Do you want to water your plant every day? Or are you trying to figure out what plant to put with your plant straw? If so, you need a houseplant that soaks up water like there’s no tomorrow!
English Ivy is well-known for its ability to absorb water quickly and frequently, making them hard to overwater.
These fast-growing plants are native to countries where rainfall is frequent and ground moisture levels are high. While they are considered weeds in some regions, they make beautiful beginner houseplants everywhere!.
Here is information on how to take care of English Ivy houseplants and how much water they need to stay alive if you want to buy one.
Ivy plants are treasured for their elegant trailing vines and lush green foliage that can transform any indoor space. But figuring out their watering needs can seem mystifying for new ivy owners. How often should these vines get a drink? Let’s demystify ivy plant watering to keep your vines happy and growing.
Getting to Know Ivy’s Origins
To understand an ivy plant’s water preferences, it helps to consider where they originate. There are over 400 different ivy species, but common houseplant varieties like English ivy, Algerian ivy, and Swedish ivy hail from cool, humid forest regions in Europe and Northern Africa.
In their native woodland homes, ivy creep along the forest floor and climb up tree trunks. Their roots grow in moist, nutrient-rich soil and decaying plant matter Many types of ivy thrive in shady spots and can tolerate cold temperatures
The Impact of Light and Temperature on Ivy Water Needs
An ivy plant’s light exposure and surrounding temperatures help determine how often it needs watering Here’s how these factors affect their thirst
-
More light = more frequent watering – Ivy situated in brighter light dries out faster. Water more often to compensate.
-
Less light = less frequent watering – Ivy in lower light use less water. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings.
-
Higher temps = more water – Warm spots evaporate soil moisture quicker. Increase watering frequency.
-
Lower temps = less water – Cooler conditions slow growth and water usage. Water less frequently.
Reading Your Ivy’s Thirst Signals
Rather than sticking to a rigid schedule, it’s best to pay attention to your ivy’s needs and let it tell you when it wants a drink. Here are some signs it’s thirsty for more water:
- Drooping, wilting leaves
- Leaves feeling dry or crispy
- Soil is dry 1-2 inches deep
Developing an Ivy Watering Schedule
How often you need to water depends on factors like your home’s conditions and the ivy variety. Here are some general ivy watering guidelines:
-
English ivy – Water when top 1″ of soil is dry. Water deeply 1-2 times per week.
-
Swedish ivy – Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Water once every 7-10 days.
-
Algerian ivy – Water when top inch of soil feels dry. Water 1-2 times per week.
The perfect schedule will keep their soil consistently moist but not soggy. To find your ivy’s sweet spot, monitor moisture levels and adjust as needed. Ivy will tolerate occasional drying out but prefer moist soil.
Watering Tips to Keep Ivy Happy
Follow these tips to nail ivy watering:
-
Type of potting mix – Use a well-draining mix to avoid soggy roots. Add perlite or bark to improve drainage.
-
Always check soil – Lift the pot to feel its weight and probe the soil before watering, don’t just water on a schedule.
-
Water thoroughly – When ivy needs water, drench the entire root zone until water drains from the pot’s bottom holes.
-
Allow soil to dry between waterings – Don’t keep soil constantly soggy. Let it partially dry out before the next watering.
-
Increase water in hot, dry conditions – Water more frequently if your ivy sits in full sun or dry indoor heat.
-
Water less in winter – Reduce watering amounts in winter when light and growth decrease.
Using Straws to Simplify Ivy Watering
Plant straws offer an easy way to maintain ideal moisture for ivy. Just fill the straw’s reservoir and place it in the pot. The straw’s cotton wick will draw up water as needed to keep soil consistently moist. This can extend time between waterings up to 2-3 weeks.
Straws allow busy indoor gardeners to worry less about watering schedules. No more poking soil or lifting heavy pots! Straws automate watering so you can enjoy your ivy’s growth and trailing vines.
Troubleshooting Over and Underwatering
With ivy, both too much and too little water can cause issues. Here’s how to identify and fix watering problems:
Underwatering
-
Signs: Drooping, yellowing leaves, dry crispy foliage
-
Solutions: Water more frequently. Use straws to maintain moisture. Move to shadier spot.
Overwatering
-
Signs: Dropping leaves, brown spots, rotting stems, moldy smell
-
Solutions: Water less often. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Replace soggy soil. Add drainage material.
Quench Ivy’s Thirst the Easy Way
Ivy plants need a steady supply of water to thrive, but take the guesswork out by paying attention to their needs. Allow soil to dry out some between waterings and drench thoroughly when thirsty. Adjust your schedule based on factors like light and temperature. Implementing watering tricks like straws takes the chore out of hydrating these lush trailing vines!
Item added to your cart
Do you want to water your plant every day? Or are you trying to figure out what plant to put with your plant straw? If so, you need a houseplant that soaks up water like there’s no tomorrow!
English Ivy is well-known for its ability to absorb water quickly and frequently, making them hard to overwater.
These fast-growing plants are native to countries where rainfall is frequent and ground moisture levels are high. While they are considered weeds in some regions, they make beautiful beginner houseplants everywhere!.
Here is information on how to take care of English Ivy houseplants and how much water they need to stay alive if you want to buy one.
Quick Facts: English Ivy
Latin name: Hedera helix
English name: Ivy
Natural habitat: In Europe and Western Asia, it grows on houses or in shady forest floors. Light: Partial to full shade
Watering: Often, keeping the soil moist
Humidity: Low
English Ivy Watering – Schedule (When And How Often)
How often do you water Ivy?
I water ivy my plants with a generous soak, then allow the top inch of the soil to dry out slightly before watering again. Typically, this means I water my ivy once a week in the Spring and Summer and once every 2 weeks in the Winter.
Do I need to water my Ivy?
Waiting for the top inch of the soil to dry before watering your ivy applies, whether your ivy is indoors or outdoors. Indoors I mist the ivy leaves with water as the air in our homes can be very dry, particularly with air conditioning or sources of heat in Winter.
How do you water an ivy plant?
Water your ivy with a good soak so that excess water trickles from the base of the pot. Watering this way with a good soak ensures that the water has infiltrated all the potting soil so that it is evenly moist and the roots can uptake the moisture they require. Avoid this common mistake!
How do you fix an underwater ivy plant?
Here’s how you fix an underwatered English Ivy plant: To fix an underwatered ivy, give it a thorough watering. Ensure to water until you see it coming out of the drainage holes. Soak the plant in a large bucket of water for 10-15 minutes. Ensure the bucket’s water level does not reach the top of the ivy pot.