Hedera helix or Common ivy | Care and Growing

Care of the climbing plant Hedera helix or Common ivy

The genus Hedera, family Araliaceae, comprises 15 species of climbing plants native to Europe, North Africa, Japan, the Canary Islands and central Asia. Some species are: Hedera helix, Hedera canariensis, Hedera colchica, Hedera maroccana, Hedera algeriensis, Hedera nepalensis.

Common names: Common ivy, European ivy, English ivy. This species is native to Europe and western Asia.

They are perennial climbing plants with roots on the stems that reach 40 meters (131.23 feet) in length. The decorative, lustrous, dark green leaves are alternate and lobed (no lobes on the flowering branches). The flowers are small and green in color (they are not decorative). They bloom in late summer and early fall. They produce poisonous fruits in the form of black berries.

They are used as covering plants for slopes, undergrowth, walls, trellises, columns and pergolas; small varieties are used as indoor plants in hanging pots (do not place near the heater).

Hedera helix can grow in full sun and semi-shade exposures; they are ideal for shady locations; variegated varieties need to receive a few hours of sun. They resist frost and pollution in cities.

The soil can be a garden substrate with peat and coarse sand. The pot transplant or its planting in the final place are done in spring.

Water frequently but without flooding so that the soil is always a little damp. In winter wait for the substrate to dry. Spray indoor varieties with lime-free water once a week.

Fertilize monthly during spring and summer with mineral fertilizer.

Prune in early spring to control growth. They can damage paint on walls and even gutters and pipes.

They can be attacked by mealybugs and mites if the temperature is very high and the environment is very dry.

They propagate by cuttings during the spring or early fall; Root in water or sand.