Hedera Helix, Hedera Canariensis – Ivy
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Looking for a classic climbing plant? Ivy (Hedera helix and Hedera canariensis) is hardy, versatile, and perfect for adding year-round greenery indoors or outdoors.
TL;DR
Ivy (Hedera helix and Hedera canariensis) is a hardy evergreen climber, prized for its glossy green or variegated foliage. H. helix is vigorous and adaptable, growing up to 30m (100ft), while H. canariensis produces larger leaves but is less hardy. Both varieties grow well in bright but sun-free spots, with soil kept moist during the growing season and only lightly watered in winter. Ivy thrives in soil-less compost and benefits from weak fertilizer every two to three weeks in summer. It tolerates fluctuating temperatures and drafts, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor displays. Weekly misting in hot weather helps prevent stress, though care should be taken not to overwater, especially in winter. Propagation is easy from cuttings taken in summer or by layering at any time. For climbing plants, juvenile shoots with aerial roots should be used, while adult growth tends to form tree-like shapes. Though usually pest-free, ivy can occasionally suffer from aphids, scale insects, or red spider mites. Browning leaves often signal too much sun, while leaf drop indicates excess watering. With minimal care, ivy provides year-round greenery and makes an excellent companion plant in mixed displays or as a striking climber on walls and fences.
There is a wide variety of ornamental ivies such as Hedera helix and Hedera Canariensis. They are attractive climbing plants with variegated or glossy green leaves. Most are quite hardy and easy to care for, but a few need specialized care. Follow the instructions given on the plant label.
Ivies combine excellently with other foliage plants and are very tolerant of variable light and temperature conditions. H. Canariensis will achieve magnificent proportions if re-potted when necessary.
Temperatures
Growing season 16-21 °C (61-70 °F)
Minimum winter frost-free
Soil
A soil-less compost.
Where to position
In a light sun-free position. H. helix tolerates some draughts and temperature changes, but the variety H. Canariensis is more delicate.
Watering requirements
Tepid water. Keep soil moist and springy – only just moist in winter. Spray weekly in hot weather.
General care
Feed at two or three week intervals with weak fertilizer. Avoid over-feeding or the plant may become too lush. Ivy hangs, trails and climbs well and is at its best in the company of contrasting foliage plants.
Rest
No marked rest period; no special routine. Guard against over-watering, especially in cold weather.
Pests and diseases
Generally disease-free, but scale insects sometimes produce sticky brown patches on the leaves. Spray with diazinon or malathion when the small insects are seen crawling over the plants.
Dry browned leaves
Can be sunscorch. Move it to a less sunny spot. It could also be under-watering. Check soil condition; keep it moist.
Leaves flag and tend to fall
Almost certainly over-watering. Allow plant to dry out and then water to keep a moist soil condition.
Aphids and scale insects : check.
Hedera (ivy) is a vigorous, evergreen climber which clings to walls by means of aerial roots, with little pads on the ends. These do not harm the wall, but the weight of vegetation in old ivy can pull down supports. Old ivy plants which have reached the top of their supports cease to produce the aerial roots, but change to an adult form of the plant with flowers and fruits. H. helix is the common English ivy, with plain dark green leaves. Hardy and vigorous, it can grow as high as 30 m (100 ft), although at this sort of length it is usually growing horizontally – along roofs or wall tops, for example. Other species are H. colchica (Persian ivy), growing to about 7.5m (25 ft), and H. canariensis (Canary Island ivy), which is not as hardy as the others.
Cultivars of all these species are available, with variegated leaves, including mixtures of yellow, cream, silver and white. They are known by various different names, some confusing to the non-expert, and the safest and easiest way of getting the variations you want, since the plants are evergreen, is by looking before you buy. General care: Ivies are very tolerant of soil and site conditions, but a sunny wall encourages them to produce the best color variations in their leaves. Plant out in the spring. They need some encouragement to start them up a wall – spraying the wall with liquid manure works best. Propagation: From cuttings, taken in summer and put into pots with a 50-50 peat and sharp sand mixture, or by layering at any time. But if you want climbing plants, take your material from the juvenile shoots with aerial roots. If you propagate from the adult growth, the plants will become ivy trees.
Hedera (ivy) is a vigorous, evergreen climber that clings to walls with aerial roots, producing lush foliage and, in maturity, flowers and fruits.
More Information on Hedera Helix, Hedera Canariensis – Ivy
Ivy (Hedera helix and Hedera canariensis) is one of the most popular evergreen climbing plants, admired for its glossy green or variegated leaves and ability to adapt to many growing conditions. Hardy and low-maintenance, ivies can trail beautifully from containers, climb walls with aerial roots, or be paired with contrasting foliage plants for striking displays. While H. helix (English ivy) is hardy and vigorous—reaching up to 30m (100ft)—H. canariensis (Canary Island ivy) is more delicate and better suited to milder conditions. Both species thrive in bright, indirect light, with soil kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Tepid water is best, and during the growing season, a weak fertilizer every few weeks encourages healthy growth without making the plant too lush. Ivy is generally disease-free, though scale insects and aphids can occasionally be a problem. Browning leaves may indicate sun scorch or under-watering, while leaf drop usually signals over-watering. Keeping the balance right ensures healthy, trailing vines all year round. Propagation is straightforward, either from summer cuttings rooted in a peat-and-sand mixture or by layering stems. For climbing forms, juvenile shoots with aerial roots should be used, as propagating from adult growth can result in tree-like plants rather than climbers. With its wide variety of cultivars, including forms with yellow, cream, or silver variegation, ivy offers endless possibilities for adding texture and color to gardens and interiors. Whether growing up a sunny wall, spilling from a basket, or brightening a windowsill, ivy remains one of the most adaptable and decorative plants.
About the author
Rupert Foxton-Smythe is a seasoned horticulturist and avid plant enthusiast with over three decades of experience in the field of botany. As a leading expert at Houseplant Guru, Rupert brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for all things green.
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