Common
name: "California Ivy" or "English
Ivy"
Latin name: Hedera helix 'California'
Native
to: Man made
Growth habit: A low growing trailing or climbing
plants usually not over 12" in height. Vines can reach 6 feet
or more.
Flowers: No
Temps: Normal indoor temps
Humidity: Not critical. Pests: Watch for spider
mites.
Lighting:
Pictured
Houseplant:
6" California Ivy
Houseplant
Cultural
information: There are over a hundred varieties of
Hedera ivy to choose from. Most are well suited to life indoors.
There are a few varieties of Hedera that are actually winter hardy
here in Colorado. You can find them in the perennial section of
this site.
For optimum growth place your English ivy in bright filtered
light. Hot direct sun will burn the foliage. If you plant is
new... check for watering twice per week, letting the soil to dry
to the touch on the surface. Allowing your plant to dry to just
before the wilting point can be beneficial. English ivy grows
rapidly year round... so feed your plant monthly. If your plant
becomes to long or leggy, just cut it back to the desired size.
The cuttings are easily rooted in a container of water or
vermiculite. English ivy is readily available in several container
sizes. You can find ivies trained as topiaries, animals and
wreaths.
