Indoor ivy: home care, why it dries, types and signs

Ivy, or Hedera, is a climbing vine of the Araliaceae family. It is native to the subtropics of Europe, Asia, America, and Africa. This evergreen perennial has been popular since ancient times and remains so to this day.

The ancient Greeks celebrated poets with ivy wreaths. The ancient Romans used it in magical rituals, placing hedera on women's breasts. The medicinal properties of this plant have also been known since ancient times and are still used today.

This vine is a favorite in many homes, as it's incredibly easy to care for indoors. It's completely undemanding, and with basic care recommendations, any gardener can grow it. However, hedera does have a downside: keep children and animals away from it, as all its parts are toxic.

Characteristics of varieties and types of domestic ivy with descriptions

The root system is developed and superficial. The stems are creeping and prone to branching. They bear brushes of aerial roots, which help the ivy attach to its support. In mature plants, the stems become woody and can reach up to 15-20 m in length.

The leaves are simple, alternate, and lobed. The texture is leathery. The surface of the blades is smooth and glossy. Most species are dark green with light veins. A small number of variegated species exist.

Small yellow-green flowers are collected in clusters. It's virtually impossible to get ivy to bloom indoors. But if the plant does bloom, experts recommend removing the clusters. Not only are ivy flowers and berries poisonous, they also emit a very distinctive odor.

Today, over 100 species of this plant are known. The most common types of indoor ivy are not numerous, but each has ornamental value.

Common ivy, pictured here, is the most popular species for indoor gardening. The following varieties are particularly interesting:

1. Hummingbird is a miniature flower with white and green leaves.
2. Eva and Mona Lisa are distinguished by their almost yellow leaves.
3. Jubilee is an ivy with spotted leaves.
4. Ivalace is distinguished by its corrugated sheets.
5. Harald has almost round leaves.

The Colchis species is represented by the following hybrids:

1. Dentata Variegata is characterized by oval leaves with pale yellow edges.
2. Sulphur Hard is distinguished by its reflexed light green leaves with yellow-green veins.
3. The tree-like plant has drooping shoots with oval leaves.

Representatives of the Colchis species are distinguished by larger leaf blades, which emit a pleasant muscat aroma.

The following hybrids belong to the Canary species:

1. Glory de Marengo is distinguished by its reddish stems.
2. Striata has light yellowish spots in the middle of the leaf blades.
3. Golden leaf is a two-colored ivy that takes on a golden hue in the sun.
4. Brigitte is characterized by small, star-shaped leaves.

The Canary variety lacks aerial roots and therefore requires good support.

Pastukhov's ivy is rare. This species can have leaves of varying shapes on a single plant. The color of the leaves is also variable: the top is brighter, the bottom is duller. This species is listed in the Red Data Book of Russia.

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Rules for caring for indoor ivy at home

Hedera is not a fussy plant. With timely care, you can enjoy the beauty of this ornamental vine for many years to come.

Location and lighting

The plant doesn't like being moved, so it's best to find a permanent location for it. Ideally, it should be placed against a wall. This location gives the young shoots plenty of room to branch out.

If the flower is grown as a trailing plant, it can be raised onto high racks and shelves. Trailing flowers can also be grown in hanging baskets. To weave hederas, it's necessary to provide support. Netting, ladders, and other similar items can be used for this purpose.

Lighting for a flower is selected based on its species. Green varieties thrive in partial shade. They should be placed away from the window. Even placing them in the middle of the room is acceptable.

Variegated species require bright, filtered light. They are placed on north-facing windowsills, as well as near west- and east-facing windows. South-facing windows are not suitable for growing ivy, as they can become sunburned.

Watering and fertilizing

During the warmer months, water the plant sparingly but frequently. The top layer of soil should always be slightly moist. Avoid overwatering. Ivy roots are located on the surface, increasing the risk of rot. In winter, reduce watering. During the plant's dormant period, allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly.

For watering, use soft water at room temperature. In summer, the plant requires misting. Some gardeners recommend placing the hedera under a warm shower. The rest of the year, wiping the leaves with a damp sponge is acceptable.

Fertilizer is applied every two weeks during the plant's active growth period—from March to August. In September, stimulation is stopped as the ivy prepares for winter dormancy. Mineral complexes for ornamental foliage plants are well suited for this plant. To enhance the green foliage's rich color, use fertilizers high in nitrogen.

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Selecting soil

The flower isn't particularly picky about soil, but it thrives best in slightly acidic soil. To prepare it, mix equal parts of the following ingredients:

• turf soil;
• sand;
• peat.

Sod can be replaced with leaf mold or humus. Some gardeners recommend growing ivy in a universal potting mix, which is available at any flower shop.

Choosing the right flowerpot is crucial. Plant roots tend to grow rapidly, spreading laterally. Therefore, the pot should be shallow but have a wide mouth.

How to propagate and transplant a flower at home

Flower reproduction occurs in four ways:

• seeds;
• cuttings;
• shoots;
• layering.

Seed propagation is difficult to achieve indoors. Hedera seeds have a poor germination rate. Furthermore, this method of propagation results in the loss of the plant's varietal characteristics.

To form a cutting, cut off the apical shoot. It's best if it already has aerial roots. The cutting can be rooted in nutritious soil or water. Once it takes root and produces new leaves, it is replanted like an adult plant.

Propagation by shoots allows you to obtain several new plants from a single stem. To do this, cut off any shoot with leaves. Make a small cut along the shoot. Place the cut end of the shoot in fertile soil.

After some time, roots will appear along the entire stem. The stem is divided into several sections. The attachment point of each leaf acts as a potential growth point.

Propagation by layering is very similar to the previous method. The difference is that the shoot is not cut or incised. A portion of the stem is secured to the soil with staples. The tip of the shoot is left exposed to the air. After rooting, the stem is cut from the mother plant and divided into several sections, using each leaf as a growing point.

Potential difficulties when growing a houseplant

Growing ivy may present some challenges. These include leaf wilting, dropping, or discoloration, as well as infestation by harmful insects.

Why do leaves or the entire plant dry out?

If the plant's leaves begin to dry out, this should be taken as a sign for help. To prevent the ivy from dying completely, the owner should reconsider her care.

The first and most common cause of leaf wilting is lack of moisture. The roots of the ivy are located almost on the surface, so it is very sensitive to the drying out of the top layer of soil.

Dry air also contributes to the drying out of the leaves. A lack of moisture in the air can also cause the plant to shed its leaves.

Another reason for leaf fall could be a lack of light. Although the flower is classified as a shade-loving plant, it still requires a certain amount of light.

Ivy can lose leaves naturally due to old age. As a mature plant ages, leaves fall off at the base of the stem. This problem can be solved by rejuvenating pruning.

Leaves become smaller or change color

Small, widely spaced leaves indicate inadequate lighting. If such a plant is moved to a sunnier location, it will produce larger leaves, with the space between them noticeably reduced.

The plant's leaves may turn yellow. This is most often caused by two things: overwatering and too much fertilizer. Once watering and fertilizing are properly managed, the ivy will stop turning yellow.

Variegated varieties of hedera may lose their vibrant color. This dullness is caused by poor lighting. Unlike dark green varieties, variegated ivies require more light. If kept in partial shade, they will lose their decorative coloring, turning into ordinary green ivy.

An inappropriate pot can also cause the loss of its decorative pattern. Hedera's roots tend to grow too large, so the plant feels uncomfortable in cramped conditions.

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How to recognize pests

The flower often falls victim to aphids, scale insects, and spider mites. These pests can be identified by the following signs:

1. Aphids are a dangerous pest that feed on plant sap. They typically attack in large groups. An aphid infestation can be identified by yellowing and wilting leaves, as well as by carefully examining the flower: small, transparent bugs can be seen on the stems and petioles.
2. Scale insects. Signs of infestation include slow growth and leaf drop. Small waxy spots, the insects' waste products, can be seen on the underside of the leaf.

   

3. Spider mites are the most dangerous pest, capable of destroying ivy plants in two weeks. They are virtually impossible to spot without magnifying glass. However, the fine webbing they leave behind on petioles, stems, and the undersides of leaves is easily visible to the naked eye.

Is it possible to keep ivy at home and what do the signs say?

There are many beliefs and superstitions associated with growing ivy indoors. It's worth noting that these beliefs are quite contradictory.

Signs about the positive influence of the plant on household members:

1. If ivy grows in the home, relationships between family members will be wonderful. The flower absorbs all negativity, leaving only positive energy.
2. The plant has a calming and relaxing effect.
3. Ivy in the office promotes career advancement.
4. An unmarried girl who brings this plant into her home increases her chances of a successful marriage.

   

5. A flower cared for by a man will protect him from future mistakes and troubles. It will also preserve the health and youth of its owner.
6. Ivy transforms timid people into decisive ones. It can greatly enhance self-confidence.
7. The plant will prevent mischief in its home. If a guest has bad intentions, it will help expose them.

Folk omens and beliefs that advise against keeping ivy at home:

1. Ivy feeds on a person’s positive energy, weakening his biofield.
2. The flower steals happiness from its unmarried owner by not allowing men to approach her.
3. The plant will drive a man out of the house, even if he is legally married to its owner.
4. A vine that falls off on its own promises major financial troubles.
5. A plant in the bedroom leads to loss of vitality.
6. The flower has a depressing effect on its owners.
7. Ivy is capable of taking revenge for mistreatment.

The plant is also associated with mysticism and magic. It has long been used in magic. For example, ivy was used to determine one's future husband and destiny. And in Ancient Rome, it was used as a magical remedy for rejuvenation and attractiveness.

Frequently asked questions about growing flowers

Ivy is an evergreen vine prized for its ability to grow quickly and climb supports. It's easy to care for, and it makes a true addition to any home or office. Despite folk wisdom's mixed feelings about this plant, it thrives in many homes, much to the delight of its owners.