Ivy does not necessarily have to grow outside, it also feels at home inside. Here's everything you need to know about planting and caring for ivy as a houseplant.

Ivy not only looks beautiful in the garden, but can also be used as a wonderful decoration in your home

Even if you think of ivy (Hedera helix) as overgrown, ancient walls or romantic seating areas in the countryside, the plant also has a lot to offer indoors. Especially in large stairwells or in the hallway there are countless possibilities for staging the ivy. Simply let your imagination run wild to integrate the evergreen plant into your home.

Actually, ivy is a typical garden plant. If you take a closer look, you can find it everywhere: on spooky ruins, in the sparse deciduous forest or in the neighbor's garden. But why not in your own bathroom? Or on a climbing net right next to your bed? Ivy is a beautiful houseplant that can be used in many ways. It is often offered as a hanging plant. Naturally, however, it has particular potential as a climbing plant. You can plant veritable green walls along railings, lattices or specially built climbing aids, which improve the indoor climate and also clean the air.

The right choice of ivy variety as a houseplant

Ivy for the room can be found in the most diverse variations, because here you also have a free choice among the non-hardy species. The Algerian ivy (Hedera algeriensis), for example, sets pretty accents with its beautiful leaves patterned in white and green tones. Various variegated varieties such as Hedera helix 'Gold Kolibri' or Hedera helix 'Eva' are quite impressive. However, these species and varieties with a relatively high proportion of white in the leaves prefer a light location. For those who prefer it simple and subtle, the classic common ivy (Hedera helix) with its dark green leaves might be the right choice. You can also plant it in darker corners.

Ivy as a houseplant: The ideal place in the house

Ivy is a relative houseplantundemanding. As for the location, it does quite well with not too much light. The only thing you should avoid is direct sunlight. The plant prefers places with high humidity. If the air is too dry, the plant quickly suffers from spider mites. Maybe you still have a spot in the bathroom? Otherwise, you can regularly spray the plants with a little lime-free water to protect them from drought. The ivy will thank you for the little shower.

Planting ivy as a houseplant

Now that you have found a suitable place and a nice plant, you can start potting. It is best to use a universal soil of organic quality as a substrate, such as the peat-free Plantura organic universal soil. The pot should be big enough and have a drainage hole for excess water. You can of course use a cachepot for hanging plants. If the pot is too small for the ivy, you will notice this from the roots that stick out below and try to explore new terrain. Choose a pot that is a few inches larger in diameter and transplant the plant. The best time to do this is spring, when the plant starts the new season. Repotting is usually required every one to two years. Find out more about planting ivy here.

Summary of planting ivy as a houseplant:

  • There is a wide range of ivy species and varieties for indoor use
  • Place plants with light-colored leaves in a bright location, dark-leaved plants can also cope with less light
  • Choose a location with high humidity
  • Use universal soil as a substrate - for example Plantura organic universal soil
  • Use pot with drainage hole
  • Repot plant in spring
Get creative and use ivy specifically for the design of your home

Care for ivy as a houseplant

As a houseplant, ivy must of course be watered regularly. However, always let the soil dry out on the surface. An occasional dose of fertilizer can also be very helpful to stimulate growth. A dose of our Plantura organic universal fertilizer with long-term effect in the spring saves a lot of work here. In winter, the ivy also needs a winter break. During this time, around November to February, you should water your plant more cautiously and no longer fertilize it. The ivy likes to stand a little cooler at this time. Put it in a bright stairwell or a similar place, like thisthat it doesn't get warmer than 15 °C. Find out more about caring for ivy here.

If you have pets, be aware that ivy is poisonous to them and may pose a risk. Read this article to learn more about how poisonous ivy is.

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Trees