English ivy

Hedera helix · Houseplant

An evergreen trailing vine grown indoors in hanging baskets or outdoors as ground cover. It prefers cool rooms and steady moisture; outdoors it can spread aggressively, so keep it contained.

💧WaterWhen top 1 in is dry (estimated)

☀️LightBright, indirect

🐾PetsToxic to pets

Care at a glance

Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates some shade
Water: When the top 1 in of soil is dry
Soil: Well-drained, all-purpose potting mix, pH 6.0–7.0
Temperature: Best 50–70 °F; dislikes hot, dry rooms
Pot size: 6–8 in pot for a young plant
Container: Pot with drainage holes; hanging basket works well
Growth: Vigorous trailing; 1–3 ft per year (estimated)
Lifespan: Perennial; long-lived

When?

Indoors it can be potted or repotted any time, best in spring. Outdoors, plant in spring or autumn (estimated).

Step by step

Choose a pot with drainage holes, just slightly larger than the root ball.
Use fresh, well-drained potting mix.
Place in bright, indirect light away from heaters.
Water when the top 1 in is dry; empty the saucer afterwards.
Mist or use a humidity tray in dry winter air to deter spider mites.
Feed monthly in spring and summer with a diluted houseplant fertiliser.
Pinch tips to keep it bushy; cuttings root easily in water.

Common problems

Fine webbing and speckled leavesSpider mites; rinse leaves and raise humidity.

Brown, crispy leaf edgesAir too dry or warm; move to a cooler spot.

Long, bare stemsNot enough light; move brighter and trim back.

Yellow, soft leavesOverwatering; let soil dry more between waterings.

Pets

Toxic to cats and dogs according to ASPCA; the leaves can irritate the mouth and stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.

Related tools

Soil and mulch calculator

Sources

ASPCA — Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants

This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.