English Ivy

Classic trailing vine for cool, bright rooms. Invasive outdoors in many US states and parts of Australia — keep it in a pot.

Hedera helix

Variegated English ivy leaves

Variegated English ivy leaves. Photo: Photo by and (c)2006 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man ). Location credit to the Chanticleer Garden., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Light

English Ivy tolerates: medium / indirect, bright indirect or some sun. Put it within a few feet of a window; a dark corner will make it weak and leggy.

Watering

Water when the top inch is dry. Likes cool rooms.

Is english ivy safe for cats and dogs?

Toxic to cats and dogs (saponins): vomiting, diarrhea, drooling. Keep it on a high shelf or in a room pets can’t reach — or pick a pet-safe plant instead. Source: ASPCA toxic and non-toxic plant list.

Size and humidity

Typical size indoors: Trailing vines. Humidity: normal household humidity is fine; avoid heater vents.

Top tips

  • Spider mites love it in warm dry rooms.
  • Never plant it outside near trees.
  • Prefers cooler temps than most houseplants.

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