English Ivy
Hedera helix
A trailing classic for shelves, ledges and greenwalls.
Plant care guideCare guide
- 1Bright direct light
- 2Bright indirect light
- 3Medium light
- 4Low light
Watering requirements
Water every 5–7 days, letting the soil dry to the right level between waterings.
Sunlight requirements
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light. Not suited to intense, direct sun.
Humidity requirements
Normal room humidity will do. Keep it away from direct AC airflow.
Pet-friendly plant?
Not verified. Keep it out of reach of pets and check with your vet if unsure.
Care level
Easy
Best setting
Indoor · Outdoor
About English Ivy
Fast-trailing vine that works well cascading from a high shelf or filling in a greenwall panel — tolerant of a range of light levels indoors or as ground cover outdoors.
A trailing classic that fills ledges and greenwalls; prefers cooler, brighter spots.
Where it works best
- Greenwalls & vertical gardens
- Shelving & ledges
How to care for English Ivy
Sunlight
Grows best in bright, indirect light. It tolerates medium light, but strong direct sun scorches the leaves.
Water
Keep the soil lightly moist and water when the top few centimetres dry out, roughly every 5–7 days.
Humidity & temperature
Thrives in warm conditions and tolerates heat well. It grows fastest through the warm months.
Soil & feeding
Plant in well-drained, fertile soil with a trellis, fence or pergola to climb. Feed every 6–8 weeks in the growing season.
Pruning
Prune after flowering to keep growth in check and encourage branching.
Propagation
Semi-ripe stem cuttings root in moist mix in the warm season. Layering a long stem into soil also works.
Common problems
- Symptom
Brown, crispy leaves
CauseDry air or underwatering.
- Symptom
Webbing and speckled leaves
CauseSpider mites — rinse and wipe the foliage.
- Symptom
Leggy, sparse growth
CauseNot enough light.
Frequently asked questions
How do I train it?
Guide the young stems onto a trellis, wire or fence and tie them loosely. Once established, the plant twines on its own.
When should I prune?
After a flush of flowering, trim back long stems to keep it tidy and encourage fresh growth.
Is it safe for pets and children?
Keep English Ivy out of reach of pets and small children. Many ornamental plants can irritate the mouth or stomach if chewed. If a pet or child eats part of the plant, contact a vet or doctor.
Care guidance is general advice for Indian indoor and outdoor conditions. For plants in a Bonita maintenance programme, our team looks after watering and feeding for you.
