Ivy Plants

English Ivy has classic green, lobed leaves; Needlepoint gives a finer texture with smaller, pointed leaves. Mint Kolibri adds mint and cream patterning, while Marengo offers larger leaves with pale margins.

For a shelf, allow room for stems to trail and choose a position you can reach for watering and trimming. For a trained display, plan a suitable support and room around it. Compare the selected size and light needs rather than choosing an indoor spot from outdoor wall-covering examples.

Bright indirect light is a good choice, particularly for variegated ivy. Green varieties can tolerate lower light, but growth may be slower. If patterned new leaves become greener or stems grow thin and stretched, try a brighter position. Protect the foliage from intense sunlight through a hot window.

Feel the potting mix and water when the top few centimetres have dried, before the whole root ball becomes completely dry. Water thoroughly and empty the saucer or outer pot afterward. Small hanging pots can dry faster than larger pots, so check the soil rather than relying on a weekly or fortnightly schedule.

Yes. Guide the stems around a small trellis or hoop and secure them loosely as they grow, or let them hang over the pot edge. Trim overly long stems to encourage a fuller shape. Use a freestanding support instead of letting ivy attach to indoor walls. Keep it contained: English Ivy can spread outdoors in parts of Canada, and discarded cuttings can take root.

English Ivy and its Hedera helix varieties are toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, according to the ASPCA. Keep trailing stems out of reach, and do not assume another ivy is pet-safe because of its common name. If you need a plant for a space your pet can access, browse our pet-friendly plants and check the exact species.