a cookie sheet or other shallow pan, sprinkle
the soil with water to make it evenly moist, place the pan
in a preheated oven for 30 minutes, allow the soil to cool,
then mix in the perlite.
Fertilizer
Ivy should be fertilized as suggested below with a water
soluble chemical fertilizer. A product analysis of
10:10:10, 15:15:15 or 20:20:20 is ideal
Summer - Fertilize every 2 weeks at the full strength
recommended on the fertilizer label.
Autumn - Fertilize once a month at the recommended
strength, except for ivies growing in wire
hanging baskets which should continue to be
fertilized every 2 weeks.
Winter - Fertilize once a month, if plants are
actively growing.
Spring - Same as autumn.
Variegated ivies should be fertilized half as often as
directed above since large quantities of fertilizer may
cause them to lose variegation.
Pests and Diseases
Red spider mites are frequently found on English ivy. To
check for infestation, shake the plant over a sheet of white
paper. The tiny red or black mites, 1/16 inch long, will be
clearly seen scampering for safety. These pests feed on
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leaf undersides and cause tiny yellow specks to appear on
the upper sides of leaves. When infestation is severe, webs
will be visible around leaf stalks and on lower leaf
surfaces. Following the cultural practices discussed above
will help discourage infestation. However, it is essential
to stay on the look out for mites so that infestation can be
spotted and controlled early, while populations are still
small. Fortunately, spider mites are easily dislodged by
force fully spraying plants, especially the undersides of
leaves and along the stems, with plain tap water. The spray
should be strong enough to dislodge mites without damaging
the plant itself.
Fungus leaf spots may also be a problem. Yellow or brown
spots, approximately 1/4 inch in diameter, may appear on
either leaf surface. Infected plant parts should be removed
and destroyed. Plants should then be treated with a
fungicide.
Both miticides and fungicides are available in plant and
garden shops. When using these chemicals be sure to follow
the directions on the label explicitly.
Propagation
Ivy is easily propagated by stem tip cuttings. Cut off the
tip of a stem just above the 4th or 5th node. (A node is
the area where a leaf stalk is attached to the stem.) Then,
remove the lowest 1 or 2 leaves. It is essential to keep
the humidity high around any cutting until it roots. This
is easily accomplished by placing the newly potted cutting
inside a plastic bag or clear plastic box. Ivy cuttings
usually root in 2 to 4 weeks.
Plant culture sheet 13a Written: 1/78
Prepared by U.S. Botanic Garden Staff Updated: 10/79
Doug Lewan
(...!ihnp4!)ahuta!sam
"And the bug-eyed monster?"
"It's green, yes."